Sofia Martinez
There are various methods to block light from a plastic container, depending on the purpose of the container and the desired level of light blockage. Darker shades of plastic, such as blue, brown, or black, are effective at absorbing UV rays but can also cause the bottle to heat up, potentially spoiling its contents. Lighter colours, such as white or yellow, can reflect UV light and maintain the temperature of the contents, but they may not provide sufficient UV protection. To achieve maximum light blockage, one may consider using opaque materials such as tape, paint, or a Mylar blanket on the outside of the container. Alternatively, one could use blackout strips or L-shaped aluminium attached to the container to prevent light from entering through gaps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Covering material | Canvas, tarpaulin, fabric, UV-resistant cloth, tinted plastic sheet, sunscreen, paint, coating, radiant barrier insulation |
| Plastic type | PET, PVC, high-density PE, polyethylene |
| Plastic colour | Dark shades like blue, brown, or black |
| Plastic additives | UV-light stabilizers, resins |
| Container type | Full-body stretch sleeves, shrink sleeves |
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What You'll Learn
Use a darker-coloured container
If you're looking for a plastic container that blocks light, opting for a darker-coloured container is a great choice. Darker shades like blue, brown, and black are better at blocking light and absorbing UV rays than lighter colours. This is because darker colours have better UV resistance. For example, black plastic gets its distinctive opaque appearance from the addition of carbon black or other black pigments, which block light.
In fact, black plastic is commonly used in the packaging industry for items like trays and containers to protect light-sensitive products from UV rays. It is also used in the electronics industry for items such as casings, housings, and cable insulation, as its UV resistance is crucial for outdoor applications. Additionally, black plastic is more impact-resistant than other coloured plastics due to the carbon black's ability to distribute and absorb impact forces, making it less prone to cracking or breaking.
However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of using darker-coloured containers. One issue is that darker colours can absorb more heat, which may adversely affect the contents of the container, leading to spoilage or discolouration. Therefore, you should ensure that the contents of your container can handle heat absorption. Moreover, black plastic can be challenging to recycle due to its colour, and it may contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and flame retardants, posing potential health hazards.
If you decide to use a darker-coloured container, you can further enhance its light-blocking capabilities by using opaque materials on the outside, such as duct tape, paint, or a mylar blanket. Alternatively, you can spray paint a base layer of black to block light and then cover it with a layer of white to reflect the light, effectively preventing algae growth.
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Apply sunscreen to the container
Applying sunscreen to a plastic container can help protect it from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause discolouration, fading, cracking, and breaking. This method is particularly useful if you are unable to store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
When choosing a sunscreen, opt for one that is designed to absorb and reflect UV rays. You can also look for sunscreens that come in opaque bottles, as this typically indicates that they are photostable and less likely to be affected by light exposure.
Before applying the sunscreen to the container, ensure that the container is clean and dry. This will help the sunscreen adhere better to the surface and provide more effective protection.
To apply the sunscreen, squeeze or spray a generous amount onto a soft cloth or sponge. Gently rub the sunscreen all over the exterior of the container, ensuring that you cover all surfaces evenly. Pay extra attention to areas that may be more exposed to sunlight, such as the top and sides of the container.
Allow the sunscreen to dry completely before touching or using the container. Reapply the sunscreen as needed, especially if the container will be exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
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Cover the container with UV-resistant fabric
Covering a plastic container with UV-resistant fabric is an effective way to block light. When choosing a fabric to cover your container with, opt for materials with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. A UPF rating indicates how much of the sun's ultraviolet rays are absorbed by the fabric, rather than your skin. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection the fabric offers. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of UV radiation, while a UPF of 30 to 49 is considered very good protection, and a rating of 50+ is excellent.
Look for fabrics with a tight weave and dense construction, as light can penetrate sheer, thin, or loosely woven cloth. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, denim, canvas, wool, and synthetic fibres are good options. Shiny polyester fabrics are highly protective because they reflect radiation. The colour of the fabric also matters; dark or bright colours keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them, rather than allowing them to penetrate. So, a black fabric will absorb more UV rays than a white fabric.
When using fabric to cover your container, ensure it is not stretched too tightly, as this can reduce its effectiveness at blocking UV light. Also, be mindful that wetness can cause a reduction in a fabric's UPF rating. If the fabric gets wet, dry it off quickly to restore its UV protection properties.
In addition to fabric, you can also use opaque materials such as duct tape, paint, or a mylar blanket to cover your container and block light.
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Coat the container with a UV-resistant spray paint
One way to block light from a plastic container is to coat it with a UV-resistant spray paint. Krylon offers a UV-resistant spray paint that can be purchased on Amazon and at Home Depot. This spray paint is well-suited for plastic surfaces and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Before applying the spray paint, it is important to ensure that the temperature is between 55° F and 75° F and that the humidity is below 60%. Shaking the can is also recommended. Additionally, it is advised to use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as it has a strong odor.
To achieve the best results, follow the directions for dry and cure time, typically around 2 hours in a low-humidity environment. This spray paint will not alter the color of the container, as it dries clear with a matte finish.
Some users have noted that the UV-resistant spray paint works well for outdoor applications, preserving the color of plastic plants and wreaths from UV sunlight. It is also suitable for sealing and protecting painted surfaces, such as watercolors and miniatures, providing a protective topcoat that prevents chipping or fading.
For a comprehensive solution, consider applying a base layer of black spray paint to the plastic container to block light, followed by a coat of white spray paint to reflect light and prevent algae growth.
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Use a full-body stretch sleeve or shrink sleeve
Brook + Whittle's GreenLabel® BlockOut™ light-blocking shrink sleeve is a patented recyclable solution that can block up to 99% of light, from 200nm to 900nm. This full-body stretch sleeve is designed to be compatible with existing U.S. recycling processes and does not contaminate the recycling stream. The sleeve is applied to a recyclable PET shrink material, and then you apply the shrink sleeves to your container as usual. When the packaging is recycled, the inks and coatings come off the sleeve, creating a clean material that can be processed alongside the bottle flake.
The GreenLabel® BlockOut™ solution is ideal for brands that need light-blocking packaging but want to move from problematic plastic packaging to clear PET. It enables brands to transition to recyclable clear PET packaging without sacrificing aesthetics, performance, or product integrity. This solution is particularly useful for the dairy, beverage, nutraceuticals, and home and personal care markets, where light, oxygen, and moisture can cause spoilage, nutrient loss, and flavour change.
The GreenLabel™ BlockOut solution is a sustainable alternative to HDPE, PP, and white PET bottles. It provides the same opaque pigments and light-blocking agents as traditional bottles while delivering the sleek look and feel of full-body shrink sleeves. This solution is also cost-effective, with clear PET being cheaper than other packaging materials and having a lower carbon footprint.
Overall, the GreenLabel® BlockOut™ light-blocking shrink sleeve is a great option for brands looking to balance aesthetics, performance, cost, and sustainability while protecting their light-sensitive products.
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