It is not possible to understand the quick evolution of plastic materials without associating it with the industrial revolution of the 19th century. A society that demands more and more materials to produce on a large scale causes the need to find substitutes for the natural raw materials used until then, doomed to obtain them through chemical processes in the laboratory.
From 1907, continuous innovations helped to change from natural to synthetic plastics and, from the 1980s onwards, plastic production grew so much that it provided the perfect setting to develop some of the plastics we use most today and their different applications.
The 20th century was a very prolific time for the sector, which laid the foundation for developing this material until reaching plastics such as PET, one of the most used nowadays.
The evolution of plastic, throughout history, has always been driven by the need to replace other materials that were scarcer or whose characteristics were not sufficient for market demands. Its infinite applications, its high strength or the fact that it can be recycled and used repeatedly, have made it the most used material of recent decades by far.
From food packaging, beverages, chemicals and other types, to its application in sectors such as construction, health or transport, plastic has been making its way into an essential material today, and that has made possible great advances in science and technology, among other fields.
Types of plastic packaging
All these changes, throughout history, have resulted in different types of packaging and characteristics to be adapted to very different products from all sectors. Some of the most useful packaging materials today are PET, HDPE, as well as those used in multilayer coextrusion.
Pet Packaging
The PET container can be semi – rigid or rigid, it is light, resistant to strong impacts. This material acts very well as a barrier to moisture, oxygen and CO2, so it is widely used as a container for beverages, food, medicines, cosmetic products, etc. In addition, PET packaging is recyclable, which also makes them one of the most in-demand types of plastic packaging.
HDPE packaging
HDPE, on the other hand, is harder, opaque, and resistant to high temperatures. It is the most produced synthetic polymer worldwide, as its characteristics make it perfect for food containers, bottles, plugs, cosmetic packaging, etc., and in addition, it is 100% recyclable, being the key to a circular economy.
Coex Barrier Packaging + Fluorinated Packaging
Multilayer coextrusion is the extrusion of two or more polymers that results in a multilayer structure. This technology combines several materials to produce containers with barrier properties, more resistant than other types of packaging and, therefore, perfect for packing demanding sectors such as chemicals.
Another technology that allows to produce containers with barrier properties is plasma fluorination. Up until now, fluorination was obtained by direct applying fluorine gas. With this technology it is possible to turn an HDPE container into a barrier container, more resistant and 100% recyclable. Nowadays, it is possible to get a fluorination plastic packaging without using fluorine gas. Although not yet widespread, at Alcion Packaging Solutions we are one of the few companies that is ready to incorporate Plasma Fluorination technology into its processing plant, creating packaging that best suits sectors such as agrochemicals, respecting the environment and facilitating recycling.
Both co-extrusion and plasma fluorination packaging far exceeds other types of packaging and its characteristics in sectors where products are aggressive and barrier properties are essential, such as agrochemical or industrial.
How to choose the type of packaging that best suits my product?
All plastic containers must fulfil the bunker function: contain, protect, conserve and transport. But for this function to be fulfilled, it is important to consider how each container reacts to the product it contains and the environmental conditions where it is exposed. It is essential to analyse the interaction “ packaging – product – environment” to make a decision.
The types of packaging and its characteristics are very different. There are 10 questions that you have to ask yourself to choose the packaging that best suits your product.
Factors such as packaging capacity, ergonomics, design, preservation, and safety are decisive when choosing. But the characteristics of the product you want to pack will most condition the choice of the right packaging.
At Alcion Packaging Solutions, we have been producing packaging for 75 years to suit the needs of each of our customers. Approved according to the legislative requirements of each sector. From an economic, design or sustainability point of view, our goal is to get customised packaging for each product.
In addition, we are committed to the environment and ISO 14001 certified, because we are convinced that our products have more than one life, and we want to be part of the circular economy.
Choosing the right plastic container to package your product is much more than determining its shape, colour, capacity, or its dimensions. The plastics processing industry, in general, and the manufacturers of plastic containers, in particular, offer a wide range of options. Considering product characteristics and packaging conditions will help you to get suitable results, although the choice can be complicated.
To make the decision process a little easier, here are the 10 questions you should ask yourself to choose the right plastic container. Make sure you follow them to get the right decision.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PLASTIC PACKAGING
To identify what type of plastic packaging can be used to package a particular product, you will need to analyse its characteristics, which are defined according to the materials that make it up, its mechanical, barrier, optical and thermal properties, as well as its interaction with both, the product it contains and the environment where it is going to be.
Taking into account the characteristics and behaviour of each polymer, the relationship between the packaging and the product it contains will give different results. You will have to determine what structure you need to package your product... Whether you need a single-layer structure or a barrier container, or if it should be a multilayer one or a more sustainable version using a plasma fluorination.
WHAT DO YO HAVE TO VALUE WHEN CHOOSING A PLASTIC PACKAGE?
To choose a plastic container you must consider:
1. Capacity
The plastic container must have the rated capacity adjusted to the product to be contained. Do not forget to calculate the brimful capacity, that is the maximum amount a container can hold, based on the density of the product you are packaging. A half empty container might cause problems for both, the preservation of the product, due to the oxygen that you will allow it to be inside of the plastic container, and for its presentation, which may even appear to be lower than indicated.
Rated capacity vs brimful capacity
2. Material
There are many options in the industry of manufacturers of plastic containers, either in single-layer packaging (HDPE, PET, etc.) or barrier containers (multilayer structures or fluorination treatments, the newest being plasma fluorination). Any of them will be, apparently, appropriate but it will all depend on the product to be packaged. Therefore, the most important point is to determine the characteristics and behaviour of the product that will contain the plastic container as well as to analyse its compatibility through the relevant tests. In the case of agrochemicals or industrial products (automotive, dyes, pigments, chlorinated products...) for example, you may have to bet on the safety and choose a barrier container, to prevent the reactions generated by the packaged product itself from deforming the packaging or leaking.
Single-layer plastic container vs barrier layer plastic container
3. Ergonomics
The shape of a plastic container, either cylindrical, oval or square, etc will facilitate or not its storage and will determine the cost of transport per unit. Its closure device will also have to assist the consumer to dispense the product and allow reasonable ease to open the container by the intended consumer and keep the product secure and preserved.
4. Design
Packaging design can also be the key to attracting the customer. Choosing a plastic container that is both functional and visually striking is important if you want your brand to stand out from the others.
5. Decoration
The plastic container you choose will determine how it will be decorated as it will have to be adapted to its hardness or flexibility, its shape (cylindrical, square, oval…), deciding whether you prefer a label or screen printing to adapt texts and images to the area designed in the container itself. This will affect the deadlines for your product launch.
Label decoration vs screen printing decoration
6. Preservation
During the storage and transportation of the product, the product will be exposed to different physical and environmental factors that may alter its conditions. Therefore, the plastic container you choose must be able to preserve and protect the product properly preventing from its own deformation.
7. Security
The plastic container must be safe and resistant enough not to get degraded, deformed, collapsed or to leak during transportation and handling.
Approval according to the legislation required in your sector of activity will give you that guarantee since it requires tests that ensure it: UN according to ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.), and other issues such as migration tests for food, ...
UN Approvals – Other tests
8. Sustainability
Depending on how important environmental care is to your business or target customer, you should consider choosing a sustainable plastic container. Your degree of commitment to sustainability will be determined by your business philosophy and your business values, firstly, but also by the application of legislation on plastic packaging that both, the EU and each member country, have been publishing since 2018. Recyclability is a term you must consider when making your decision.
Sustainable Commitment - Legislation - Recyclability
9. Cost
Spending large amounts of money on the packaging does not guarantee the overall benefits or results. A primarily full study is required to determine the available budget before choosing the plastic container you want to use. It is important to determine the proper weight of the packaging, intimately related to the material and technology, as it will determine the final price of your product and the cost of transport and its handling.
10. Competition
When carrying out any action in a company, it is important to observe the competition and consider the type of packaging used for similar products. It may save you some work but do not forget to question whether it is really the right solution. We suggest you ask an expert for advice. The commercial team of ALCION PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, always at your disposal, will solve any of your doubts.
Do you want to know which type of plastic suits best your product? Find out how we can help you.
