Which Plastic Is Right For Me?

OO.Berk Leaders in Packaging Solutions WHICH PLASTIC IS RIGHT FOR ME? Plastic Packaging Cheat Sheet When it comes to product packaging in plastic bottles, jars, and jugs - resin characteristics and compatibility with your specific product are critical. While we've given you some general guidelines, each product/package combination is unique and can react slightly differently. Please remember, you are responsible for testing your product for compatibility with all packaging components. MAJOR CATEGORIES OF PLASTICS A A A РЕTЕ HDPE PVC LDPE PP PS Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated PET, PETE is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in synthetic fibers; beverage, food and other liquid containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. Polystyrene (PS) is a made from the monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical. Poly(vinyl chloride), commonly abbreviated PVC, is the third-most widely produced plastic, after PE and PP. Polypropylene (PP) is á thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labeling. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. The majority of the world's PÉT production is for synthetic fibers (in excess of 60%), with bottle production accounting for around 30% of global demand. Although the density of HDPE is only marginally higher than that of low-density polyethylene, HDPE has greater tensile strength than LDPE. By today's recyclability standards, PVĆ has lost favor in consumer use, but has excellent uses in oils and other chemicals. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries. It is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids. It is a rather poor barrier to oxygen and water vapor and has a relatively low melting point. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures. Because PET is an good water and moisture barrier material, plastic bottles made from PET are widely used for soft drinks. Made in translucent or opaque variations, it is quite flexible, and tough, and almost unbreakable. PP is normally tough and flexible, especially when copolymerized with ethylene. PS can be naturally transparent, but can be colored with colorants. PP is reasonably economical, and can be made translucent when uncolored but is For certain specialty bottles, such as those designated for alcohol, PEŤ sandwiches an additional polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer to further reduce its oxygen permeability. OTHER not as readily made transparent as PET. 7 is essentially a catch all category of everything that didn't get categorized into the other 6 biodegradable, photo- sensitive, and plant-based plastics fit in this category- along with any newer plastics that have been developed since the creation of the 'chasing arrows' categories, or packaging that is constructed of more than one type of plastic (think multilayer bottles or multi-part closures). THERE'S АН, WHAT A LOT OF HAPPENED TO 7? TALK TODAY AND MORE THAN A FEW It is often opaque or colored using pigments. FOLKS WORKING ON NEW CATEGORY STRATEGIES, SO STAY TUNED FOR THE FUTURE. PET can be semi-rigid to rigid and is very lightweight. It is strong, impact resistant, and typically colorless and transparent. PP has good resistance to fatigue - hence it's often used on flip top closures with active hinges. The PET bottle was patented in 1973 by Nathaniel Wyeth. Polypropylene, unlike high-density polyethylene, can withstand autoclaving conditions. WHAT AND HOW YOU ARE PACKAGING DETERMINE WHAT MATERIAL TO USE 3 9, PETE HDPE PVC LDPE PP PS TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE 145° 160° 150° 160° 212° 150° Soft Drinks, Peanut Butter, Shampoo, Vitamin, Soaps, Essential Oils* Water, Detergents, Household Goods, Motor Oil, Bleach, Lotions, Shampoo Oils, Vinegars, Cleaning Chemicals Closures, Maple Syrup, Hot Fill Foods Cold Liquids, Condiments, Cold Liquids Cosmetic Jars, Jewel Cases ? COMMON USES (see note), Alcohol Essential Oils are always a special case - avoid using PET containers to package products that contain essential oils greater than 5% or fragrance oils greater than 15%. IF YOUR OIL PERCENTAGES EXCEED THESE RESPECTIVE LEVELS, PLEASE CONSIDER USING GLASS. RIGIDITY GOOD MODERATE HIGH LOW MODERATE HIGH MOISTURE BARRIER GOOD HIGH FAIR GOOD GOOD POOR IMPACT RESISTANCE HIGH HIGH GOOD HIGH GOOD LOW CLARITY CLEAR TRANSLUCENT CLEAR TRANSLUCENT TRANSLUCENT CLEAR SCUFF RESISTENCE MODERATE HIGH MODERATE HIGH HIGH LOW OXYGEN GOOD POOR GOOD POOR POOR FAIR BARRIER RESISTANCE GOOD EXCELLENT FAIR EXCELLENT POOR-FAIR POOR TO COLD Contrary to wide belief, the "chasing arrows" symbol doesn't indicate recyclability, the number just indicates the type of plastic. IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE TYPES SEPARATE WHEN RECYCLING BECAUSE THEY HAVE DIFFERENT MELTING POINTS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS AND IF YOU THROW THEM ALL INTO THE POT TOGETHER YOU WIND UP WITH UNUSABLE GLOP. Sources http://www.oberk.com/packaging-resource-guide/containers-guide/container-resin-materials.html http://insights.oberk.com/Glass-and-Plastic-Bottles-Packaging-Insights/bid/208390/Finding-The-Right-Plastic-Bottles-For-Your-Product http://insights.oberk.com/Glass-and-Plastic-Bottles-Packaging-Insights/bid/210036/Plastic-Jugs-Resins-Chemical-Resistance-Characteristics http://abunchofgreens.blogspot.com/2008/03/good-plastic-bad-plastic.html http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321#slide-1 https://static.thermoscientific.com/images/D01705-.pdf