The Other Side Of War

The legendary French commander, Napoleon Bonaparte, who is considered a genius by the authorities, says "armies march on their stomachs". Undoubtedly, this statement was not coined by chance. The most basic issue for an army to survive, to maintain its motivation and strength is to have access to adequate and healthy food. So, how has the simultaneous feeding of tens of thousands of people at the front been shaped in the historical process?

The importance of a balanced and regular diet for the Roman army has been a subject that was insistently underlined by both historians of the period and army sources. Of course, this situation is not a coincidence: organizations have been established and regulations have been prepared for adequate and balanced nutrition, which is a necessity of military service. While long-lasting grain products that could withstand harsh conditions constituted the main food source, different foods such as meat and fresh and dried fruits were also included in the dietary habits of the soldiers. The army was provided with a "balanced" diet as much as possible, food was requested from the regions passed during the campaigns or purchased from food vendors.

As a matter of fact, in cases where the nutrition is not balanced and cannot be provided adequately, it is easy for the soldiers to be negatively affected both physically and motivationally. It is not difficult to estimate how difficult it is to sustainably feed a huge army in harsh conditions. As a matter of fact, the invention of the tin can in the early 19th century revolutionized military dietary habits. Canned goods could be prepared in advance and delivered to the army in relatively sufficient quantities, and many crises were thus prevented. Canned food remained popular until the late 20th century. Even today, it is used by armies that do not have sufficient technological means and equipment. So what do modern armies with sufficient means use?

Plastic products, which offer us convenience in all areas of life and increase our comfort, are now coming to the aid of armies. Almost all kinds of food stored in high-tech plastic packages can be consumed comfortably under all conditions by being served hot without the use of fire with the chemical heater in the package. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this was a revolution in terms of military history. One can't help wondering what Napoleon would think if he could see these days!

The defense industry carries out many projects with plastic for the future. We say for the future, yes… one asks how the future is with war, isn't it? Maybe war is important for the defender, not the attacker… Which is important is unknown, but plastic products continue to struggle for the future in every field. Recycling and sustainability are the most important battles of the plastics industry in recent years. Investments, research and all efforts continue and will continue unceasingly to win the future.