Truth Unwrapped: Polythene's Place in the Future of Food Packaging

Polythene has long been a cornerstone of food packaging—and for good reason.

It provides a lightweight, hygienic and protective barrier that maximises shelf life and promises cost-effective convenience.

But while these benefits are non-negotiable for many consumers, expectations around sustainability have never been higher and rightly so.

Millions of tonnes of packaging end up in landfills or oceans every year, and outdated recycling systems aren't keeping up. The pressure is mounting—from consumers, regulators and environmental advocates—forcing manufacturers to rethink how they package their products.

So what does the future of food packaging look like?

Can manufacturers meet customer demands while also making responsible choices for the environment?

Is it possible for polythene to be seen as part of the solution instead of the problem?

Let's unwrap the full picture.

The clear case for polythene

Despite the growing push for alternative materials, polythene will almost certainly remain a major player in food packaging moving forward.

The reasons are solid, especially in the food industry where safety is critical:

• Unrivalled protection & hygiene – polythene acts as a strong, impermeable shield against bacteria, moisture, and contaminants, preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring compliance with strict industry regulations.
• Extending shelf life & reducing food waste – the environmental impact of spoiled food must be weighed against the impact of packaging waste. By sealing in freshness and preventing spoilage, polythene dramatically reduces the amount of food that ends up wasted.
• Lightweight & energy efficient – compared to glass, metal, or paper-based alternatives, polythene requires less energy to produce and transport, cutting down emissions in the supply chain.
• Cost-effective & scalable – for large-scale food production, cost matters. Polythene delivers high-performance protection at a lower price point, ensuring manufacturers can keep costs under control without compromising on quality.

Sustainability: a must, not a maybe

There's no denying the validity and importance of environmental concerns over plastic waste. Single-use plastics, poor recycling infrastructure and marine pollution have made sustainability a top priority across the board.

Moving forward, the food packaging industry needs to evolve, addressing three key issues as a priority:

• Recycling gaps – while polythene is recyclable, global recycling rates remain low and infrastructure varies widely between regions, meaning many waste streams still fail to capture or process plastic effectively.
• Plastic pollution – plastic can persist in the environment for decades if not properly disposed of, contributing to pollution and harming ecosystems.
• Drawbacks of sustainable alternatives – some compostable or paper-based packaging options require more energy, water or raw materials to produce, meaning their sustainability credentials aren't always as strong as they seem.

The question isn't whether the industry should act—but how it should act.

And the solution isn't to ban polythene outright but to use it smarter, creating sustainable, practical and scalable solutions.

Striking the right, responsible balance

Forward-thinking food manufacturers are paving the way for a more responsible future by striking the right balance between performance and sustainability.

Here are some ways the industry is shifting towards smarter, closed-loop solutions:

• Investing in recyclable & recycled materials – high-quality recycled polythene is now widely available, offering the same level of protection with a much lower environmental footprint for applications that don't involve direct contact with food.
• Reducing virgin material use in food packaging – by helping manufacturers re-engineer packaging designs, it's possible to maintain fresh food while significantly lowering the amount of virgin-grade polythene required for direct food contact.
• Improving waste management & recovery – collaborating with recycling partners and educating consumers on proper disposal can dramatically reduce plastic waste.

At Imperial Polythene, we are continuously investing in sustainability so we can protect the environment and help food manufacturers lead the charge.

We help you stay ahead of the curve by:

• Producing high-quality recycled-content polythene and 100% recyclable films
• Driving closed-loop take-back and recycling initiatives, ensuring that polythene waste is recovered and repurposed, not discarded
• Actively trailing biodegradable polythene and developing lighter-weight films to reduce material usage
• Aligning with WRAP guidelines, UK Plastic Pact targets and the latest EU / UK regulations
• Providing expert guidance to help manufacturers integrate sustainable materials, improve recyclability and future-proof their packaging choices

A future sealed on smarter packaging choices

The conversation around food packaging isn't really about polythene vs. no polythene. It's about using the right materials in the right way.

Polythene delivers essential benefits that food manufacturers can't afford to ignore—hygiene, protection, extended shelf life etc. But it must be part of a sustainable system that prioritises recyclability, environmentally-conscious innovation, and responsible waste management.