Thermoplastics: Matching Plastics To Packaging

By Lenna Stockwell


There are many different types of thermoplastic, and in general, these types of plastics are some of the most versatile substances on earth. A custom thermoforming company can create just about any shape and size of package that you might need. However, each product is different and it is important to select the ideal type of thermoplastic for your product.

If your product is some type of liquid, there are a few different thermoplastics that might work. For instance, polyethylene terephthalate, which also is known at PET, might be a good option for a carbonated liquid or water. Water bottles, all types of soda as well as many other liquids often are stored in containers made from PET. A thermoforming company can create a PET bottle specifically for your product. Among thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate is perhaps the easiest to recycle. Virtually all curbside recycling programs allow PET.

For liquids that are a bit more acidic or perhaps contain a chemical such as bleach or ammonia, you will need a type of thermoplastic that will be resistant to the chemical you produce. For these liquids, it might be wise to consider high-density polyethylene. This thermoplastic is also simply called HDPE and aside from being used to create bottles for detergent, cleaners, bleach and milk, HDPE also is used to create the filament in 3-D printers as well as containers for food storage and even whimsical products such as hula hoops.

In addition to high-density polyethylene, there is also low-density polyethylene or LDPE This type of plastic can hold everything from products with a high acid content to a variety of oils, including vegetable oils and mineral oils. When it comes to thermoform packaging, LDPE is used to package items such as computer hardware and also to make flexible, pliable lids for a variety of thermoplastic containers and even squeeze bottles for condiments and salad dressings. LDPE also is used to create the plastic bags we get at grocery stores.

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.

No matter what type of product or package you need, there is an ideal thermoform plastic to consider. A thermoforming company can help you come up with a product design or a custom packaging solution that is right for you. So whether you need blister packaging, clamshell packaging, bottles, containers or thermoform trays, just about anything can be created through the process of custom thermoforming.




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