Sofia Martinez
Plastic containers are made from a variety of poly chemical compounds, with common plastics including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS. The type of plastic used depends on the purpose of the container, with different plastics being used for food storage, shipping, or industrial use. Plastic containers are popular due to their convenience, low cost, and ability to keep food fresh for longer. However, plastic waste is a significant issue, with most plastic packaging disposed of within a short time and contributing to global waste. Understanding the different types of plastics and their suitability for reuse or recycling is essential for reducing waste and making informed choices about plastic container usage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main reasons for use | Convenience, low cost, keeping food fresh for longer, preventing food waste, providing consumers with a greater variety of food, ease of transportation and distribution |
| Replaced traditional materials | Wood, paperboard, metal |
| Main industries using plastic containers | Pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, automotive, personal care, industrial, tourism, agricultural |
| Common types of plastic used for containers | PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, PC, ABS, PA |
| Common plastic containers | Plastic cups, bottles, bags, foam food containers, Tupperware, tubes, clamshells, cosmetic containers, intermediate bulk containers, corrugated plastic containers, plastic folding boxes, plastic barrels |
| Plastic folding boxes features | Rigid plastic sides that can collapse flat when not in use, interlocking corners for quick assembly and stability, can support over 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Plastic barrels | Made from high-density polyethylene, resistant to rusting and corrosion |
| Plastic containers molding processes | Injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, compression molding |
| Plastic containers recycling | Difficult to determine which products can be recycled, water bottles, plastic soda bottles, salad dressing containers, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, microwavable food trays, milk jugs, yogurt tubs, shampoo bottles, detergent, motor oil, household cleaners, film packaging, LDPE, PP, PS, PET or PETE, Polyethylene terephthalate |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic resins and their uses
Plastic containers are made predominantly of plastic, as their name suggests. The convenience and low cost of plastics are the main reasons for their widespread and ever-increasing use. Plastic packaging can preserve food for longer, prevent food waste, and provide consumers with a greater variety of food. Plastic has replaced traditional materials like wood, paperboard, and metal for the manufacture of containers because of its price, moldability/formability, durability, and lightweight nature.
Plastics are made from the polymerization of petroleum-based compounds with the addition of additives, fillers, and reinforcements. The most common plastics used for making containers are PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS.
PET (or PETE)
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a clear, tough plastic with high impact and chemical resistance levels. It is commonly used for beverages such as soft drinks, juices, and bottled water, as well as for foods like peanut butter, pickles, and salad dressing. It is also used for products such as shower curtains and inflatable mattresses.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene is a durable and chemically resistant plastic. It is commonly used in the chemical, automotive, food, and pharmaceutical industries. It is often used for bottles, small containers, and IBC totes. Milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers are made from HDPE.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is a popular choice in the personal care, industrial, and sauce industries. It is great for long-term storage and is often used for dispensing liquid products. It is strong and tough, but it is not considered safe for cooking or heating.
LDPE
Low-density polyethylene plastics are used for a wide range of items such as dry-cleaning bags, bread and frozen food bags, and squeezable bottles for mustard and honey. It is also used in the personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries, primarily for shampoo bottles and some honey bear bottles.
PP
Polypropylene is a translucent plastic that is a popular choice for the fast-food industry. It is used for tamper-evident round containers, tubs, and jars. It is also used to make ice scrapers, oil funnels, rakes, pallets, and refrigerator food storage bins.
PS
Polystyrene is a clear and rigid plastic with low impact and fair chemical resistance. It is commonly used in mass-produced products such as disposable containers, lab bottles, and cutlery.
Plastic resins refer to the plastic material before it is processed into its final form. The resin is heated and moulded into the desired shape to create the final plastic product. As mentioned earlier, the most common plastics used for containers are PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS, and these are all types of plastic resins.
The uses of these plastic resins are varied and include food and beverage packaging, personal care products, industrial applications, pharmaceutical products, automotive parts, and more. Plastic packaging is used in the commercial, retail, household, tourism, and agricultural sectors.
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Plastic recycling
Plastic containers are made of different types of plastic, including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS. Plastic recycling is an important process that involves converting plastic waste into other products. It helps reduce dependence on landfills, conserve resources, and protect the environment from plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
In the late 1980s, organisations like the U.S. Society of the Plastics Industry and the Council for Solid Waste Solutions played a crucial role in promoting plastic recycling. They lobbied for the expansion of plastic waste collection programmes and the labelling of plastic containers with recycling symbols. This period also saw the introduction of resin identification codes, providing a standard system for identifying polymer types.
While plastic recycling is a global effort, certain regions dominate the market. In 2016, the Asia Pacific region accounted for more than 30% of the total volume consumption in the global plastic packaging market, followed by North America. However, countries in the Asia Pacific, such as China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, are also responsible for dumping more plastic in the sea than the rest of the world combined.
The recycling rates for plastic lag behind those of other materials like aluminium, glass, and paper. From the start of plastic production until 2015, only 9% of the world's 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste had been recycled, with only 1% recycled more than once. To improve these rates, individuals can reuse and recycle plastic items as much as possible, and utilise local recycling programmes for plastic bottles, mixed plastics packaging, and plastic bags and wrappings.
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Plastic manufacturing processes
Injection Molding
Injection molding is a process where molten thermoplastic is pushed into a mold using a heated screw design. This process is suitable for mass production as it is easy to produce many custom parts quickly and with high fidelity. Examples of products made through injection molding include plastic lids, bottles, toys, and kitchen utensils.
Compression Molding
Similar to injection molding, compression molding uses two mold halves and is restricted to making containers that are open on one side. Examples of products made through this process include large bins, tubs, trays, and plastic caps for bottles.
Blow Molding
Blow molding is a process where a heated plastic tube is inflated inside a mold to create a hollow part. This process operates at a lower pressure than injection molding and has a lower tooling cost. It is commonly used for creating plastic bottles, toys, and automotive parts.
Rotational Molding
Rotational molding, also called rotomolding, is a process where plastic melt is distributed across the interior surfaces of a mold through rotational movement. This process does not require high pressures, so the molds used are relatively inexpensive, and it can create double-walled containers in a single step. Examples of products made through rotational molding include industrial and agricultural storage tanks, drums, carboys, insulated boxes, and trash bins.
Thermoforming
Thermoforming is a cost-effective technique for producing intricate shapes from thermoplastic sheets by heating, vacuuming, and applying pressure. This process can utilize various machines, from high-speed in-line thermoforming lines with robotic automation to larger sheet-fed machines for heavy-gauge thermoforming. Thermoforming is used in multiple industries, including electronics, agriculture, automotive, consumer products, packaging, medical, and marine.
CNC Machining
CNC machining is a unique process where material is removed by a spinning tool from a fixed part. This process is ideal for low-volume applications that require complex geometrics that are difficult to mold. It can produce high-quality plastic components with short lead times, although the cost per part increases with complexity.
3D Printing
3D printing is a process where layers of a 3D model are printed on top of each other, often using an extruder for thermoplastics. This method is popular for prototyping and low-volume quantities of complex parts due to its very low startup costs.
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Plastic packaging
There are seven main types of plastics, each with distinct characteristics. The most common plastics for food storage are made from PET or PETE (number 1 on the recycling triangle diagram), which is clear, tough, and has excellent gas and moisture barrier properties. It is commonly used for beverages, foods, and water bottles. LDPE (number 4) is used for dry cleaning bags, bread bags, and squeezable bottles, but it may not be ideal for long-term food storage. Polypropylene or PP (number 5) is used for yogurt containers, margarine tubs, medicine bottles, and food storage bins. PS or polystyrene (number 6) is a clear, rigid plastic with low impact and fair chemical resistance, commonly used for disposable containers, lab bottles, and cutlery.
The pharmaceutical, food and beverage, personal care, industrial, and agricultural sectors all make extensive use of plastic packaging. Plastic containers can be created through various processes, including injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, and compression molding. Rotational molding is cost-effective as it does not require high pressure, and it can create double-walled containers without secondary processing. Compression molding is used for containers open on one side, such as large bins, tubs, and trays. Injection molding is similar but uses two mold halves.
Despite the advantages of plastic packaging, it is important to consider its environmental impact. Discarded packaging accounts for a significant portion of annual plastic waste, with most of it coming from household waste. However, alternatives like cotton bags, cardboard boxes, and aluminum cans may have larger ecological footprints due to higher energy and water consumption during manufacturing and transportation.
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Plastic alternatives
Plastic containers are made of various types of plastic, including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS. They are favoured for their convenience, low cost, and ability to keep food fresh for longer. However, there is a growing awareness of the need for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic storage containers. Here are some options:
Bamboo and Wood
Bamboo and wooden crates are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and sustainable alternatives to plastic storage containers. Bamboo is a rapidly growing resource, making it an eco-friendly choice. Wooden crates are often made from reclaimed or recycled wood, reducing the need for new resources.
Fabric
Fabric bins and baskets made from materials like cotton, linen, jute, or hemp offer an eco-conscious and versatile alternative to plastic. They are washable, foldable, and come in various sizes and designs to suit different storage needs.
Metal and Wire
Metal and wire baskets made from materials such as stainless steel, iron, or copper are sturdy, long-lasting, and stackable. They add an industrial or rustic touch to your decor and are suitable for storing a variety of items.
Cardboard
Cardboard boxes are an accessible and environmentally friendly option. Opting for recycled cardboard boxes reduces the demand for new materials. They can be reused multiple times and are easily recyclable.
Wicker and Rattan
Wicker and rattan bins are handwoven from natural materials like seagrass, water hyacinth, or rattan. They offer a rustic charm, are lightweight, and seamlessly blend with any decor style.
Glass
Glass containers are see-through, nonporous, and safer than plastic for food storage. They are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-safe, and some come with airtight, BPA-free lids. Glass is recyclable, although it requires energy to produce and transport.
Silicone
Silicone is regarded as a safe alternative to plastic by experts. It does not react with food or beverages and does not release toxic fumes when heated. Silicone works well as a lining in glass and stainless steel containers.
Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic kitchen wraps. They are made from cotton cloth coated in beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. They are long-lasting, washable, reusable, and even compostable.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic containers are made of a variety of poly chemical compounds. Common plastics used for making containers are PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS.
Plastic containers are widely used due to their convenience, low cost, and lightweight nature. Plastic packaging can keep food fresh for longer, prevent food waste, and provide consumers with a greater variety of food. Plastic is also durable, mouldable, and resistant to degradation.
Plastic containers come in a variety of types and sizes, including Boston Rounds, jugs, packers, straight-sided containers, vials, and cylinders. They can be used for industrial and agricultural storage tanks, drums, carboys, insulated boxes, trash bins, and more.
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