Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are containers made exclusively or partially of plastic. They are used for a wide range of applications, including single-use disposable containers and multi-use durable containers. The convenience and low cost of plastics are the main reasons for their continuously increasing use. Plastic containers are used in the commercial, retail, household, tourism and agricultural sectors. The pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries are the biggest contributors to the use of plastic packaging products. In 2018, the EPA estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in the US, making up approximately 5% of MSW generation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of plastic containers | Cups, bottles, bags, jars, jugs, sacks, wraps, lids, trays, caps, cartons, tubes, clamshells, cosmetic containers, intermediate bulk containers, corrugated plastic containers, etc. |
| Plastic resins used in containers | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), etc. |
| Industries using plastic containers | Commercial, retail, household, tourism, agriculture, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, etc. |
| Regions with high plastic container usage | Asia Pacific, North America, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Environmental impact | Plastic waste contributes to pollution, especially in oceans and rivers. It affects wildlife, clogs sewers, and provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests. |
| Plastic waste management | Recycling, combustion with energy recovery, landfilling |
| Plastic recycling rates | Overall plastic recycling rate: 8.7% in 2018; PET bottles and jars: 29.1% in 2018; HDPE natural bottles: 29.3% in 2018 |
| Plastic waste generation | 300 million tonnes of plastic waste produced annually; 3.4 billion tonnes of plastic packaging created between 1950 and 2017 |
| Alternatives to plastic containers | Cotton bags, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, biodegradable plastics, bioplastics |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic containers are used for food storage
- Plastic packaging is used in the commercial, retail, household, tourism and agricultural sectors
- Plastic containers are recyclable
- Plastic waste is a significant contributor to pollution
- Plastic resins are used in a variety of containers and packaging products
Plastic containers are used for food storage
Plastic containers are a common and popular way to store food. They are lightweight, often see-through, and usually cheap. However, they can also be a burden on the environment and potentially on your health.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed certain plastics appropriate for safe food storage. These include HDPE, LDPE, and PET containers. HDPE containers are safe for food storage as they are chemical-resistant, preventing toxins from leaching into food. LDPE containers are also food-safe, and this plastic is often used for bread bags, six-pack rings, and produce bags. PET containers have great wear resistance, strength, and stability, and are used for single-serve beverage bottles, vitamin bottles, and condiment bottles.
Polypropylene containers are also food-safe and have high heat resistance, so they will not leak toxins when breaking down. They are safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher. Polyethylene containers are generally safe and non-toxic, but they should not be left in hot places as UV rays can break them down and become dangerous. They should also never be reused.
When using plastic containers for food storage, it is important to follow certain guidelines to keep food safe. It is recommended to only use containers that are designed for food storage, and to only freeze food in containers that are designed for the freezer. Containers should be washed by hand, and only put in the dishwasher if they have a dishwasher-safe label. It is also important to be aware of any containers that are worn or damaged, as these should no longer be used.
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Plastic packaging is used in the commercial, retail, household, tourism and agricultural sectors
Plastic packaging is used across a diverse range of sectors, including commercial, retail, household, tourism, and agriculture. The global economy's reliance on plastic has resulted in a staggering increase in production, surging from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to 460 million tonnes annually in 2019. Packaging is the primary driver of this demand, accounting for approximately 36% of total plastic production each year. The versatility and durability of plastics make them appealing for various applications, but their short lifespan, often as single-use items, contributes significantly to the plastic waste problem.
In the commercial and retail sectors, plastic packaging is prevalent due to its lightweight, high-performance, and cost-effectiveness. The rise of e-commerce has particularly boosted the demand for plastic packaging, as goods are typically shipped individually to consumers, increasing the overall packaging requirements. The complexity of the e-commerce supply chain, with more actors involved and packages handled more frequently, further accentuates the reliance on plastic due to its robustness and lower cost.
In the household sector, plastic packaging is commonly used for food and beverage containers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft drink and water bottles, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk and water jugs. These plastics are chosen for their transparency, strength, and barrier properties. While PET bottles have a recycling rate of 29.1%, the overall recycling rate for plastic containers and packaging remains low, at 13.6% as of 2018.
In agriculture, plastic packaging helps preserve food freshness by capturing reduced-oxygen air mixtures, extending shelf life and benefiting farmers, processors, and distributors. Plastic packaging is also used for pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% over the next five years.
In the tourism sector, initiatives like the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative aim to reduce plastic pollution by encouraging the transition to reusable alternatives and increasing recycling rates.
Overall, plastic packaging offers functionality and convenience, but its environmental impact is significant, with a large proportion ending up as waste in landfills or the environment. Addressing this issue requires a balanced approach, considering scientific evidence and exploring sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint.
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Plastic containers are recyclable
The recycling process for plastic containers involves several steps. Consumers must first ensure that their plastic containers are empty and clean before placing them in a recycling bin. This step is crucial as any food residue or contaminants can ruin an entire batch of recyclable plastics. After collection, the plastic containers are optically sorted at a recycling plant to identify the type of plastic. They are then baled and shipped to a flaking or pelletizing operation, where they undergo a thorough cleaning process.
It is important to note that not all plastic containers are created equal when it comes to recyclability. Certain types of plastic containers have higher recycling rates than others. For example, the recycling rate for PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, while the rate for HDPE natural bottles was 29.3%. These rates are significantly higher than the overall recycling rate for plastic containers.
To improve the recyclability of plastic containers, consumers should follow local recycling guidelines and ensure that their containers are empty and clean before placing them in the recycling bin. Additionally, consumers can opt for reusable containers whenever possible to reduce the overall demand for plastic containers. It is also worth noting that some plastic containers, such as those used for peanut butter and hummus, may not be accepted by local recycling programs due to the difficulty of removing food residue.
While recycling plastic containers is important, it is just one part of a larger solution to plastic waste. To create a more sustainable future, it is crucial to reduce plastic consumption, increase the use of reusable containers, and support proper waste management practices, including recycling, composting, and responsible disposal methods. By combining individual actions with systemic changes, we can make significant progress in addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic containers.
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Plastic waste is a significant contributor to pollution
In 2018, the EPA estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in the United States, constituting 5.0% of MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) generation. While recycling efforts are made, with a rate of 13.6% for plastic containers and packaging in 2018, it is not enough to counteract the vast amount of plastic waste produced. The recycling rates for specific types of plastic containers are more promising, with PET bottles and jars at 29.1% and HDPE natural bottles at 29.3% in 2018. However, overall plastic recycling rates are relatively low, at 8.7% in the same year.
The mismanagement of plastic waste is a critical issue. When plastic is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills, it becomes an environmental pollutant. Approximately one-fifth to one-quarter of plastic waste is mismanaged globally, with higher rates in low-to-middle-income countries due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. This mismanagement leads to plastic leaking into the environment and oceans, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and human livelihoods.
To effectively address plastic pollution, waste management strategies must be improved, particularly in poorer countries where most ocean plastics originate. Domestic policies and foreign investments in waste management infrastructure are crucial steps in reducing plastic pollution. While reducing plastic production is important, improving waste management practices will have a more significant impact on mitigating plastic pollution.
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Plastic resins are used in a variety of containers and packaging products
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a plastic resin used in beverage bottles, food containers, and other liquid containers. It is strong, impact-resistant, and naturally colourless and transparent. Common uses of PET include soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles, peanut butter jars, products containing essential oils, some fruit juices, and alcohol beverage bottles. In 2018, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1%.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another commonly used plastic resin, particularly for milk and water bottles. HDPE has a stronger intermolecular force and tensile strength than LDPE. The recycling rate for HDPE bottles was 29.3% in 2018.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used in film products, including bags and sacks, as well as food storage containers, bread bags, and squeezable containers. LDPE is flexible, tough, and almost unbreakable.
Other plastic resins used in containers and packaging include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is ideal for storing shampoos, oils, and other chemicals, polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), which is often used for food packaging, and other resins. These resins are used in a variety of products, including clamshells, trays, caps, lids, egg cartons, coatings, and closures.
The recycling rates for these specific types of plastic containers are more significant than for plastic overall, which had an 8.7% recycling rate in 2018.
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Frequently asked questions
The EPA estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in 2018, making up approximately 5% of MSW generation.
The recycling rate of plastic containers varies depending on the type of plastic and region. In 2018, the overall recycling rate of plastic was 8.7%, equating to three million tons. However, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was higher at 29.1%, and the rate for HDPE natural bottles was 29.3%.
It is estimated that around 8 million tons of plastic enter the world's oceans annually.
More than 99% of plastics are produced from chemicals derived from oil, natural gas, and coal. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, are made from renewable raw materials such as wheat, corn, soybean oil, and potatoes.
