Packaging: A Change Continuum

Environmental impact

Packaging’s latest innovation, bio-films based on polylactic acid (PLA), have also yet to gain significant market share. Growing corn to make this medium, and also for the production of nonpetroleum-based bio-fuels, originally was seen as a huge global opportunity, benefiting arable farmers in North America and across the globe. The enthusiasm this has initiated has, however, compromised the amount of land available for growing food crops. The environmental credentials of bio-films have been put into question by recent reports of recyclability problems. These, plus the lack of rigidity of plastic bottles made from PLA film, means more work is needed if these products are to become major factors in packaging.