Why Are Chemicals Stored In Plastic Containers?

Have you ever wondered why plastic containers are most commonly used for storing chemicals? It goes well beyond the variety of shapes and sizes they come in, or the environmental benefits they offer, although these are major bonuses. Storing a chemical in the right container is the first way to ensure safety when handling strong acids and bases. A material that is likely to react with the chemical it holds, like a metal container, or break easily when dropped, like a glass container, isn’t going to be suitable for a substance like nitric acid, for example. This why there are a variety of plastic materials used for storing acids and bases so that each container can accommodate the unique properties of individual chemicals

Three Types of Plastic Containers

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene was first synthesised in Germany in 1898 when chemist Hans von Pechmann prepared it by complete accident. Since then, PE has become the most common and widely produced plastic in the world. It can be used in three forms, which demonstrate its versatility and ability to be incorporated into a wide range of applications.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is used to produce grocery bags. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) has a higher crystalline structure and can be recognised in your garbage bins and drainpipes. Ultrahigh Molecular Weight PE has higher performance applications and is even used to produce bulletproof vests. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why PE is an ideal material to store chemicals in. High-Density Polyethylene creates corrosion resistant plastic containers, and its thermoplastic properties mean that it can withstand temperatures, be cooled, and reheated again without any significant degradation. The diversity of PE variants means that it is compatible with most strong acids and bases. Like with the bulletproof vests, PE is noted for its high impact strength. This makes it perfect for storing chemicals as it is very difficult to break, and therefore decreases the risk of chemical spills. 

Polymethylpentene (PMP)

PMP is a transparent, thermoplastic polymer with high chemical resistance. But this complex polyolefin is actually the backbone to a very familiar object: beakers. We’ve all used beakers in Science class, and have at some time or another dropped one on the floor. Often, they do not break, and this is because classrooms have made the shift from glass beakers to Polymethylpentene beakers While PMP is more brittle than its cousin, Polyethylene, it can be designed to be shatterproof. Its clear material means that substances can be seen easily, and it’s also highly resistant to corrosion. PMP makes perfect plastic containers for storing both acids and bases of different strengths.

Teflon

Another accidental discovery by Roy Plunkett in 1938, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the fluoropolymer behind Teflon. It is characterised by its hydrophobic properties, which means that most substances are unable to stick to Teflon. This is why it is able to resist corrosion from many chemicals, such as sulphuric acid and nitric acid. The slippery material means that PTFE will not absorb the chemicals it comes into contact with, and the strength of its carbon-fluorine bonds makes it non-reactive. For these reasons, Teflon-coated plastic containers are ideal for storing a wide variety of acids and bases. 

But what about glass containers? 

While glass containers do have their advantages, such as being nonporous and chemically inert, they have major drawbacks in the fact that they break easily. Not only would this create sharp glass fragments, it would also expose potentially harmful and corrosive chemicals. In addition, not all acids and bases are safe to store in glass containers, meaning that its versatility is very limited. Hydrofluoric acid, for example, has the propensity to eat through glass (SiO2); it contains the element Fluorine which can dislodge oxygen from its bond. On the other hand, Hydrofluoric acid can be stored in Polyethylene, Polymethylpentene, and Teflon containers, showing how plastic containers are the ideal material for containing chemicals.

The chemical substances are stored in containers made of different materials, such as plastics, metals, and glass depending on the substance. Most of the chemicals are stored in glass containers, not in plastics containers because glass is more neutral and durable in contact with chemicals. They may influence the chemicals less. Plastic materials usually contain some amounts of additives (stabilizers, processing aids, etc.) that may contaminate the chemical. Plastic containers are also used to temporarily store some of the chemicals.

Click here to find more plastic bottle for chemicals products here. 

The Numbers Behind Plastic

Plastics are everywhere. Look around you, from your home, just how many plastic items around you can take notice? From food containers, household utensils to bags, kid’s toys, shower curtains, cosmetics packaging and water bottles – plastic has become a permanent fixture in everyday lives, and this has been quite alarming especially when it comes to safety.

1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE or polyester)

Description:  PET is the most well-known member of the polyester family of plastic polymers. It initially gained widespread use as a wrinkle-free fibre (commonly called "polyester"), and the majority of its production still goes toward textile manufacturing. It has become extremely popular for food and drinks packaging purposes because of its strong ability to create a liquid and gas barrier - so oxygen cannot get in to spoil food, and the carbon dioxide that makes drinks fizzy cannot get out. Properties:  clarity, lightness, strength, toughness, a barrier to liquid and gas.

Typical Use:  Bottles (water, soft drink, juice, beer, wine, mouthwash, salad dressing), peanut butter/jam jars, oven-ready and microwaveable meal trays, detergent and cleaner containers. Also used in liquid crystal displays, the film for capacitors, insulation for wire and insulating tapes, and as a common finish for wood products such as guitars, pianos and vehicle/yacht interiors.

PET fabric (polyester) is commonly used in textiles (fabric and clothing), padding and insulation (for pillows, comforters, upholstery), carpet, and mouldings. Also for tyre reinforcements, conveyor belts, safety belts, coated fabrics and tarpaulins. 

Toxicity:  PET may leach antimony (antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst and flame retardant in PET) (PET1, PET2). The longer a liquid is left in a PET container the greater the potential for release. As well, warm temperatures inside cars, garages, and enclosed storage areas increase the release of antimony into the liquid. Antimony trioxide is considered a possible carcinogen (PET3). Workers exposed to antimony trioxide for long periods of time have exhibited respiratory and skin irritation and among female workers, increased incidence of menstrual problems and miscarriage -- while there is no evidence that these effects could arise from exposure to the small amounts of antimony released from PET products (such as water bottles), we prefer not to be exposed to it at all (PET3).

The evidence is also emerging that phthalate endocrine disruptors also leach from PET (PET4, PET5).

PET as a textile - i.e., polyester - likely contains flame retardants incorporated into it during the manufacturing process. As such, polyester is often described as "inherently flame retardant", but it is unclear exactly which flame retardant chemicals are added to polyester as it is being made, and thus it is difficult to know if there is a toxicity issue with polyester fibre.  

Recycling:  About 29% (PET6). Recycled material downcycled into polyester fibre for fleece clothing, tote bags, strapping. Note: "Downcycling" means that the recycled material is of lower quality than the original PET, and can only be made into progressively lower quality products until it can no longer be recycled and becomes landfill waste which is most likely landfilled.

Alternatives:  Use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Choose natural fabrics (e.g., organic cotton, wool, hemp) for clothing.

2. High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Description:  Polyethylenes are the most widely used family of plastics in the world. The versatile Polyethylene polymer has the simplest basic chemical structure of any plastic polymer (repeating units of CH2: one carbon and two hydrogen molecules) making it very easy to process and thus extremely popular for numerous low-value applications - especially packaging. HDPE has long virtually unbranched polymer chains which align and pack easily making it dense and very crystalline (structurally ordered) and thus a stronger, thicker form of-of polyethylene. Properties:  stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to moisture, permeability to gas, ease of processing. 

Typical Use:  Plastic bags (grocery), opaque milk, water, and juice containers, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles, garbage bags, dishes, yoghurt and margarine tubs, cereal box liners, some medicine bottles. Also used in Tyvek insulation, PEX piping, plastic/wood composites.  

Toxicity:  Being relatively stable, it is generally considered a safer plastic for food and drink use, although some studies have shown that it can leach the endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (added to HDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to ultraviolet light - i.e., sunlight - and possibly other additive chemicals with estrogen-mimicking activity (HDPE1, HDPE2, HDPE3).

Recycling:  About 29% (HDPE4). Recycled material made into bottles for non-food items like shampoo, laundry detergent, motor oil; plastic lumber and furniture, piping, recycling bins, fencing, floor tiles, buckets, crates, flower pots, garden edging, film and sheeting.   

Alternatives:  Use glass or stainless steel reusable bottles and food storage containers. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Use reusable bags made of natural fibres (cotton, hemp).

3. Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC)

Description:  Long the second most widely used plastic resin in the world (after polyethylene), PVC (or vinyl) use has decreased because of serious health and environmental pollution issues associated with its manufacture, use and disposal -- its whole life cycle is toxic. But it is still popular and in common use because of its cost-effective versatility. The base monomer is vinyl chloride - the presence of chlorine is the cause of many of PVC's problems - which can be combined and blended with numerous chemicals (including plasticizers such as phthalates) to create resins with properties ranging from rigid to filmy to soft to leathery.  Properties:  versatility, ease of blending, strength, toughness, clarity, transparency.

Typical Use:  Soft PVC (softened with plasticizers) used in toys, clear food (e.g., take-out) and non-food packaging (e.g., blister wrap, cling wrap), squeeze bottles, shampoo bottles, mouthwash bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles, loose-leaf binders, shower curtains, blood bags and medical tubing, "pleather" clothing, Naugahyde upholstery, wire and cable insulation, carpet backing and flooring. Rigid PVC used for blister packs and clamshell packaging, credit cards, piping (e.g., for plumbing), vinyl siding, window frames, fencing, decking, and other construction materials.

Toxicity:  PVC is widely considered the most toxic and hazardous plastic that is still - unbelievably so - commonly used to make numerous consumer products (PVC1, PVC2). It may contain and/or leach a variety of toxic chemicals including, but not limited to:  bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, lead, dioxins, mercury, and cadmium. Here is a taste of the toxic life cycle of PVC:

The vinyl chloride monomer from which PVC is made is a known carcinogen (PVC3), thus putting manufacturing workers and surrounding communities at risk (PVC1).

Soft forms of PVC, such as toys and packaging and bottles, may leach phthalates. For example, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) are two phthalates commonly used as plasticizers or softening agents (usually DEHP). DEHP and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen and have been strongly linked to asthma and allergic symptoms in children living in homes where PVC dust was present (PVC4, PVC5) and to ADHD in children (PVC6); may cause certain types of cancer, including breast cancer (PVC7). Recent consumer product legislation in Europe, Canada and the US, bans DEHP and BBzP and other dangerous phthalates from use in children's products in concentrations greater than 0.1% (PVC8, PVC9, PVC10).

When PVC is burned (e.g., via waste incineration, car or home fires), dioxins are formed. Dioxins are known human carcinogens and persistent organic pollutants and are considered one of the most toxic types of chemicals ever tested (PVC1, PVC11).

Recycling Rate:  Very low (PVC12). Rarely recycled because it is difficult to do so on an industrial scale. It should not be recycled because it contaminates the recycling stream. Recycled PVC can become packaging, binders, decking, panelling, insulation, mud flaps, film and sheet, flooring, garden hoses.

Alternatives:  Use glass or stainless steel reusable bottles and food storage containers. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Use non-plastic food wrap. Use recycled cardboard binders. Use recycled kraft paper, recycled cellulose wadding or compostable cornstarch peanuts for packaging. Use hemp or cotton shower curtains, and rubber hoses. Green building has taken off and there are now numerous healthy and eco-friendly alternatives to vinyl construction materials. 

4. Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Description:  Polyethylenes are the most widely used family of plastics in the world. The versatile polyethylene polymer has the simplest basic chemical structure of any plastic polymer (repeating units of CH2: one carbon and two hydrogen molecules) making it very easy to process and thus extremely popular for numerous low-value applications - especially packaging. LDPE polymers have significant chain branching including long side chains making it less dense and less crystalline (structurally ordered) and thus a generally thinner more flexible form of polyethylene. Properties:  strength, toughness, flexibility, resistance to moisture, ease of sealing, ease of processing. 

Typical Use:  Mostly for film applications like bags (grocery, dry cleaning, bread, frozen food bags, newspapers, garbage), plastic wraps; coatings for paper milk cartons and hot & cold beverage cups; some squeezable bottles (honey, mustard), food storage containers, container lids. Also used for wire and cable covering.

Toxicity:  Being relatively stable, it is generally considered a safer plastic for food and drink use, although some studies have shown that it can leach the endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (added to LDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to ultraviolet light - i.e., sunlight - and possibly other additive chemicals with estrogen-mimicking activity (LDPE1, LDPE2).

Recycling Rate:  Low (LDPE3). Difficult to recycle. Recycled material can be made into compost bins, panelling, plastic lumber.

Alternatives:  Use glass or stainless steel reusable bottles and food storage containers. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Use reusable bags made of natural fibres (cotton, hemp). Use non-plastic food wrap.

5. Polypropylene (PP)

Description:  Polypropylene is used for similar applications as polyethylenes, but is generally stiffer and more heat resistant - so is often used for containers filled with hot food. It too has a simple chemical structure (many methyl groups of CH3 - one carbon and three hydrogen molecules) making it very versatile. It's crystallinity (structural order affecting hardness & density) is quite high, somewhere between LDPE and HDPE. Properties:  strength, toughness, resistance to heat, chemicals, grease & oil, the barrier to moisture.

Typical Use:  Food containers (ketchup, yoghurt, cottage cheese, margarine, syrup, take-out), medicine containers, straws, bottle caps, Britta filters, Rubbermaid and other opaque plastic containers, including baby bottles. Other uses include disposable diaper and sanitary pad liners, thermal vests, appliance parts and numerous car parts (bumpers, carpets, fixtures).  

Toxicity:  Being relatively stable, it is generally considered a safer plastic for food and drink use, although it has been shown to leach plastic additives (such as the stabilizing agent oleamide) when PP labware was used in scientific experiments (PP1) and one older study has suggested heated PP may be linked to occupational asthma based on the exposure of a worker in a PP factory (PP2).

Recycling Rate:  Low, because often pigmented or mixed with other resins, therefore difficult to sort (PP3).  Recycled material made into brooms, brushes, bins pallets, auto battery cases, flower pots. 

Alternatives:  Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. Purchase margarine/butter in cubes. 

6. Polystyrene (PS)

Description:  Polystyrene is commonly associated with the trade name Styrofoam food containers and packing peanuts made of expanded PS (EPS), which is essentially foamed PS that has been puffed up with air. PS synthesis requires benzene, a known carcinogen, to form the monomer styrene, which is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Apart from low cost, low strength foam, PS can be made as a clear, glassy, hard polymer used for things like cutlery and cd cases; also higher impact versions exist for harder applications. Properties: versatility, clarity, easily formed. 

Typical Use:  EPS: Styrofoam food containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, deli food plates, packaging, packing peanuts, bike helmets. Harder clear/opaque PS: disposable cutlery & razors, compact disc & DVD cases. High impact PS: hangers, smoke detector housing, licence plate frames, medicine bottles, test tubes, Petri dishes, model assembly kits.

Toxicity:  PS food containers can leach styrene, which is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen (PS1, PS2) and is considered a brain and nervous system toxicant (PS1, PS3, PS4). Animal studies have shown adverse effects on genes, lungs, liver, and the immune system (PS2). Note that styrene is also present in second-hand cigarette smoke, off-gassing building materials, and car exhaust.  The leaching of styrene from PS containers into food is increased when the food or liquid is hot and oily (PS3, PS4). 

Recycling Rate:  Very low, because difficult to recycle (PS5). Recycled material made into packaging and thermal insulation.

Alternatives:  Avoid PS take-out containers - bring your own reusable dishes/containers for take-out. Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Use reusable dishes (e.g., ceramic, stainless steel) and cutlery (e.g., stainless steel, bamboo) for picnics and events.

Other (O) - all other plastics

This category does not identify one particular plastic resin. It is a general catch-all for all plastics other than those identified by numbers 1-7 and can include plastics that may be layered or a mixture of various plastics. It includes the new bioplastics.

Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely common plastic in this category and is often associated with this category (sometimes a product will have the number 7 on it with the letters "PC" underneath), so we describe it below -- But keep in mind that polycarbonate is not the only plastic in this category and if a product has a number 7 on it without the letters PC under it, the product could be made of polycarbonate or it could be any other plastic (and there are thousands!). The only way to know for sure is to ask the manufacturer or have the plastic tested. 

Polycarbonate (PC)

Description:  Polycarbonate use as a consumer plastic has decreased drastically in recent years due to the health-related problems associated with bisphenol A (BPA), the primary molecule in PC polymers, as well as increasing national bans on its use for certain products such baby bottles and infant formula packaging. It is a tough family of engineering plastics originally developed to be an alternative to die-cast metal. Its strength and transparency made it a popular choice for consumer products needing to be shatter-proof, and also for epoxy resins. PC is also known by various trade names including Lexan, Makrolon and Makroclear. Properties: Easily moulded, temperature resistance, stiffness, strength, optical clarity.

Typical Use:  Baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, three and five-gallon large water storage containers, metal food can liners, juice and ketchup containers, oven-baking bags, carbonless paper receipts.  Also used in custom packaging, eyeglass lenses, epoxy resins, dental sealants, compact discs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, lab equipment, gears, snowboards, car parts, housing for cell phones, computers and power tools. 

Toxicity:  The problem with PC is bisphenol A (BPA), the synthetic backbone which readily breaks down and leaches from PC. For example, BPA leaching is a significant concern with PC epoxy-lined cans used for foods, especially oil-based and/or acidic foods, which will increase leaching. There is lots more information in our BPA section but in a nutshell... BPA is often described as a hormone or endocrine disruptor, because it mimics human hormones, in particular, the estrogen hormones, which are involved in normal cellular function, reproduction, development and behaviour. Peer-reviewed scientific studies have linked BPA to numerous health problems including chromosome damage in female ovaries, decreased sperm production in males, early onset of puberty, various behavioural changes, altered immune function, sex reversal in frogs, impaired brain and neurological functions, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset (Type II) diabetes, obesity, resistance to chemotherapy, increased risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, infertility, and metabolic disorders -- research into the impacts of BPA on human health is extensive and ongoing (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4).

Recycling Rate:  Very low (PC). Not all municipalities include polycarbonate as readily acceptable for their recycling programs. Recycled PC may be used to make plastic lumber.

Alternatives:  Buy in glass and reuse those bottles/jars - mason jars are incredibly versatile. Use a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. Use a stainless steel water dispenser for large quantities of water or other liquids. If you must use the large blue PC bottles, transfer the water to another container as soon as you bring it home.

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Advantages of Pharmaceuticals Plastic Bottles

PET is chemically inert, non-toxic and safe for food-contact packaging as per testing of specific and overall migration limits set for food, beverages and pharmaceutical packaging. It is to be noted that the current gazette is only a draft notification in regards to the usage of PET bottles and there is NO ban in place, as is being circulated. PET bottles, which are widely used for pharma products in many countries, are tested as per global standards. It is no wonder that bottles made from this versatile, convenient, safe and eco-friendly PET plastic are used for packaging medicines for paediatric, geriatrics and pregnant women by the world's biggest and best pharmaceutical companies. It is worth noting that some of these pharma MNC's find a place in the "Global 10" list and are known to care for the health-wellness of human beings. Thus, the news circulating against "PET for Pharma packaging" is purely based on the misinformed assessment of the facts, to say the least.

PET has today created a niche for itself in the pharma industry owing to the unique set of advantages it provides to the product packaged. It is true that PET started as a replacement for glass in the pharmaceutical industry in the early 90's; however, today it is the first material of choice for any new product or product extensions launched. In fact, there have been recent developments in special grades of PET raw material to be used even for oxygen-sensitive pharma molecules, where glass has been traditionally used.

As you might be aware, packaging of pharmaceutical products has undergone a sea change with constant evolution over the last few decades. For instance, Lami Tubes have replaced Lead Tubes and Polymeric Blister Packs have replaced Metallic Blisters. Similarly, PET bottles have well-replaced glass bottles, at least in the packing of the majority of oral liquids.

In India, There are broadly seven types of plastics and each one of them is denoted with an individual recycling code. PET is a 100% recyclable material with the recycling code of "1" and the recycled bottles in India are used for non-bottle applications like fibre and strapping. PET is one of the most eco-friendly plastic materials available and is 100% recyclable. there are more than 1500 PET converters and around 20% of them primarily supply to the pharma sector. 

The substitution of plastics with glass as the packaging material would result in an increase of packaging cost by at least 20% and this could also result in a rise in the prices of medicines. In regard to the cancellation of government price caps on 108 expensive and widely prescribed medicines, the likely effect would vary as per the different product categories and that would decide the compounded impact on consumers. In addition, as a glass is more centralized in geographical locations, this would also lead to increase in over-all SCM costs if PET bottles are replaced by glass bottles.

• The significantly lower weight of a bottle than in case of other materials such as glass or HDPE (weight of 1L milk PET bottle is only 25g, while the weight of 1L HDPE container is 38-40g). 
• No material loss during production. 
• Lower costs due to material saving and manufacturing technology (high efficiency, low power consumption, full automation of the process).
• PET bottle offers a better barrier against oxygen and better protection from odours than HDPE.
• The possibility of producing tailor-made bottles with original shapes, which are attractive and aesthetic for customers and create great marketing opportunities. 
• PET bottles can be transparent or coloured in different colours including white – which reduces the effect of light. 
• Smooth, aesthetic finish of a bottleneck, formed during preform injection – no knife cut-off trace or spikes like in an HDPE.
• The new generation of cap closure dedicated to PET bottle that prevents contamination of the product in case of multiple uses (repeated opening and closing). 
• PET bottle is extremely lightweight and has a high shock-resistance. It’s convenient for production and distribution. 
• Transport in several layers is possible – up to six layers with the right bottle design. Positive environmental profile as PET bottle can be easily recycled. 
• Like glass, PET is a biologically inert material that doesn't react with beverages or foodstuff and is resistant to attacks by micro-organisms.

For more about PET Bottles Click here

IMPORTANCE OF PLASTIC IN OUR DAILY LIFE

Plastics are a subset of materials known as Polymers. These are composed of large molecules formed by joining many smaller molecules together (monomers). Other kinds of polymers are fibres, elastomers, surface coating and biopolymers, such as cellulose, proteins and nucleic acids. Plastics owe their name to their capability to be shaped to form articles of convenient value by various conversion and forming processes. These are some atypical properties of plastics materials, which make them unique so that products can literally be tailor-made out of these materials.

In fact, plastics have encompassed every facet of human life viz. agriculture and water consumption, building construction, communication, small and bulk packaging, education, medicine, transportation, defence, consumer durables to name a few. One of the reasons for the great popularity of plastics is due to the remarkable range of properties demonstrated by them because of their ease of processing. Hence, the demand for plastics has been increasing in modern living. 

The Internet, globalisation, increased speed of communication, faster means of transportation, the advance of surgical medicine - all these would not be possible without plastics. Unremitting technological innovation by the plastics industry means that even more efficient, lightweight and compliant forms of plastics are being developed for an increasing range of uses. It is these advances that allow plastics to play an imperative role in the pursuit of sustainable development, by bringing innovative solutions to the full range of challenges facing society. Plastics have been providing help to tackle the world's water circulation crisis, with affordable, easily constructed piping providing solutions to clean water shortages for 5.5 million people in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Also, the use of plastics drastically reduced the use of traditional usage of wood and other forest products thus resulting in the reduction of deforestation.

It is estimated that the use of plastics as a whole actually saves more oil than is needed for their manufacture. At end-of-life, plastics can be a valuable alternative energy source in their own right. Plastics recycling continues to increase in the world while energy recuperation is a responsible use of our oil resources, rerouting waste from landfill and helping to preserve fossil fuels. Tapping the sun and wind is already bringing clean and efficient energy to people worldwide and is greatly facilitated by the use of plastics that constitute major parts of the cells and turbines. Incessant improvements in the material itself and recovery technologies mean that, in the future, packaging will become even lighter and more resource-efficient. 

Plastics have proved to have a wide range of applications in a large number of fields and their applications are increasing due to the advantage of low cost, high durability and easy availability. 

Plastics are treated as versatile materials since the properties of these materials can be tailored to meet specific demands by varying molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and side chain branching. Further making copolymers and polymer blends and alloys provide on the mechanism for providing a synergism in properties and tailor making materials for specific applications.

Plastic is used to make optic fibres that are laid under the sea to provide high-speed internet connection to the users. Without the material, innovation is not possible in the field of technology. Modern air conditioners are moulded in plastic to ensure lightweight appliances that can be installed in commercial and residential premises. It also used in making snow, skateboards and modern aviation equipment.

A lot has been written about the material by environmentalists, however, a majority of them is negative content highlighting the issues. Scientists opine that plastic is non-biodegradable however it can be recycled to save the environment. Technological changes are taking place to reduce the harmful effect caused by its waste on the planet. People need to view the usage of plastic in an objective manner rather than drawing the conclusion by analyzing only one side of the story. At present they have not found any replacement of the material, therefore it is important to monitor the usage.

IMPORTANT FACTORS IN PLASTIC PACKAGING

There are six primary types of plastic most commonly used in bottle manufacturing:

Polyethene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is common in food, medicine, beverage bottles and more. PET has a recycling symbol of 1 and is easy to recycle. High-density polyethene (HDPE) is extremely common in plastic bottle packaging and is used for many food, beauty, household and automotive items. HDPE has a recycling symbol of 2 and is fairly easy to recycle. Low-density polyethene (LDPE) is a flexible plastic and is durable as well. Squeezable beverage bottles and other food or household products are often made from LDPE. This plastic has as a recycling symbol of 4 and is more difficult to recycle, as not all recycling centres will accept LDPE products. Polypropylene (PP) is a strong plastic that can hold up under high temperatures. Often used for household bottles, such as food and garden products, PP is also common as well in medicine and vitamin bottles. PP has a recycling symbol of 5 and is difficult to recycle since many recycling centres will not accept PP items.Polycarbonate/polyamide (Other) is often used for industrial liquid bottles. “Other” plastic bottles are common in medical storage and other large containers and products. Items marked “Other” have a recycling symbol of 7 and are very difficult to recycle.

RE-USE OF PET BOTTLES

PET bottles are also recycled as-is (re-used) for various purposes, including for use in school projects, and for use in solar water disinfection in developing nations, in which empty PET bottles are filled with water and left in the sun to allow disinfection by ultraviolet radiation. PET is useful for this purpose because many other materials (including window glass) that are transparent to visible light are opaque to ultraviolet radiation.

A novel use is as a building material in third-world countries. According to online sources, the bottles, in a labour-intensive process, are filled with sand, then stacked and either mudded or cemented together to form a wall. Some of the bottles can be filled instead with air or water, to admit light into the structure.

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Different Types Of Plastic Bottles And Uses

Different Types Of Plastic Bottles And Uses

Liquid Packing Bottles: Liquid packing bottles are mainly used to pack bottles or to store liquid items such as Liquid soaps, chemicals, and things like that. Smart Packaging bottles have no reaction against these kinds of items stored. Especially liquid items like acids which require high duty plastic containers.

Photo Resistant Bottles: Photo resistant bottles are specially made bottles which helps the liquid items to be stored without any problem if the bottle is exposed to the sunlight or any other types of light which may be powerful or less powerful. 

Bulk Packing Bottles:  Bulk packing bottles are mainly used for industrial purpose to store and transport items in bulk and high quantity. These packing bottles are heavy duty and strong therefore less possibility of breakage and leakage.

Hand Wash Bottles:  Hand wash bottles are for storing hand wash liquid and using. Hand wash bottles have an easy press mechanism to get liquid into the hands for washing.

Toilet cleaning Bottles:  Toilet cleaning bottles are used to store and use toilet cleaning liquids. To for the easy use these bottles have long head which is very useful for pouring the liquid into untouchable portions of the toilet.

Other types of plastic bottles that Smart Packaging is manufacturing are,
Square type bottle
square type jar
hand bottle
square type wide mouth
rib jar
photo resistant bottle
bulk packing
dish wash bottle
glass bottle cap and lids
flat container
customized products
chemical bottles
pesticide bottle
etc.

Type of Plastics Used for Containers

Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene or polythene is the most common plastic. The annual global production is around 80 million tonnes. Its primary use is in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles, etc.).
Polyethylene is not readily biodegradable, and thus accumulates in landfills. However, there are a number of species of bacteria and animals that are able to degrade polyethylene.

large container

PE has the features of  lower specific gravity, chemical stability and water and chemical resistance, excellent strength and flexibility (soft and bendable) and high formability. PE is classified into High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene and Linear Low Density Polyethylene.

Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it can be produced in a variety of structures giving rise to applications including packaging and labeling, textiles, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, automotive components, and medical devices.

plastic bottle caps

Polypropylene made Water bottles

As polypropylene is resistant to fatigue, most plastic living hinges, such as those on flip-top bottles, are made from this material. However, it is important to ensure that chain molecules are oriented across the hinge to maximise strength. Polypropylene is used in the manufacturing piping systems; both ones concerned with high-purity and ones designed for strength and rigidity (e.g. those intended for use in potable plumbing, hydronic heating and cooling, and reclaimed water). This material is often chosen for its resistance to corrosion and chemical leaching, its resilience against most forms of physical damage, including impact and freezing, its environmental benefits, and its ability to be joined by heat fusion rather than gluing.

Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)
Ethylene vinyl alcohol is a formal copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. Because the latter monomer mainly exists as its tautomer acetaldehyde, the copolymer is prepared by polymerization of ethylene and vinyl acetate to give the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer followed by hydrolysis.

food packing

The plastic resin is commonly used as an oxygen barrier in food packaging. It is better than other plastics at keeping air out and flavors in, is highly transparent, weather resistant, oil and solvent resistant, flexible, moldable, recyclable, and printable. Its drawback is that it is difficult to make and therefore more expensive than other food packaging. EVOH is used in a liquid embolic system in interventional radiology, e.g. in Onyx.[4] Dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and mixed with a radiopaque substance, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is used to embolize blood vessels.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P, is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins. PET is an excellent water and moisture barrier material, plastic bottles made from PET are widely used for soft drinks. For certain specialty bottles, such as those designated for beer containment, PET sandwiches an additional polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer to further reduce its oxygen permeability.

PET material plastics bottles

At least one species of bacterium in the genus Nocardia can degrade PET with an esterase enzyme. Japanese scientists have isolated a bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis that possesses two enzymes which can break down the PET into smaller pieces that the bacterium can digest. A colony of I. sakaiensis can disintegrate a plastic film in about six weeks.

Plant-Derived Plastics (Bioplastics)
Bioplastics are plastics derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, or microbiota. Bioplastic can be made from agricultural by-products and also from used plastic bottles and other containers using microorganisms. Common plastics, such as fossil-fuel plastics, are derived from petroleum or natural gas. Production of such plastics tends to require more fossil fuels and to produce more greenhouse gases than the production of biobased polymers. 

bio plastics

Plant-Derived Plastics (Bioplastics)

To globally reduce environmental burden, we have conducted R&D to increase use of plant-derived plastics in packaging. Typical materials include polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn which will be converted into a low-molecular through hydrolysis process and finally decomposed into carbon dioxide and water through microbial action.

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Advanced Methods in Plastic Manufacturing

Colour Process Automation Technology:

Plastics manufacturing is a complex, multi-step process that moves at rapid speeds to create high product yields. Maintaining colour quality and consistency throughout the manufacturing processes can be difficult, but advancements in colour process automation technology offer continual monitoring for real-time identification of colour changes. Continual monitoring, from pellet colours and extruded plastics to pre-formed products, allows for automatic adjustments to be set, creating a more efficient and cost-effective process stream. New technology provides affordable options for colour process measurement using smaller self-contained instrumentation that can easily adapt to any production line.

colour Process Automation Technology (cPAT) with ACLCC by Plastore and  Hunter Lab for plastics manufacturing is a fully integrated, online color measurement and color control solution tailored to meet the needs of plastics manufacturers. From plastic sheet manufacturing, to window profile, vinyl siding, custom profile and compounding, cPAT offers best practices and automated solution tools to improve manufacturing efficiencies, ensure product quality, and reduce overall costs.

Today’s plastic extrusion color control process relies a bit on ‘black magic’ to be successful. Time-interval based color monitoring is insufficient in providing information on baseline, variation or improvement opportunities. The process is not very controllable, predictable or often times even understandable. cPAT eliminates the ‘black magic’, making the process something that operators can control, predict and troubleshoot.

Improving costs and efficiency

Today’s colour process measurement systems are fully integrated, allowing for precise workflow monitoring and improved quality control (QC). The ability to provide real-time, quantifiable results allows manufacturers to set defined parameters and predict potential variations and changes in final color outcomes. According to the online article “Best Practices and Solution Tools to Automate Colour Quality Control in Plastic Extrusion Processing”, “Colour Process Automation Technology (cPAT) introduces best practices and solution tools to help plastics manufacturers achieve greater performance by moving from a philosophy of time-interval based colour QC to a more dynamic approach to continuous monitoring, closed-loop colour control, and automated defect containment. Colour process automation technology allows organizations to measure, analyze, control and document the colour of extruded plastic in real-time through the measurement of Critical Colour Process Parameters (CCPP) which affect Critical Colour Quality Attributes (CCQA).”

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Advantages of Recycling Plastics

Plastics should be recycled because of a number of reasons as can be seen below:

Provision of a Sustainable Source of Raw Materials

Recycling plastics provides a sustainable source of raw materials to the manufacturing industry. Once the plastics are recycled, they are sent to manufacturing industries to be redesigned and converted into new shapes and used in different appliances.

Reduces Environmental Problems

Since plastics are non-biodegradable, they pose a high risk to the people and the environment as a whole. They can block sewer lines, drainages and other waterways leading to blockages and unwanted pileups. When plastics are eliminated through recycling, the environment looks clean and inhabitable.

Reduces Landfill Problems

Recycling plastics minimizes the amount of plastic being taken to the ever-diminishing landfill sites. Most countries have designated areas specifically meant for burying plastics. When they are recycled, these sites will receive little plastic garbage. The remaining areas can be used for other purposes instead of dumping plastics that do not rot. These areas can be used for agriculture or for human settlement. It should be understood that human population is growing each day and land is becoming a problem. Instead of misusing the land for garbage disposal it can be used for settlement and other important economic activities.

Consumes Less Energy

Recycling of materials including plastics requires less energy as compared to making the plastic from scratch. This saves energy and that energy can be diverted to other important things in the economy. It is therefore important to encourage plastic recycling in the manufacturing industry as it will save the economy billions of money. The process of manufacturing plastic using natural raw materials is expensive and time consuming compared to the recycling process.

Encourages a Sustainable Lifestyle among People

Individuals who have ventured into plastic collection and recycling business will experience improved lifestyles as they will get their daily income from the business. This will, in the long run, improve the economy and boost the living standards of the people. So do not just sit there doing nothing, embrace plastic recycling activities and improve your economic standards.

In summary, any sort of effort aimed at saving the environment is very important and matters a lot. Since its inception during the environmental revolution in the late 1960s, plastic recycling is one of the most encouraged solid waste management programs in the world. Prior to the push to use of plastic containers by manufacturers, products were packaged in glass, metal and paper. Therefore, in order to keep our environment clean, reduce landfills, provide a sustainable supply of plastics to manufacturers, it is important to recycle plastics.

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