Can Green PE Laminated Viscose be used in food - contact applications?
As a supplier of Green PE Laminated Viscose, I've often been asked whether our product can be used in food - contact applications. This is a crucial question considering the strict regulations and safety concerns associated with food contact materials. In this blog, I'll delve into the properties of Green PE Laminated Viscose, relevant regulations, and the feasibility of its use in food - contact scenarios.
Understanding Green PE Laminated Viscose
Green PE Laminated Viscose is a composite material that combines the advantages of polyethylene (PE) and viscose. Viscose is a semi - synthetic fiber made from cellulose, usually derived from wood pulp. It is known for its softness, breathability, and good absorbency. Polyethylene, on the other hand, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer with excellent chemical resistance, moisture barrier properties, and flexibility.
When PE is laminated onto viscose, the resulting material gains enhanced strength, water - resistance, and durability. The lamination process involves bonding the PE layer to the viscose substrate, creating a two - layer structure that can be tailored to different applications. Our Green PE Laminated Viscose is produced with an environmentally friendly approach, using sustainable raw materials and minimizing waste during the manufacturing process.
Properties Relevant to Food Contact
One of the primary concerns when considering a material for food - contact applications is its chemical stability. The material should not release harmful substances into the food under normal use conditions. Polyethylene is generally considered a safe material for food contact. It is inert, non - toxic, and has been approved by many regulatory bodies for use in food packaging and other food - related applications.
Viscose, being a cellulose - based fiber, is also relatively safe. It is biodegradable and does not contain heavy metals or other toxic chemicals. However, during the manufacturing process of viscose, some chemicals are used, such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. But in the final product, these chemicals are removed through a series of purification steps. As long as the viscose is produced according to the relevant standards, it can be used in food - contact applications.
Another important property is the moisture barrier. Food products are often sensitive to moisture, which can lead to spoilage, mold growth, and changes in texture. The PE layer in Green PE Laminated Viscose provides an effective moisture barrier, protecting the food from moisture ingress. This is particularly beneficial for dry foods, such as cereals, snacks, and dried fruits.
Regulatory Considerations
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food - contact materials. The FDA has established a set of requirements for materials that come into contact with food, including restrictions on the types of chemicals that can be used, migration limits, and labeling requirements. Any material intended for food - contact use must comply with these regulations.
In the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the safety of food - contact materials. The EU has a comprehensive regulatory framework, including Directive 2004/19/EC, which sets out the general requirements for plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
Our Green PE Laminated Viscose is manufactured in accordance with international standards and we are in the process of obtaining relevant certifications for food - contact use. We are committed to ensuring that our product meets all the necessary regulatory requirements to guarantee the safety of the food it comes into contact with.
Feasibility of Use in Food - Contact Applications
Based on the properties and regulatory aspects discussed above, Green PE Laminated Viscose has the potential to be used in food - contact applications. It can be used for food packaging, such as bags for dry foods, liners for food containers, and wrapping materials for bakery products.
However, it's important to note that the suitability of the material also depends on the specific food product and the conditions of use. For example, for acidic or fatty foods, additional testing may be required to ensure that there is no migration of substances from the material into the food. Also, if the food is going to be heated or cooked while in contact with the material, the heat resistance of the Green PE Laminated Viscose needs to be considered.
Comparison with Other Materials
There are other materials commonly used in food - contact applications, such as paper, plastic films, and aluminum foil. Compared to paper, Green PE Laminated Viscose has better moisture resistance and strength. Paper is porous and can easily absorb moisture, which may not be suitable for long - term food storage.
Compared to plastic films, our Green PE Laminated Viscose is more environmentally friendly. Plastic films are often made from non - renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to decompose. In contrast, viscose is a renewable fiber, and the PE layer can be recycled in some cases.
Aluminum foil is a good barrier material for oxygen and light, but it is relatively expensive and may not be as flexible as Green PE Laminated Viscose. Also, aluminum foil can react with some acidic foods, which limits its use in certain applications.
Our Product Range and Applications
In addition to the potential use in food - contact applications, our Green PE Laminated Viscose has a wide range of other applications. We offer different types of products, such as Absorbent Beads Non Woven Fabric, which is suitable for absorbing liquids in various industrial and household applications.
Our PE Laminated Non Woven Fabric For Stretchers is used in the medical field to provide a hygienic and comfortable surface for patients. And our PE Laminated Non Woven Fabric 140gX1.02m is widely used in packaging and protective applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Green PE Laminated Viscose has the potential to be used in food - contact applications. Its properties, such as chemical stability, moisture barrier, and environmental friendliness, make it a promising alternative to traditional food - contact materials. However, further testing and certification are required to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
If you are interested in our Green PE Laminated Viscose for food - contact applications or any of our other products, we invite you to contact us for more information and to discuss your specific needs. We are dedicated to providing high - quality products and excellent customer service.
References
- European Food Safety Authority. (2004). Directive 2004/19/EC on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Regulations for food - contact materials.
- Textile Institute. Handbook of Textile Fibres: Man - Made Fibres, Volume 2.