Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by
In 2018, the US’ plastic containers and packaging generation were 14.5 million tons. This number accounted for 5% of the said year’s municipal solid waste (MSW).
For years now, people’s lives have been easier because of plastics. Businesses use plastics as cost-efficient, sustainable, durable, and long-lasting packaging material.
However, the use of plastic packaging is raising concerns about its environmental impact. But plastic packaging comes in a wide range of types. It only takes proper knowledge and management to address these concerns.
Do you want to know more about plastic packaging and its advantages? This article will walk you through the top 5 plastic packaging types businesses use.
Table of Contents
1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is the world’s most used plastic. Fresh salads, snacks, and other products that need clear packaging use this. It’s a durable and flexible plastic with a high impact strength, making it resistant to breakage.
This packaging is also lightweight. It’s so convenient that you can take it anywhere. This packaging type is reusable and recyclable.
You can turn old PET packaging into new containers, strapping and rope, and carpet fibers. You can also use it for clothing and cushion or jacket filling.
2. Polypropylene (PP)
One of the most often used thermoplastics is polypropylene (PP). It’s a durable material resistant to acids, alkalis, and chemicals. Although the plastic is colorless, one may color it to their liking.
PP is ideal for plastic food packagings like fresh meat and microwaveable food. For non-food purposes, PP is recyclable and can turn into new raw material.
PP is present in takeaway containers, medicine bottles, and medical instruments. PP use also involves plastic cutlery and PP strapping.
3. Polystyrene (PS)
PS is more known in the brand name Styrofoam. It doesn’t carry much heat and insulates well. It’s an excellent choice for delivering warm or cold products.
Companies use this for CD cases, meat trays, and disposable food containers. Businesses also use it for protective packaging.
To make the most of it, you can turn it into vents, foam packing, insulation, and flower pots.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC plastic packaging is ideal for medical packaging and electrical purposes. It’s resistant to chemicals and durable.
It also has good flow qualities and steady electrical characteristics. It’s also the third-most-produced synthetic plastic on the planet.
This type is also ideal for blister packaging. Read more about it at: https://www.andex.net/blister-packages/
5. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is durable and flexible plastic. It also provides a barrier to oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide. Because of these characteristics, it’s suitable for flexible food packaging.
This plastic is often a stretch film for food packaging and bubble wraps. You may not know, but it makes up your zip lock and grocery plastic bags.
Learn More About Plastic Packaging
As the years go by, people develop more ways to use plastics. It’s hard without compromising the environment, but proper use and management are crucial.
These are our top 5 types of plastic packaging. We hope you also learned through our article how to make the most of plastic packaging.
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