Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Thermoplastics: Matching Plastics To Packaging

By Lenna Stockwell


Thermoplastic is a word that encompasses many unique varieties of plastic. In general, just about any product can be created by a thermoforming company. Often though, thermoplastics are used as a container or package. If you have a product that needs packaging or needs to be created out of thermoplastic, one of the first steps is determining which thermoplastic best suits your needs.

When you are creating a bottle to store a liquid, there are several thermoplastics that might be suitable. For water bottles or perhaps soda or another carbonated product, polyethylene terephthalate often is used. This type of thermoplastic package has properties that make it ideally suitable for liquids. In addition, you also will be creating a package or bottle that is made from a plastic that is easy to recycle. This thermoplastic is allowable by virtually all of our nation's community recycling programs. Polyethylene terephthalate, also called PET, can be recycled and used to create different types of containers, carpeting and more.

While some liquids are ideal for PET, some need a different type of thermoplastic. A thermoforming company might recommend high-density polyethylene for a bottle containing a chemical, such as detergent or bleach or some type of cleaner. This plastic, also known as HDPE, is an excellent choice for such liquids, but also is used for liquids such as milk and even as food storage containers. One cool fact about HDPE is that currently it is being used to produce filament for 3-D printers.

For other types of liquid, low-density polyethylene might be the best option. This thermoplastic, which is known simply as LDPE, is used to store highly acidic liquids as well as oils, including both vegetable and mineral-based oil. It is used to hold everything from salad dressings to ketchup, and is perfect for a squeeze-type bottle. Its inherent flexibility also makes it a solid choice if you are in need of a container with a flexible lid. LDPE is perhaps best known, however, as the source of plastic grocery store bags.

Polypropylene is yet another option for custom thermoforming. This is yet another form of thermoplastic that can be used to make reusable containers. Sometimes your custom thermoform packaging will include more than one type of product. For instance, you might have part of the package created out of HDPE and the lid formed out of polypropylene. In addition, polypropylene also can be used to create items in sheet form, such as the coating for trading cards or stationary folders.

Thermoforming companies, such as Indepak, will have many suitable ideas for the creation of your product. They can produce thermoplastic products or all types of thermoform packaging. This includes thermoform trays, bottles, blister packs, clamshells and just about anything else you can imagine. Contact a thermoforming company today and discuss your product or packaging needs.




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