Did You Know?
The plastics packaging industry in
Canada is one of the three major product lines dominating the plastics
industry in general, accounting for 34% of total plastics production!
Did You Know?
Plastic tubs are being recycled into plastic shipping pallets!
Packaging
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Think about it, plastics in packaging keeps our food fresh by providing a hygienic environment, preventing food waste and contamination, improving visibility, and supporting ambient shelf storage.
In this way we can enjoy fruits, vegetables, baked goods, fresh and processed meats, and cooked poultry. The packaging industry has developed clear plastic egg cartons made from recycled plastic, which can be recycled. In addition, we can also choose and enjoy our favourite ketchup, juices and/or milk products.
Types of flexible packaging range from bags and bubble wrap to tubes, stand-up pouches and foam cushioning materials. Rigid packaging includes blisters, bottles, cartridges, clam shells, pallets and trays.
The six polymers used in plastics packaging are:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET),the most commonly recycled plastic, is used in a variety of bottles including soft-drink, water, and salad dressing bottles. Other applications include oven resistant film and prepared food trays.
- High-density polyethylene is used in applications such as yogurt and margarine containers; milk, shampoo, and detergent bottles; garbage and retail bags; and industrial wrapping.
- Low-density polyethylene is used for cellophane wrap, dry-cleaning, bread and frozen food bags, and squeezable bottles (e.g., honey and mustard).
- Polypropylene is employed in film, crates, microwavable containers, and medicine bottles.
- Polystyrene, which can be rigid or foamed (as in styrofoam), is used in take-out food packaging, egg cartons, and packaging “peanuts” or “popcorn”.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used in clear food and non-food packaging.
Plastics packaging is the major use for polyethylene and polypropylene. Canada’s abundant oil and gas resources—from which these polymers are produced—create the strong industry that produces plastic packaging materials.
Links to more information on Plastic Packaging:
www.plasticsindustry.org/AboutPlastics/content.cfm?ItemNumber=636&navItemNumber=1118
www.americanchemistry.com/Plastics/sec_content.asp?CID=1078&DID=4232
www.plastics.ca/news/default.php?id=56
Links to information on biodegradable plastics:
www.cpia.ca/newsroom/details.php?ID=334
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodegradable_plastic
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