Food packaging from recycled papers: chemical, physical, optical properties and heavy metal migration

Paper recycling is a viable option for wastepaper management. This study assessed the suitability of recycled papers as a food packaging material. Permanence and durability of three different recycled papers; R1:150 GSM, R2:120 GSM, and R3:100 GSM with aging were evaluated using standard methods. Eventhough opacity increased with aging grammage, burst strength, tensile strength, pH, brightness, and whiteness decreased. Recycled papers failed water absorptiveness test even before aging. Presence of heavy metals in recycled papers were compared with food packaging standards and migration of heavy metals from the packaging to different food types was assessed. Presence of Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb were below EC and EPA standards but only Pb and Cd exceeded the EU standard. Migration of Cu, Zn, Mn and Cr were within EPA, EU and EC standards except Pb and Cd with respect to EC standard. Highest migration is associated with foods contain more fatty acids; fast food, sausages and pizza.