How badly can packaging turn out if the wrong jar or bottle resins are used for a product? Take our word for it that it can go very badly, especially if your product packaging experiences paneling (collapsing inward) or acidic contents eating through the plastic. If you consult these guidelines, however, we can help you preserve shelf-appeal and product integrity and optimize the way you stand out to consumers.
Stand Out! Know Each Strength and Weakness
Although there are many different types of resins used for plastic bottles and jars, there are several very popular options with, particularly important strengths. We recommend getting familiar with the following bottle resins so your product stands out in the best way possible:
Polypropylene Resin: Commonly referred to as PP, this bottle resin can tolerate hot fill up to 240 degrees. This is a higher temperature tolerance than many other resins. It also provides a great barrier for water and very good resistance to alkalis. When using PP for bottle resins, however, be aware that it has only a poor-to-good impact strength and is a poor barrier for oxygen and carbon dioxide.
High-Density Polyethylene Resin: Commonly referred to as HDPE, this resin has many great strengths. It provides a great barrier for water, good to very good resistance to alkalis, good to excellent impact strength, and can withstand low temperatures to -100C. However, like PP, HDPE provides a poor barrier for oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Low-Density Polyethylene Resin: LDPE is known to provide a good resistance to alcohols in addition to the benefits of HDPE: a good barrier for water, good to very good resistance to alkalis, excellent impact strength, and the ability to withstand low temperatures to -100C. However, like HDPE, LDPE also provides a poor barrier for oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin: There are several types of PET resins. In general, PET’s strengths can be found in two areas: many types of PET have good resistance to alcohols and acids and PET is excellent at providing a barrier for oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, PET tends to have poor resistance to alkalis and most have only poor-to-fair impact strength.
Because each has its own strengths and weaknesses along with recommended applications, we always recommend going beyond the guidelines above with testing and custom consultation. This will ensure your packaging is tailored appropriately.
Other Considerations With Jar & Bottle Resins
For the bottle resins above, we focused on common contents, content properties, and fill processes. We also made reference to impact strength so shipping and customer experience go as smoothly as possible. However, there are other variables you should consider as well, like bottle weight and wall thickness. Each will have an effect on material performance. We can help you consider everything you need, taking the guidelines above to the next step.
Are you interested in learning more? Consider this read on how the fluorination process plays a role in preserving your packaging, optimizing your product for long-lasting shelf-appeal.
Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us today to talk with a packaging specialist.
