Polymers, thermoplastics

Properties:

• Excellent barrier against atmospheric gases.
• Prevents gas from escaping the package.
• Does not flavour the contents. 
• Sparkling 'crystal clear' appearance. 
• Very tough. 
• Lightweight- low density.

Applications:

-Carbonated bottles.

- Packaging for highly flavoured food. 

- Microwavable food trays. 

Properties:

• Highly resistant to chemicals.
• Good barrier to water. 
• Tough and hard wearing. 
• Decorative when coloured. 
• Lightweight and floats on water. 
• Rigid.

Applications:

- Unbreakable bottles (for washing up liquid, detergents, cosmetics, toiletries, etc). 

- Very thin packaging sheets. 

Properties:

• Weather resistant- does not rot. 
• Chemical resistant- does not corrode. 
• Protects products from moisture and gases while holding-in preserving gases. 
• Strong, good abrasive resistance and tough. 
• Can be manufactured either rigid or flexible. 

Applications:

- Packaging for toiletries, pharmaceutical products, food and confectionery, water and fruit juices. 

Properties:

• Good resistance to chemicals.
• Good barrier to water, but not gases. 
• Tough and hard wearing. 
• Decorative when coloured. 
• Very light and floats on water.
• Very flexible. 

Applications:

-Stretch wrapping, milk carton coatings. 

Properties:

• Lightweight. 
• Rigid. 
• Excellent chemical resistance. 
• Versatile- can be stiffer than polyethylene or very flexible. 
• Low moisture absorption. 
• Good impact resistance. 

Applications:

- Food packaging- yoghurt and margarine pots, sweet and snack wrappers,

- Used for laminating paper and board. 

Properties:

Rigid polystyrene:                                                      Applications:

• Transparent                                                         - Foodpackaging, yoghurt pots, CD jewel cases,       Rigid.                                                                     audio cassette cases. 
• Lightweight.                                                     
• Low water absorption. 

Expanded polystyrene:                                             Applications:

• Excellent impact resistance.                             - Egg cartons, fruit and veg+meat trays, cups etc. 
• Very good heat insulation.                                  - Packaging for electrical and fragile products. 
• Durable. 
• Lightweight.
• Low water absorption.