Have you ever wondered how that tub of potato salad stays fresh for days? Or why your milk doesn’t go bad right away? The unsung heroes are the humble food containers doing their job quietly in your kitchen.
The Fridge’s Sidekicks
Every time you open the fridge, those plastic tubs, bottles, and bags are hard at work preserving your goodies. Plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene form airtight seals to block moisture and air from seeping in and spoiling foods. Some even have special linings that absorb pesky ethylene gas given off by fruits and veggies. These tough polymers can take a beating too, getting knocked around without cracking or leaking.
The Microwavable Mavericks
Nuking a TV dinner is a cinch thanks to those microwaveable plastic trays and film covers. The trays are made from polypropylene that can withstand high temperatures without melting or chemicals leaching into your food. And don’t forget that clingy plastic wrap that is typically made from food-safe polyvinyl chloride that vents steam.
The Foam Knights
You know those white Styrofoam containers cradling your leftover pizza or Chinese takeout? That’s expanded polystyrene foam, also known as food packaging EPS, and it shields your meal from dents, moisture, …