PACKAGING & FILM

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Plastics and chemicals are used extensively in the packaging industry because they are versatile and adaptable for a multitude of uses in different applications. Plastics can be rigid or flexible, transparent or opaque, and can be moulded into all sorts of shapes and sizes.

In the food and beverages sector, plastic packaging helps preserve freshness, flavour and hygiene. Plastic bottles for soft beverages are strong enough to be transported and light enough to reduce fuel consumption, unlike their heavier glass counterparts. Plastics require less energy to manufacture than other materials.

The choice of plastics depends on the application. PET, polyethylene and polypropylene are commonly used for bottles, trays and as thin flexible film. Polystyrene is suitable for heat-resistance such as cups for hot beverages. PVC is flexible, transparent and tough, has oxygen and water barrier properties, and is therefore suitable for cling film for food and blister packaging for batteries. Polyamide flexible packaging film is used for its barrier properties for food sensitive to oxygen such as meat and cheese. Polyurethane packaging foam can be customised to protect electronic equipment during transportation.

Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), a derivative of vinyl acetate monomer, is an important oxygen barrier for food packaging. Polyvinyl alcohol film is used in single-dose detergent capsules.

Some types of plastic packaging can be recycled after use into other products such as building materials, hoses, flooring and synthetic fleeces.