Plastic Packaging & The Environment
Contrary to what some might think, plastic packaging actually provides many environmental benefits, provided that it is properly collected and disposed of. Reports prove that the total packaging consumption of energy, packaging mass and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would rise if materials other than plastic packaging were to be used. There are many aspects that contribute to plastic packaging reducing emissions and saving resources.
First and foremost, plastic packaging is lightweight yet strong which means that fewer vehicles and fuel are needed to transport it. It goes without saying that this is a great contribution to saving resources and reducing emissions. Additionally, “single-use” items like plastic packaging of fruit and vegetables are a hygienic way of purchasing food while also reducing waste and resource consumption. There have been many innovations in plastic packaging as a means of keeping food fresh and reducing wastage in shops and homes.
Does The Production Of Plastic Packaging Use A Lot Of Energy?
Equally important in terms of saving energy, is that plastic packaging production uses just about half as much energy as alternative materials. This not only pays off in the production process but also in its light and affordable transportation when plastic packaging is used to protect goods. The plastics industry is overall dedicated to resource-efficient plastic packaging, through using less energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
As the industry continues to revolutionize and improve production and waste management, there have been innovations in, recycling, prevention, preparation for re-use, and disposal of plastic packaging. Since it is lighter than it used to be, fewer raw materials are used, and in turn, there is less packaging and waste. Lightweight products including milk bottles, easy-to-open, re-sealable and recyclable containers, and jars, definitely contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. Many sorts of plastics packaging are available as long-life artifacts, such as crates and re-usable bags play a grand role in responsible retailing as they have long lifespans.
Then there is the constant improvement of plastic recycling which gives plastic packaging a whole new life in aspects such as building and construction, furniture, bags, or footwear. There are also other recovery methods at the end of plastic packaging life, which include plastic packaging submitted to energy from waste schemes. Having a high calorific value makes plastics a highly effective energy source. However, no plastics should ever be thrown in landfills for better environmental awareness and reduction in litter.
The Most Important Types of Thermoplastics Part #2
The number of plastic materials is ever-increasing to accommodate market needs. Plastics have, in some way, dominated the modern world. This due to the fact that plastic can be used for about everything because of its different and adjustable features and properties. Nonetheless, almost 90% of the plastic products produced around the world are made from six main types of plastic materials, namely polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyester. All are extremely useful, versatile, and utilized in major industries.
Please click here to know more about polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polystyrene
ISOTACTIC POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) accounts for 23% of the global consumption of plastics materials. It is one of the cheapest thermoplastics and the largest volume commodity thermoplastics. The number 1 most popular commercial polypropylene is isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) with an intermediate level of crystallinity. (i-PP) features include; flexibility, high resistance to impact, and optical clarity. Further, Isotactic polypropylene competes in many areas with HDPE which has stress crack and temperature resistance, higher melting point but lower impact resistance. Polypropylene and is largely consumed by the plastics industry followed by the automotive and textile industry. PP has replaced other materials such as; cellophane, metal, wood, and glass due to its many attractive properties.
Polyurethanes (PUR)
Polyurethanes properties can be tailored to suit a wide number of applications. They can flexible and soft or hard and rigid, thermoplastic or thermosetting. Because the properties of PURs are dependent on the structure, they can have high rigidity or high toughness and flexibility. In addition, most Polyurethanes have good resistance to ozone, oxygen, oil, and hydrocarbons. Polyurethanes are used in the production of a wide range of products including; rigid and flexible foams, coatings, sealants, and adhesives. They are also used in the fabrication of synthetic fibers (Spandex) and as electrical potting compounds.
POLYESTER (PET, PETE)
Polyethylene terephthalate accounts for about 7% of the global consumption of plastics. When solidified by rapid cooling, PET is turned into a transparent, amorphous thermoplastic and when cold-drawn or cooled slowly it is turned into a semi-crystalline plastic. One of the major attractive features of PET, is that it could be molded or thermoformed into any shape. In addition, polyethylene terephthalate has many other attractive characteristics including; relatively high toughness and strength good abrasion and heat resistance, excellent dimensional stability and low creep at high temperature. These characteristics make PET fibers a popular choice for textile applications. On other hand, PET is used, as a thermoplastic in manufacturing blow-molded bottles for water and soft drinks. Polyester is also used in manufactures handles and housings for household appliances such as toasters, stoves, and showerheads.
The Most Important Types of Thermoplastics Part #1
The number of plastic materials is ever-increasing to accommodate market needs. Plastics have, in some way, dominated the modern world. This due to the fact that plastic can be used for about everything because of its different and adjustable features and properties. Nonetheless, almost 90% of the plastic products produced around the world are made from six main types of plastic materials, namely polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyester. All are extremely useful, versatile, and utilized in major industries.
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
Polyvinylchloride is a clear amorphous polymer with good resistance to heat and flame. Additionally, chemically pure Polyvinylchloride is hard and rigid with low impact strength. PVC is the 3rd most widely used type of commodity thermoplastics. As one of the cheapest thermoplastics, Polyvinylchloride accounts for 16 percent of the global plastics consumption. This is due to the fact that it is compatible with many plasticizers which improves its strength and flexibility. Polyvinylchloride is widely used in construction industries which account for 75% of the total consumption of PVC in the USA and Europe. PVC is used in flooring, water pipes, sewage, wire and cable insulations, and sidings.
LDPE LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LPDE, LLPDE)
Low-Density POLYETHYLENE accounts for 17% of global plastic consumption. It is considered the second-largest volume of commodity plastics and one of the cheapest thermoplastics. There are two main grades of Low-Density POLYETHYLENE namely, low density (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), both are tough, inexpensive, and flexible. Compared to HDPE, LDPE has lower crystallinity and density as well as higher flexibility. However, LDPE has a lower melting point, strength, and heat deflection temperature than HDPE. Common uses of LDPE and LLDPE include grocery bags, bubble wraps, food packaging and envelope films.
HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)
HDPE accounts for 15% of global plastics consumption and is also one of the cheapest thermoplastics. It has a higher degree of crystallinity and the crystals are much larger than LDPE resulting in more rigid and denser polyethylene which makes it harder and stronger than LDPE. However, HDPE is less flexible than LDPE and has lower stress crack resistance. HDPE can also be colored to any requirement even though it is typically opaque. HDPE is used in manufacturing rigid containers, lids, bottles, pails, and drums as part of the consumer goods industry.
POLYSTYRENE (PS, EPS)
Polystyrene (PS, EPS) accounts for 7% of global plastics consumption. This type of thermoplastic has high optical clarity in addition to good electrical and thermal properties. On the other hand, PS & EPS has poor UV and oxygen resistance which consider limitations when it comes to using Polystyrene. These limitations are handled by the copolymerization of styrene with monomers. Styrene and its copolymers are used to manufacture various consumer goods including; housewares, CD cases, plastic cups, and cosmetic containers.
To be continued…..
Coronavirus Impact on Commodity Plastics Market
The commodity plastics market has witnessed a minor decline in its growth since the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, as commodity plastics used in industries such as construction, electronics, construction, and textile have witnessed a decline in demand during this period. However, the global commodity plastics market is expected to grow to reach USD 596.1 billion by 2025. Factors such as increasing metal prices, the growing packaging industry, and the growing production of lightweight commodities are among the main driving factors of the market.
COVID-19 crisis has also played a major role in the commodity plastics industry market.
– During COVID-19, single-use disposable packaging has made a comeback to the market, since many considered it as the more hygienic and safer choice for food packaging. In addition, many commodity plastics manufacturers have altered their designs and shifted their operations as a swift response to the pandemic.
– While the restaurant and foodservice industry has suffered from a grinding halt during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, commodity plastics have played a role in providing an effective solution for food packaging and delivery.
– On the other hand, travel restrictions have led to a decline in automobile sales and many companies in China and the US have suspended their operations. This, in turn, has led to a decrease in the use of plastics in the automotive industry.
– Moreover, COVID-19 has caused disruption in the electronics industry which also affected the commodity plastics industry. Since China is the major supplier and manufacturer of raw materials, COVID-19 outbreak in the country has led to disruption of the supply chain and necessitated the need for global players.
– COVID-19 had a negative impact on the global construction business. The pandemic has affected key cost constituents of construction projects such as material and labor which created a challenge for contractors with ongoing projects. Many contractors have resorted to cost-effective approaches to manage the crisis.
While the effect of coronavirus on the commodity plastics market has been aggressive, new product launches, expansion, and acquisitions are to offer new growth opportunities for market players during the next five years.
Commodity Plastics vs. Engineering Plastics
Thermoplastics are a wide group of materials divided into two main groups based on their usage- engineering plastics and commodity plastics. These plastics are made of chains of molecules called polymers that maintain their connection through intermolecular forces. Thermoplastics are made when polymer is melted and injected into steel or aluminum molds at high pressure.
Why We Need Plastic Packaging?
Nowadays, plastic packaging has become essential in our modern lives, with many reasons for us to rely on it. First and foremost, plastic packaging keeps products safe from damage while being transported and protects them against contamination or damage resulting from humidity, moisture gases, insects, microorganisms and light.
Another primary aspect of plastic packing is the preservation of distinct products for longer periods of time, which cuts down waste, as it gives people longer time to use or consume them before they go bad. This is also a huge plus in terms of waste prevention since it not only enables products to last longer but also keeps things together and spillages are avoided.
Moreover, transportation over long distances is made easier and trade is facilitated and encouraged, with better access to a wide variety of non-local goods.
Also, plastic packaging helps in saving space by stacking objects in a more portable way which makes transport a lot more efficient.
What would happen without plastic packaging?
As mentioned before, plastic packaging permits food to travel further distances, last longer on shelves and prevents large amounts of food from going to waste. It makes environmental sense to keep food lasting as long as possible, in order to not have the resources invested in its growth be in vain.
This is because it takes significantly more resources to produce the food itself. It is also important to safeguard the delivery process around the global economy and this is where plastic packaging comes in, to save out-of-season fruit, liquids, powders, gels, and other specialist items.
Therefore, plastic packaging is imperative when it comes to protecting food from spoiling. Food waste has a considerably higher environmental impact than packaging waste, mainly in the form of its carbon footprint.
Nonetheless, there are diverse types of plastics with distinct functional properties; some are safe for food, transparent, opaque, flexible, and chemical and heat resistant. This in turn makes plastic packaging an ideal packaging material for a wide array of modern requirements. Without this, it gets very hard to serve many needs and it can almost be impossible to transport and make use of a wide range of products that we all rely on in our everyday lives.
What Would Life Be Like Without Plastics
Plastic has a long history that dates back to as early as 1869 with the development of the first synthetic polymer material which was used in billiard balls as a substitute for ivory. It was made popular in the 1940s, as WWII required an increase in production and the demand for resources rose above the supply. An abundance of new materials was developed for use in clothing, packaging, and machine parts with the popularity of synthetic materials continuing even after the war was over. In our present-day, plastics play a vital role in maintaining our lifestyles as they exist in almost every type of product we use. Whether it is food packaging, electronics, clothing, furniture, or many more options, you’d be surprised to know that it is almost impossible to go on with our everyday life without using plastic.
Realizing how much plastic we use in our everyday objects makes it clear that a completely plastic-free lifestyle is near nonexistent. Although plastics seem to have a bad reputation for the environmental strain they cause, it is important to keep in mind that there are many other factors before reaching a judgment. Considering the convenience of plastics in our day-to-day lives, it is too great to overlook. Nonetheless, there are certain circumstances where plastic may in fact be a more environmentally friendly option than alternatives such as glass, wood, and metal. They can serve as a substitute but not be environmentally friendly. For example, a large amount of heat energy is needed in order to melt glass and form it into the needed shapes. Wood products also require the harvesting of trees, which in turn harms natural ecosystems. In addition, all three of these materials are heavier than plastic, and this affects the amount of energy that is needed for their transportation.
All things considered, plastics play a major role in our lives that cannot simply be replaced by other materials. We all encounter an abundance of plastic from the moment we open our eyes till the end of the day. For instance, your day starts with your alarm clock ringing as you climb out of bed and grab your glasses case, and put the frames on. You head to the bathroom and grab your toothbrush and toothpaste tube, then you open your closet, take out an outfit, button up your shirt, and grab your hairbrush. You head to the kitchen, open the pantry for breakfast, and pull the cereal box down to pour in a bowl. You might also take the milk carton or the juice box, turn on the coffee maker, and take your cup of coffee to your car as you fasten your seatbelt and head on to work. Just as you’ve dealt with numerous plastic supplies, you’ll also use countless more at the office and the restaurant or gym you might head to after work. You’ve now realized how many everyday objects contain plastic in our lives, which makes us wonder, what would life be like without plastic?
Blow Molding vs. Injection Molding
Blow molding is a process used for manufacturing and forming hollow plastic parts. The basic steps of blow molding are also used in forming other hollow shapes such as glass bottles. Blow molding is considered a very cost-effective method of manufacturing plastics, as it used to produce large quantities of containers.
Why Invest In New Machinery?
Easy money, economy expansion, less taxes
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. economy has extended by 6.4% in the first quarter of the year with a seasonally adjusted annual rate. The growth of the plastic industry leans towards tracking economic growth that is measured by gross domestic product (GDP). Nonetheless, the industry is best to consider investment in new machinery given that it will be in optimum profit-maximization mode this year.
