2A+Alex+Halse

=**__Food Packaging__**= ====Food packaging is used to keep food fresh and keep out any germs or bacteria that might destroy the food. Good materials used in food packaging can protect the contents from air and water seeping through, have low environmental effects, are not harmful to a person and aren't dangerous when broken. Some of the more common materials used in food packaging are aluminium, PET plastic and glass.====

__Aluminium__

Aluminium is a fantastic material to use with food packaging. It has many uses in the world at the moment and has the potential to be used in more ways. It is currently used for carbonated drink cans, water bottles and cookie tins.

__Pros__ - Light-weight, media type="youtube" key="BKpoCzt03B8" height="315" width="420" align="right" - Impermeable, excellent barrier function - Thermal Conductor, 2.4 times faster than iron - Flexible - Recyclable - Abundant resource __Cons__ - Bends under pressure - Liquid aluminium causes serious health problems - When damaged aluminium is difficult to reshape or repair - When damaged aluminium cans can be extremely sharp [] http://elementaluminum.tripod.com/id8.html

__PET Plastic__

PET Plastic is a very questionable material. It has great strength and can protect from liquids and gases. The material also comes out clear showing the product you want to sell. PET can release toxins dangerous to the human body but not until after an extended period of time.

__Pros__ - Strong, can withstand reasonably strong impact - Clear being able to show product being sold - Recylablemedia type="youtube" key="t_lZr4Psm1A" height="315" width="420" align="right" - Lightweight __Cons__ - When damaged it is very difficult to repair - After a long time of use can release harmful toxins - Melts in high heat

Production of 1 kg of PET requires the equivalent of about 2 kg of oil (raw material and energy).

It is very inflammable and inflammability can be reduced by the use of additives.

Incineration in an incineration plant mainly produces water and carbon dioxide. Heating value is equivalent to 1/2 kg of oil. PET can be recycled into fibres that are used for polyester fabrics. http://www.designinsite.dk/htmsider/m0011.htm []

__Glass__

Glass is another very commonly used material in food packaging. It is very strong and also clear to show the product being sold.

__Pros__ media type="youtube" key="NVKcISj2LfA" height="283" width="378" align="right" - Reasonably strong - Protects against liquids and gases - Clear to show product being sold - Recyclable __Cons__ - When broken leaves sharp, dangerous shards - Heavy - Fragile, can smash reasonably easily

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