Plastic containers, including bottles and jars, serve as excellent packaging solutions for various items. They offer a blend of practicality, adaptability, safety, and eco-friendliness, making them a wise selection for everything from food and beverage packaging to household cleaning products and herbicides. Furthermore, they are typically more affordable to transport than glass, are easy to handle due to their light weight, and the majority are recyclable.
Determining the appropriate plastic containers for your product packaging can be challenging given the vast array of plastic types available. To help you navigate this complexity, this FAQ will provide a concise overview of various plastic materials, their resin identification codes, and the key advantages associated with each common type of plastic.
| Material Cod Symbol | Rosin | Clarity | Moistur Barrier | Oxygen Barrier | Max. Temp. Resistance | Min. Temp. Resistance | Rigidity | Resistance to lmpact | Resistanc to Heat | Rosistance to Cold | Resistance to Sunlight | General industry Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETE | Polyethylene Terephthalate | Clear | Fair to Good | Good | 176°F | -58°F | Moderate to High | Good to Excellent | Poor to Fair | Good | Good | Cosmetics,Pharmaceuticals, CarbonatedBeverages. Mouthwashes, Liquors |
| HDPE | High Density Polyethylene | Translucent | Good to Excellent | Poor | 230°F | -148°F | Moderate | Good to Excellent | Good | Excellent | Fair | Detergents,Bleaches,Syrups, IndustrialCleaning Products,Cosmetics, Industrial& Edible Oils |
| LDPE | Low Density Polyethylene | Translucent | Good | Poor | 176°F | -58°F | Low | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Fair | Cosmetics,Pharmaceuticals,Personal Care |
| PP | Polypropylene | Translucent | Good to Excellent | Poor | 275°F | 32°F | Moderate to High | Poor to Good | Good | Poor to Fair | Fair | Pharmaceuticals,Cosmetics, Syrups,Juices, Personal Care |
| PS | Polypropylene | Clear | Poor to Fair | Fair | 140°F | -40°F | Moderate to High | Fair to Good | Poor to Fair | Fair | Poor to Good | Pharmaceuticals,Jellies, Jams,Vitamins, Spices |
Polypropylene (PP), also referred to as polypropene, ranks as the second most widely utilized thermoplastic polymer globally. It is stiffer than HDPE plastics, which results in PP bottles often appearing slightly yellowish or gray; however, they can also be manufactured to be translucent or completely clear based on production methods. These bottles exhibit excellent resistance to environmental stress cracking and possess properties similar to those of HDPE, with the added benefit of being resistant to a wide range of chemicals. This makes polypropylene a favored material for packaging pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, syrups, juices, shampoos, and various other products. One significant benefit of PP containers is their ability to withstand higher temperatures compared to HDPE containers, with a maximum tolerance of 275° Fahrenheit and a minimum of 32° Fahrenheit. Additionally, these containers can be sterilized using autoclaving, gas sterilization, or chemical disinfectants.
PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly referred to as PET or PETE, belongs to the polyester group and is recognized as the most prevalent thermoplastic polymer resin. This type of plastic typically exhibits rigidity and clarity, often appearing crystal clear. It possesses excellent resistance to oil, decent protection against alcohol and solvents, and moderate water resistance. Containers made from this material can withstand temperatures up to 176°F (204°F for brief periods) and as low as -58°F.
While PET containers are unsuitable for autoclave or dry heat sterilization, they can be effectively sterilized using gas, gamma irradiation, or chemical disinfectants. Additionally, PET (or PETE) plastic is commonly utilized in packaging for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, carbonated drinks, mouthwashes, and alcoholic beverages.
LDPE - Low-Density Polyethylene
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is the initial type of polyethylene and is classified as a thermoplastic derived from ethylene. Characterized by its flexibility and milky appearance, LDPE boasts impressive impact resistance, outstanding resistance to environmental stress cracking, and durability against various chemicals. LDPE bottles can withstand temperatures up to 176°F (204°F for brief periods) and a minimum of -58°F. These properties make LDPE a popular choice for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. Although LDPE containers are not suitable for autoclave or dry heat sterilization methods, they can be effectively sterilized using chemical disinfectants, gas sterilization, or gamma irradiation.
On the downside, LDPE plastic has low permeability to water and alcohol; however, it is susceptible to gradual degradation from strong oxidizing agents or solvents, leading to potential softening or swelling over time.
PS - Polystyrene
Polystyrene (PS) is a man-made aromatic hydrocarbon polymer derived from styrene. This plastic is characterized by its hardness, rigidity, and transparency, and it exhibits excellent dimensional stability, making it suitable for storing dry pharmaceuticals, jellies, vitamins, and spices. PS demonstrates good resistance to a variety of aqueous solutions; however, it is soluble in many aromatic and halogenated solvents, which can lead to brittleness at lower temperatures. While the material can withstand temperatures up to 158° Fahrenheit for brief periods, it is generally advised against exposing it to temperatures above 140° Fahrenheit or below -40° Fahrenheit. For sterilizing PS containers, gas sterilization or gamma irradiation methods are highly recommended.