Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used products across the world. Plastic bottles come in various designs, materials and shapes based on the material they hold and its storage.
Resins used in plastic bottles Plastic bottles are made from various resins, such as:
PVC bottles are used to hold cooking oils at room temperature, vinegar, cosmetic products such as moisturizers, shampoos, and similar products. It is useful to store products in freezers as it allows expansion and contraction without cracking.
good chemical resistance (except ketones and acetones)
tensile strength
high impact resistance
low resistance to high temperatures (maximum 160°F)
blocks gases and moisture
PET Plastic bottles are used to hold water, carbonated beverages, medicines, milk, and similar products.
Polypropylene (PP) Typical properties of polypropylene are:
good resistance to high temperatures (up to 200°F)
excellent moisture barrier
high rigidity
autoclave properties
high chemical resistance
low impact resistance at cold temperatures
PP plastic bottles are ideal for sterilization of surgical instruments. They can hold hot fill liquids such as coffee, tea, etc. They are made into jars and storage bottles.
K-Resin SBC K-resin is a derivative of styrene. Typical properties are:
transparency
high gloss
high impact resistance
rigidity
susceptible to solvents (alcohols, ketones, esters, and ethers), fats and unsaturated oils
low barrier to moisture and oxygen
K-resin SBC plastic bottles are commonly used in attractive display and point of purchase packaging of products. They are not suitable for long term packaging of certain aqueous products.
High density polyethylene (HDPE) HPDE is the most economical and commonly used resin in the manufacture of plastic bottles. Typical properties are:
good moisture barrier
good impact resistance
incompatible with solvents
resistant to acids, caustics and similar chemicals
translucent
non-glossy
flexible
tolerance to below freezing temperature
susceptible to high temperatures ( maximum 160°F)
unusable for vacuum sealing
HPDE plastic bottles are available in food grade (FDA compliant) quality. They are used widely to store food products (especially perishable), body products, medicinal supplements, tablets, household cleaning fluids, and similar products.
They are ideal for storing insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides; photographic, electronic, and agricultural chemicals; household, medical and industrial cleaners and solvents; citrus products; cosmetics; flavoring agents; fuels; surfactants; construction, painting and paneling polishes and products; graffiti cleaning products; and similar products.
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) The chemical composition of LDPE is similar to HPDE, but their properties differ somewhat. Typical properties of LDPE are:
highly flexible
non-reactive with dilute and concentrated acids, alcohols, bases and esters
more translucent than HPDE
high resistance to ketones, aldehydes and vegetable oils
susceptible to halogenated hydrocarbons
LPDE plastic bottles are ideal for squeezing applications, as they are quite flexible. They are used in dropper bottles, squeeze bottles for cosmetics and medicines, wash bottles, carboys, and similar products.
Polystyrene (PS) Typical properties of polystyrene are:
rigidity
low impact resistance
high clarity
low barrier to gases and moisture
good thermal insulation
low heat transfer
Polystyrene plastic bottles are inexpensive and are more commonly used to store semi-dry materials such as tablets, spices, petroleum jellies, sterilized filtrates, and similar products.
Post Consumer Resin (PCR) PCR is produced by recycling mostly milk and water HPDE containers and virgin resin. Typical properties are:
stress resistant
odorless
slight yellow tint
reacts with food and pharmaceutical products
PCR plastic bottles are cheap and can be processed easily in various recycled content percentages. The 100% PCR bottles are used to store household cleaning liquids. Improved processing methods have produced 100% PCR bottles suitable for storing liquor.
Recycling plastic bottles To help consumers recycle plastic bottles, the bottles are marked underneath with a triangular symbol of three "chasing" arrows around a number corresponding to the type of plastic. The numbers are:
1 – PETE
2 – HPDE
3 – PVC or V
4 – LPDE
5 – PP
6 – PS
7 – Other
Plastic should be recycled to reduce its effect as a pollutant to the earth's environment. Consumers and distributors should be educated about recycling plastic bottles.
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