| Guide to Plastic Bottles |
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:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Typical properties of PVC are:
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.
Polyethylene terephthalate(PET or PETE or polyester)
Typical properties of PETE are:
PET Plastic bottles are used to hold water, carbonated beverages, medicines, milk, and similar products.
Polypropylene (PP)
Typical properties of polypropylene are:
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:
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:
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.
Fluorine Treated HDPE
HPDE plastic bottles are treated with fluorine gas to increase its barrier towards hydrocarbon and aromatic solvents.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
