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Beautiful frost pattern on a window glass

'Still A Bit Of Frost About' by Leo Quinn (ShadowScript Publications, 2024).&nbsp;The author's experiences in the care system had a profound and lasting impact on his adult life, shaping his mental health, relationships, sense of self-worth, and overall well-being. The trauma he endured during his time in care manifested in various ways, creating ongoing challenges even as he sought healing and stability through other avenues like military service. Let's look at some of these.&nbsp;Mental Health Struggles and PTSD: The physical, sexual, and emotional abuse the author suffered in care, particularly at Fallowfield, led to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Leo experienced flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, illustrating the long-term psychological consequences of childhood trauma. His self-harming behaviour, initially developed as a coping mechanism in care, continued into adulthood as a way to manage emotional pain.Difficulties with Relationships: The author's early experiences of neglect and rejection from his mother significantly affected his ability to form healthy relationships. He struggled with trust and intimacy, and his marriage experienced repeated breakdowns. Leo's distorted understanding of love and relationships, stemming from exposure to unhealthy sexual dynamics and abuse in both his family and the care system, further complicated his ability to connect with others. He also describes difficulties in parenting his daughters, feeling inadequate and unsure of how to be a "good" father due to his lack of positive parental role models.Damaged Sibling Bonds: Although close to his siblings before entering care, the forced separation and lack of contact significantly damaged their relationships. His intense feelings of abandonment, experienced each time he was moved or prevented from seeing his siblings, contributed to his overall trauma and sense of loss. As adults, he and his older brother struggled to reconnect, their shared past and divergent life paths creating a barrier to rebuilding their relationship.Low Self-Esteem and Sense of Worthlessness: The constant verbal abuse, neglect, and dehumanising treatment the author experienced in care deeply impacted his self-worth. Leo internalised the negative messages he received, believing he was inherently flawed and deserving of punishment. These feelings of worthlessness persisted into adulthood, contributing to his mental health struggles and difficulties in relationships . Impact on Education and Life Opportunities: The inconsistent schooling and lack of educational support the author experienced in care limited his academic progress and future opportunities. He notes his current efforts to pursue further education, highlighting his desire to overcome the educational deficits imposed by the care system.Distrust of Authority and Institutions: The author's experiences in care fostered a deep distrust of authority figures and institutions. The repeated failures of the care system to protect him and provide adequate support led to a sense of betrayal and a reluctance for a long time to seek help.In conclusion, the author's time in care left an indelible mark on his life. The trauma he endured contributed to ongoing struggles with mental health, relationships, self-esteem, and educational attainment. While he found moments of stability and healing through military service and the love of his family, the long shadow of his past continued to affect his life in profound ways. Leo's story underscores the devastating consequences of systemic failures in the care system and the urgent need for trauma-informed care and support for those who have experienced abuse and neglect. This is a deeply powerful book and deserves our attention.&nbsp; -Conor, December 2024.&nbsp;

'Still A Bit Of Frost About' by Leo Quinn

Close up of checking a package using portable information device

In our interconnected world, the journey of a printed book from a European press to an Irish reader involves an increasingly complex supply chain. This process, while streamlined to an extent by globalisation, is becoming more and more susceptible to a range of challenges that can cause delays and disruptions. There are both economic and goodwill costs in this.&nbsp;Printing Challenges in EuropeThe book printing industry has faced significant hurdles in recent years and I've written about this many times. The COVID-19 pandemic, to choose but one 'big' event led to huge supply chain disruptions, notably in paper availability, as manufacturers shifted to producing cardboard to meet the surge in delivery services. This shift increased costs and limited paper supplies for book production. Boy oh boy did we feel this!&nbsp;By 2024, the situation has improved, with supply chain issues becoming less frequent. Paper mills are reported as operating at normal capacities, and transportation challenges have eased. However, some specialty paper types have been discontinued, reducing options for us publishers. As if there aren't enough challenges.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-ifehytmna6m4r9hi4j"><img id="ifehytmna6m4r9hi4j" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1340887756/photo/outside-of-logistics-distributions-warehouse-diverse-team-of-workers-loading-delivery-truck.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pswUrWSstUAKbXtiXFjgwFluIGktuz12uQHc732P0n8=" alt="Outside of Logistics Distributions Warehouse Diverse Team of Workers Loading Delivery Truck with Cardboard Boxes. Online Orders, Purchases, E-Commerce Goods, Supply Chain. Blur Motion Shot." title="Outside of Logistics Distributions Warehouse Diverse Team of Workers Loading Delivery Truck with Cardboard Boxes. Online Orders, Purchases, E-Commerce Goods, Supply Chain. Blur Motion Shot." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1340887756/photo/outside-of-logistics-distributions-warehouse-diverse-team-of-workers-loading-delivery-truck.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pswUrWSstUAKbXtiXFjgwFluIGktuz12uQHc732P0n8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Logistical Hurdles in Book TransportationOnce printed, books must be transported across borders to reach their destinations. This stage is fraught with potential pitfalls as we have seen this December in particular:Port Disruptions: Natural events have caused significant delays. For instance, Storm Darragh in December 2024 led to the closure of Holyhead Port, a critical hub for goods between Ireland and the UK, resulting in substantial delivery backlogs. We are behind in several consignment of books and the lack of real time updates from couriers has greatly increased stress levels.&nbsp; Courier Capacity Issues: High demand periods, such as the holiday season, can overwhelm courier services. In December 2024, companies have struggled with unprecedented parcel volumes, leading to delays in deliveries across the UK and Ireland. There are many examples I could choose but we operate in a litiguous environment.&nbsp;&nbsp; Regulatory Changes: Post-Brexit regulations have introduced additional customs documentation and potential fees for goods moving between the UK and Ireland. These new requirements are causing delays and management of this is problematic<figure id="figure-y1kehdwyqm4r9ioro"><img id="y1kehdwyqm4r9ioro" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1186578902/photo/happy-manual-worker-unloading-cardboard-boxes-from-delivery-van.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1yyvOKh32DSmca5XFkjzVNQQcaDIjV2P6G_L39p0L_U=" alt="Happy manual worker unloading cardboard boxes from delivery van." title="Happy manual worker unloading cardboard boxes from delivery van." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1186578902/photo/happy-manual-worker-unloading-cardboard-boxes-from-delivery-van.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1yyvOKh32DSmca5XFkjzVNQQcaDIjV2P6G_L39p0L_U=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>For Irish consumers, these challenges can lead to:Delayed Shipments: Books may arrive later than expected due to logistical bottlenecks. Increased Costs: Additional customs fees and higher courier charges can raise the final price of imported books. Limited Availability: Publishers might reduce shipments to Ireland to avoid complications, leading to fewer titles being readily available. Are there any mitigation strategies that work? Well, to navigate these challenges we've tried:Advance Planning: Publishers and printers should anticipate potential disruptions, especially during peak seasons, and plan printing and shipments accordingly. This requires honesty between both parties and people should not over promise and under perform.&nbsp; Diversified Logistics: Utilising multiple transportation routes and courier services can reduce dependency on a single point of failure. This should be explored by both printer, publishing house and courier.&nbsp; Local Printing: Where feasible, printing books closer to the end market can circumvent many of the logistical challenges associated with cross-border transportation. We've done this with one book run this December, but it has proven to be very expensive for us as an indie house.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-aijbu7sidjm4r9k63n"><img id="aijbu7sidjm4r9k63n" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1819654432/photo/forklif-with-desk-calendar-2024-against-blue-background.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=TSSpGBCAncIEJKc2Cx8gkLnXbRbGjfeAsuxHiDA-_1E=" alt="forklif with desk calendar 2024 against blue background" title="forklif with desk calendar 2024 against blue background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> In our globalised world, the journey of a book from publishing house to printer to bookstore or web retailer to reader is intricate and vulnerable to various disruptions that require planning. By understanding and addressing these challenges, the publishing industry can better ensure that books reach their readers in a timely and efficient manner for that all important Santa visit.

Challenges of Timely Book Delivery in 2024

Teamwork and relations concept. woman holding human paper chains at sunrise. People are connected. Concept of human role.  teamwork, family home, society, social network, and people

Foster Care: Navigating Complexities, Sensitivities, and Resilience. What I Learned in Writing My First Book Writing a book about life in foster care is an emotionally charged, multifaceted endeavour. It involved not only sharing personal experiences but also grappling with deeply ingrained societal misconceptions, raw emotions, and the challenge of balancing my semse of vulnerability with empowerment. The process can be profoundly therapeutic, but it also demands resilience, self-awareness, and a thoughtful approach to storytelling. In this blog, I'll explore some of the complexities and sensitivities of writing my debut book, with a focus on how resilience plays a crucial role in my life journey.Writing about foster care often requires revisiting painful or unresolved memories. It involves confronting feelings of abandonment, grief, and trauma, as well as moments of joy, hope, and connection. This duality can make the writing process both cathartic and overwhelming.Key Challenges Emotional Triggers: Delving into past experiences may unearth buried emotions, which can be difficult to process. Of course, I experienced this. Balancing Vulnerability: Authors must decide how much of their pain to share without compromising their emotional well-being. This is really tricky and you have to be mindful every time you sit down to write.&nbsp; Fear of Judgment: Writing about foster care can evoke anxiety about being misunderstood or stigmatised by readers who lack firsthand experience and I discussed this several times with my editorial team. Strategies to Navigate Emotions Therapeutic Writing: Journaling can serve as a precursor to writing the book, helping to process emotions in a private, judgment-free space. Support System: Engaging with trusted friends, therapists, or fellow writers who understand the foster care experience can provide emotional safety. Pacing the Process: Writing in small increments allows for reflection and emotional recovery. &nbsp; Addressing Societal Perceptions As I mentioned above, writing about foster care is not just a personal act; it is also a social one. The narrative you create has the potential to shape at least part of a public perception of the foster care system and its participants. So, there's a lot of responsibility on an author and I felt this throughout the book research and writing process. I found, for exmple, that some people hold simplistic or negative views about foster care, such as assuming all foster children are troubled or that the system is entirely broken. This is not the case.&nbsp; Society often seeks to assign blame—whether to biological parents, foster families, or the system itself—without understanding the complexities. And there are so, so many. By highlighting a range of experiences—both positive and negative—I tried to paint a more accurate picture of foster care. Sharing systemic insights and personal triumphs can inspire empathy and drive reform. &nbsp; Resilience as the Cornerstone Resilience is the thread that ties the foster care experience to the act of writing about it for me. For many who have experienced foster care, resilience is not just a trait but a much-needed survival mechanism. It provides the strength to confront the past and reclaim the narrative. Writing allowed me to reinterpret past events through a lens of growth and strength. I really hope that sharing my story can inspire resilience in others, particularly current or former foster youth who may feel isolated. One thing, I wanted from the very start of writing my book was to focus on moments of success and joy underscore the capacity for growth and healing. Finding the Right Tone Writing about foster care requires sensitivity not only toward your own experiences but also toward the people and systems involved. Striking the right tone can make your story impactful without alienating readers. Initial feedback is that I've managed to accompish this and I'm very grateful to my readers.&nbsp;The Power of Storytelling Ultimately, writing about foster care is an act of courage and advocacy. Your story has the power to shed light on an often-misunderstood system, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change. This is key to keep in mind. Through resilience, sensitivity, and authenticity, you can create a narrative that is not only transformative for yourself but also for your readers and the wider community. That's what makes me so proud of my first book.&nbsp;If you’ve experienced foster care and are considering writing a book about it, remember this: your voice matters. Your story has the potential to inspire hope, foster understanding, and drive meaningful change. And perhaps most importantly, it is a testament to the resilience that has carried you through—and will continue to guide you in the journey ahead.*Isabel Kelly is the author of 'Is-Abel. An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System' published by ShadowScript Publications (2024).&nbsp;

Foster Care: Navigating Complexities, Sensitivities, and Resilience. What I Learned in Writing My First Book

Young thoughtful woman writing her notes and wishes during Christmas or New Year

<h2>The Challenges of Publishing During Christmas</h2>Publishing during Christmas comes with its own set of challenges. Many people are on holiday, which can lead to significant delays in communication. This can slow down the publishing process significantly. Moreover, the holiday season means many businesses and services operate on reduced hours which can affect printing, distribution, and other critical stages of publishing. It's important to plan ahead to avoid these issues. And we mean months in advance.&nbsp;<h3>Increased Competition</h3>The Christmas period is a very busy time for publishers. Many authors and publishers aim to release their books during this season and that includes us. This leads to increased competition and standing out in a crowded market can be difficult.Marketing efforts need to be more aggressive and strategic and publishers must find unique ways to capture the attention of potential readers. This could involve special promotions or holiday-themed events. As an example, we launched our most recent book on the 7th floor of a new building overlooking Galway Harbour. And take a look at the view!&nbsp;<figure id="figure-613mwskof9m48t95o4"><img id="613mwskof9m48t95o4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/289Vy8lZ9SO9ltjIJwZC3MrVgJ5He6HZ4bnQnrDsuCQW599yoJ3G9pWbWDL9Vsx1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/289Vy8lZ9SO9ltjIJwZC3MrVgJ5He6HZ4bnQnrDsuCQW599yoJ3G9pWbWDL9Vsx1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Joys of Publishing During Christmas</h2>Despite the challenges, there are many joys to publishing during Christmas. One of the biggest advantages is the high demand for new books. People often buy books as gifts, leading to a huge spike in sales.Additionally, the festive season creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This can enhance the reading experience for many people. It's a time when families come together, and sharing a good book can be a part of that tradition.<figure id="figure-5wmw5uka7lm48t57cc"><img id="5wmw5uka7lm48t57cc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26o07qSXAMUKL841LB9ObAdbzCLIMh6qmpVqmsgq2sNIhvSo3yBfHZg624B2ZimV.jpeg" alt="family-reading" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26o07qSXAMUKL841LB9ObAdbzCLIMh6qmpVqmsgq2sNIhvSo3yBfHZg624B2ZimV.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Engaging with Readers</h3>Christmas provides a unique opportunity to engage with readers. Publishers can organise book signings, readings, and other events. These events can foster a sense of community and connection between authors and readers.Social media also plays a crucial role during this time. Publishers can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to share holiday-themed content. This can help to build excitement and anticipation for new releases.<figure id="figure-54jrlwxe5lm48tbk1r"><img id="54jrlwxe5lm48tbk1r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dK2vYGyj5au7Ei3JnV9utjcySxTyqrMqamB7ep13q8a7T6gQBRuaGVkOZg33Fj5P.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dK2vYGyj5au7Ei3JnV9utjcySxTyqrMqamB7ep13q8a7T6gQBRuaGVkOZg33Fj5P.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Planning for Success</h2>To navigate the challenges and enjoy the benefits of publishing during Christmas, careful planning is essential. Start the publishing process early to account for any potential delays. This includes everything from editing and design to printing and distribution.Collaborate closely with all parties involved to ensure smooth communication. This will help to avoid any last-minute issues. Planning ahead will make the publishing process more manageable and enjoyable.<figure id="figure-vc791rcvbm48t5dpi"><img id="vc791rcvbm48t5dpi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bZzCcBtGl7SIm0yNRePDlNtoWBQHvWlvC2zIxtLWXaSLLMtU4v5ttG8LnaC4QIpf.jpg" alt="planning-desk" title="planning-desk" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>In conclusion, publishing during Christmas can be both challenging and rewarding. With proper planning and strategic marketing, it is possible to overcome the challenges and enjoy the joys of this festive season.

The Challenges and Joys of Publishing During Christmas

Two hikers walking along a mountain ridge route, the sun on the blue sky

From the bestselling book, 'Mind Over Mountains' by Mairtín Óg McDonagh (Book Hub Publishing, 2022). How Sport Shaped a Life: Máirtín Óg's Journey of Resilience, Leadership and Self-Discovery. The book explores how Máirtín Óg’s deep and varied involvement in sports profoundly shaped his life, instilling in him values, skills, and a mindset that proved invaluable in navigating both personal and professional challenges. His sporting journey, starting from his childhood in Connemara, is portrayed as a continuous thread weaving through his life, influencing his character, shaping his approach to leadership, and contributing to his resilience in the face of adversity. Early Lessons in Resilience and Teamwork Máirtín Óg’s engagement with sport began at a young age, providing a structured environment that instilled discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He captained his school’s Gaelic football team and participated in various sports like boxing, athletics, and even competitive rowing with his father and brothers. This early exposure to teamwork and competition taught him the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. He reflects on this period, stating, "In my own experience my involvement in sport from a very early age curtailed my aggression and rebellion." Sport provided him with an outlet for his energy and a framework for developing essential life skills. Leadership Forged on the Field Máirtín Óg's natural leadership abilities were evident from a young age. As captain of various teams, he learned to lead by example, inspiring and motivating his teammates through his own commitment and performance. This experience transitioned seamlessly into his adult life, where he excelled as a coach and manager for his local GAA club. He found deep satisfaction in mentoring players, not just in honing their athletic skills, but also in helping them navigate personal challenges that might hinder their performance. This holistic approach foreshadowed his future career as a life coach, where he draws upon his experience as a leader and mentor to guide others. Embracing Challenges, Embracing Growth Máirtín Óg's athletic pursuits extended beyond team sports. He embraced individual challenges like long-distance cycling and mountaineering, pushing his physical and mental limits in extreme environments. These experiences honed his resilience, teaching him to embrace discomfort and persevere in the face of adversity. He learned to set ambitious goals, break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate every milestone along the way. This mindset of continuous growth and self-improvement, cultivated through his sporting endeavours, equipped him to face the daunting challenges he encountered later in life, particularly during and after the financial crisis which he writes about in considerable detail. Finding Strength in the Face of Adversity Máirtín Óg's involvement in sports provided him with a robust framework for coping with setbacks and navigating life's inevitable challenges. He learned that failure is not an endpoint but an opportunity for growth and learning. He reflects on this, stating, "Being involved in sport I believe is a big advantage in this area of resilience. At an early age you learn how to be a team player and the ethos of trying to be part of a successful team." This resilience, forged through years of training, competition, and pushing his limits, proved invaluable during the financial crisis and its aftermath. It enabled him to pick himself up after devastating losses, re-evaluate his priorities, and find the strength to rebuild his life. Parallels Between Sport and Life The book highlights the striking parallels Máirtín Óg draws between the lessons learned through sport and the challenges faced in everyday life. He uses anecdotes from his sporting experiences to illustrate key concepts in his life coaching, such as the importance of mindset, resilience, goal setting, and teamwork. He views sport as a powerful metaphor for life, emphasising that the skills and mental fortitude developed on the field translate seamlessly into navigating personal and professional obstacles. He sums up this connection by stating, "In many ways sport and life are very similar. You learn to be a leader or a follower. You learn that mistakes happen and how to overcome them." Máirtín Óg's involvement in sport is presented not merely as a pastime but as a formative experience that deeply shaped his character and worldview. The values, skills, and mindset he cultivated through athletics became the bedrock of his resilience, his approach to leadership, and his ability to navigate the complexities of life, particularly during times of profound adversity. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of sport, demonstrating its capacity to instill invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.-Harry Hickey, November 2024. 'Mind Over Mountains' is available from <a href="http://www.mindovermountains.ie" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">www.mindovermountains.ie﻿</a> and selected bookstores nationwide.

From the bestselling book, 'Mind Over Mountains' by Máirtín Óg McDonagh (Book Hub Publishing, 2022).

From: 'An Appraisal of Attitudes to the Environmental and Chemical Hazards of Plastic Food Packaging', Anne Hayden MSc. Chapter 1 Introduction "Plastic food wrapping is a fast growing industry, both in Ireland and abroad. This project reviews previous research conducted and engages research on the current attitudes of both consumers and industry on plastic food wrapping. The plastic wrapping that is used for food wrapping is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). There are advantages of using plastic food wrapping as it prevents tampering, maintains freshness, enhances marketing and extends shelf life. The disadvantages are that food may become contaminated by the additives in plastic food packaging. This project focuses on analysing the food industries and consumers’ perceptions when supplying and purchasing food products wrapped in LDPE from the information gathered in the questionnaires and the elite interview. Waste from food packaging is a growing problem (Hawkins, 2012). The issue of food waste cannot be addressed alone without examining the increasing use of plastic food packaging (Hawkins, 2012). Food protection with packaging is important, but a balance must be emphasised between effective food packaging and the environmental and chemical hazards of plastic food packaging (Hawkins, 2012).<figure id="figure-ans94vn7gm3x8jr1n"><img id="ans94vn7gm3x8jr1n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36o4JILlrsBgyoW79nWujc8eg1tw67W5j7oxkO8imXyDPxGMK5PB5qWrsoGtsYRI.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36o4JILlrsBgyoW79nWujc8eg1tw67W5j7oxkO8imXyDPxGMK5PB5qWrsoGtsYRI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The use of plastic food packaging has increased in recent years, and this is leading to major waste management problems (Hawkins, 2012). Food packaging helps to maintain the quality, safe delivery, preservation and the prevention of contamination of food products (Robertson, 2010). There are health concerns associated with plastic food wrapping, and yet the use of plastic food packaging has increased in recent years (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007)..."Plastic food packaging consists of LDPE and is commonly referred to as wrapping film (Hitchcock, 2000). The plastic wrapping market was estimated to be worth $4.65 billion in 2015 and $10.6 billion by 2020 to the world economy, with a 45% share of the total market in Europe (Research and Markets, 2015). Food products deteriorate from the farm to the consumer due to the physical, chemical and biological changes (Han, 2014). The quality and safety of food products has improved due to food packaging and their extended shelf life (Han, 2014).&nbsp; Food packaging is a marketing tool for food products as it benefits marketing with improved packaging and design (Han, 2014). Marketing increases sales as consumers are attracted to the products that have labels containing details about the product source, ingredients, expiry date, nutritional value and net weight(Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). Plastic food packaging has advantages for the food producers as products can be sold all over Ireland, Europe and the world by extending the shelf life and maintaining the freshness of the food products (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007).<figure id="figure-j0vtmjxt1m3x8kcgv"><img id="j0vtmjxt1m3x8kcgv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13GPRDAaXG1A7CFiwRNnlm7l95Cq4LaBqezsYxhrnS0kRCRj57iBV0qSzIHIgDMa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> Plastic food packaging has environmental and chemical hazards. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in food packaging as it is a low-cost material and has many advantages that benefit the suppliers and consumers of food, such as different sizes and shapes, products are visible and hygienically protected (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). LDPE is derived from the "chemical process for developed synthetic polymers (plastics)" (Kumar Sen &amp; Raut, 2015). LDPE is manufactured by the polyaddition of monomer units where molecules link with double or treble carbon bonds to form a large molecule. LDPE is mass-produced all over the world as it is easy to seal, strong, transparent and moisture resistant (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). The food- producing companies use this plastic for food wrapping when supplying products to retail outlets also, such as chicken, apples, ham, salads, beef and bacon. &nbsp; All types of plastic have a resin code and the most common plastic packaging for food products is the #4 resin code referred to as LDPE (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). The resin codes range from #1 to #7 and this helps with the recycling process as the resin types have to be separated (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). There are many benefits of using plastic food packaging and disadvantages, which have negative effects on the consumer as the additives from the plastic food packaging can be absorbed into the food (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). The environmental impact of &nbsp;the manufacturing of plastic wrapping creates by-products, emissions and the issue of the disposal of the food packaging waste (Lindh, Olsson &amp; Williams, 2016).&nbsp; From the 1st January 2016, the EU has issued new food plastic regulations (FSAI, 2016) and all plastic which has contact with food must be tested in order to determine that "the migration of substances is within the specified or overall migration limits" so as to ensure that no harmful chemicals are released into the food (FSAI, 2016). All food contact materials must be tested under the EU Food Stimulant Regulation (EC No 10/2011). This new regulation is more stringent than previous directives as it now tests dry foods as well as liquid foods. In Ireland, the EU Food Stimulant Regulation is enforced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland along with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (FSAI, 2016). &nbsp;*'An Appraisal of Attitudes to the Environmental and Chemical Hazards of Plastic Food Packaging', by Anne Hayden MSc is available to purchase from Amazon.&nbsp;

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'Still A Bit Of Frost About' by Leo Quinn

Challenges of Timely Book Delivery in 2024

Foster Care: Navigating Complexities, Sensitivities, and ...

The Challenges and Joys of Publishing During Christmas

From the bestselling book, 'Mind Over Mountains' by Máirt...

'An Appraisal of Attitudes to the Environmental and Chemi...