Plastic is a very efficient substance that manufacturers use to pack their products. It is resistant, durable, robust, cheap, and very lightweight to manufacture. Plastic is so light weighted that it is a very energy-efficient substance to utilize in packing. It helps manufacturers deliver more using less fuel. Thus, plastic has overtaken the rest of conventional packing substances like metal, paper, fabric, wood, and glass. For instance, shipping contractors require much less plastic to transport water gallons than aluminum or glass. Recent European research found that if people replaced plastics with other substances, it would utilize fifty-seven percent more power to deliver the same quantity of commodities.

Various Kinds of Packaging

Some plastics better suit a specific type of packing than others. This blog discusses the different kinds of plastic that manufacturers use to pack their products and tries to answer the question of what type of plastic is utilized for packaging.

Low-Density Polyethylene

Low-density polyethylene is among the most frequently manufactured plastics. This substance resists bases, acids, and oils. It is a very transparent plastic that is flexible, rigid, and simple to manufacture. Low-density polyethylene is an excellent option for a drink and food packing.

Common Applications Include

  • Packing that requires heat sealing
  • Plastic bags
  • Garbage bags
  • Coatings on cartons and beverage cups
  • Frozen and fresh produce bags
  • Shrink wrap and stretch film
  • Cables and wires
  • Flexible lids

Manufacturers can recycle this plastic and usually make new plastic bags, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes by using it.

High-Density Polyethylene 

Manufacturers widely utilize high-density polyethylene to pack products. It is tough, translucent, solvent, and chemical-resistant. This plastic features high tensile strength, making it sturdy and able to tolerate higher temperatures than the rest of the plastics.

Common Applications Include:

  • Bottles for fluids and beverages
  • Cosmetic bottles like conditioner and shampoo
  • Grocery bags
  • Domestic washing containers
  • Cereal box liners

Copolymer Polyethylene Terephthalate

This plastic provides high chemical resistance. It is a very glossy, transparent, and tough substance that is economical to manufacture. Copolymer Polyethylene terephthalate is also completely recyclable and does not consist of Bisphenol A. This plastic has low forming temperatures, which help manufacturers efficiently vacuum it.

Common Applications Include 

  • Medical and pharmaceutical tubes. Pharmaceutical and medical companies purchase tubes composed of Copolymer polyethylene terephthalate from a well-reputed plastic tube packaging supplier to pack their products in them.
  • Blister packs for stationery and tools
  • Electronics and food packaging
  • Cosmetic container

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is plastic featuring low moisture transmission, chemical resistance, and high melting point. This makes it best to hold hot fluids.

Some Common Applications Include 

  • Syrup bottles
  • Medicine bottles
  • Take-out food containers
  • Yogurt containers
  • Bottle caps and closure

Polyethylene Terephthalate 

This plastic has great gas and moisture barrier qualities, which make it ideal for making food containers. Polyethylene Terephthalate has a strong capability to ensure that oxygen does not destroy the product packed by using it. It holds and safeguards the carbon dioxide present in soft drinks. Polyethylene Terephthalate is also optically transparent, smooth, and shatter-resistant.

Common Applications Use

  • Mouthwash bottles
  • Beer, juice, and the rest of the beverage bottles
  • Fizzy drink bottles
  • Food jars for jelly and condiments
  • Microwave meal trays

Polyvinyl Chloride 

The world’s third most manufactured plastic is polyvinyl chloride. Manufacturers widely use this material because of its ability to resist chemicals and oil. It has stable physical qualities, which help it become sturdy with excellent clarity.

Common Applications of Polyvinyl Chloride Include

  • Shrink wrap for medical applications
  • Blister packs
  • Metal packing
  • Heavy-duty packing bags

Manufacturers can recycle polyvinyl chloride and normally turn it into construction substances. 

Polystyrene 

It can be rigid or foamed and features a high melting point. Stiff with insulating qualities, it offers a moisture barrier.

Common Applications of Polystyrene 

  • Single-use cups, plates, and cutlery
  • Poultry and meat trays
  • Egg cartons 
  • Yogurt containers
  • Clamshell take-out containers
  • Protective packing for delicate and electronic goods.

Polystyrene is recyclable. Manufacturers utilize recycled polystyrene to make casings for moldings, electrical outlets, and cameras.

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate contains fifty-five percent butyryl content. It is an important plastic that manufacturers commercially utilize. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate is heat resistant, sturdy, rough, and tough with a very glossy surface.

Common Applications Include 

  • Industrial coatings
  • Nail lacquer topcoats
  • Printing inks
  • Hardware packing
  • Tubes for craft substances, cosmetics, toys, and candy.

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate can also enhance coating qualities like glossiness and hardness.

Cellulose Acetate Propionate 

Cellulose Acetate Propionate is a sturdy, rigid, tough, heat-resistant, and highly glossy material. It can be colored, translucent or transparent.

Common Applications Encompass

  • Tubes for cosmetics, toys, candy, and craft substances
  • Point of purchase display commodities
  • Other tube-style packings

Polylactic Acid

Polylactic acid is composed of renewable raw substances and is biodegradable. It is a plastic invented to solve the problem of recycling plastics; polylactic acid is safe for utilization in drink and food containers.

Common Applications of Polylactic Acid Encompass

  • Take out boxes
  • Take out cups
  • Vegetable and fruit containers
  • Plastic bottle 
  • Plastic film
  • Medical gadgets that must biodegrade in the human body

Natural polylactic acid is composed of sugar cane or corn starch. Contrary to several other plastics, it does not require crude oil for manufacturing.