Plastic bottle

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A water bottle. Worldwide, 480 billions of plastic drinking bottles were sold in 2017 (and fewer than half were recycled). Botella de plastico - PET.jpg
A water bottle. Worldwide, 480 billions of plastic drinking bottles were sold in 2017 (and fewer than half were recycled).
A plastic bottle of antifreeze Antifreeze.jpg
A plastic bottle of antifreeze
Large plastic bottles of water Bottled Zamzam water - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg
Large plastic bottles of water

A plastic bottle is a bottle constructed from high-density or low density plastic. Plastic bottles are typically used to store liquids such as water, soft drinks, motor oil, cooking oil, medicine, shampoo or milk. They range in sizes, from very small bottles to large carboys. Consumer blow molded containers often have integral handles or are shaped to facilitate grasping. [2] [3]

Contents

Plastic was invented in the nineteenth century and was originally used to replace common materials such as ivory, rubber, and shellac. [4] Plastic bottles were first used commercially in 1947, but remained relatively expensive until the early 1950s when high-density polyethylene was introduced. [5] They quickly became popular with both manufacturers and customers because compared to glass bottles, plastic bottles are lighter, cheaper and easier to transport. [6] [7] [8] However, the biggest advantage plastic bottles have over their glass counterparts is their superior resistance to breakage, in both production and transportation. Except for wine and beer, the food industry has largely replaced glass bottles with plastic bottles.

Production

A polypropylene bottle cap Plastic Bottle Cap.JPG
A polypropylene bottle cap
Plastic bottle of milk: HDPE Recycling Code 2 Bottle of milk.jpg
Plastic bottle of milk: HDPE Recycling Code 2
PET bottle preform before blow molding, filling and labeling PETling.jpg
PET bottle preform before blow molding, filling and labeling

The materials used in the manufacture of plastic bottles vary by application.

Petrochemical resins

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is the most widely used resin for plastic bottles. This material is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. HDPE is compatible with a wide range of products including acids and caustics but is not compatible with solvents. It is supplied in FDA-approved food grade. HDPE is naturally translucent and flexible. The addition of color will make HDPE opaque, but not glossy. HDPE lends itself to silk screen decoration. While HDPE provides good protection at below freezing temperatures, it cannot be used with products filled above 190 °F (88 °C) or products requiring a hermetic (vacuum) seal.
Fluorine-treated HDPE
These bottles are exposed to fluorine gas in a secondary operation, are similar in appearance to HDPE, and serve as a barrier to hydrocarbons and aromatic solvents. Fluorine-treated bottles may contain insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, photographic chemicals, agricultural chemicals, household and industrial cleaners, electronic chemicals, medical cleaners and solvents, citrus products, d-limonene, flavors, fragrances, essential oils, surfactants, polishes, additives, graffiti cleaning products, pre-emergents, stone and tile care products, waxes, paint thinner, gasoline, biodiesel, xylene, acetone, kerosene and more.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is similar in composition to HDPE. It is less rigid and generally less chemically resistant than HDPE, but is more translucent. LDPE is used primarily for squeeze applications. LDPE is significantly more expensive than HDPE.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE) / Polyester
This resin is commonly used for carbonated beverages, water bottles, and food packaging. PET provides very good alcohol and essential oil barrier properties, generally good chemical resistance (although acetones and ketones will attack PET), and a high degree of impact resistance and tensile strength. The orienting process serves to improve gas and moisture barrier properties and impact strength. This material is not resistant at high temperature. Its maximum temperature is 200 °F (93 °C).
Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is a clear plastic used to make bottles for milk and water. Five-gallon water bottles are a common application of PC.
Polypropylene (PP)
PP is used primarily for jars and closures. It is rigid and is a barrier to moisture. Polypropylene is stable at temperatures up to 220 °F (104 °C). It is autoclavable and offers the potential for steam sterilization. The compatibility of PP with high filling temperatures is responsible for its use with hot fill products. PP has excellent chemical resistance, but provides poor impact resistance in cold temperatures.
Polystyrene (PS)
PS is transparent and rigid. It is commonly used with dry products, including vitamins, petroleum jellies, and spices. Polystyrene does not provide good barrier properties, and exhibits poor impact resistance.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is naturally clear. It has high resistance to oils and transmits very little oxygen. It provides a strong barrier to most gases, and its drop-impact resistance is also very good. This material is chemically resistant, but it is vulnerable to some solvents. PVC has poor resistance to high temperatures and will distort at 160 °F (71 °C), making it incompatible with hot-filled products. It has attained notoriety in recent years due to potential health risks.
Post-consumer resin (PCR)
PCR is a blend of reclaimed natural HDPE (primarily from milk and water containers) and virgin resin. The recycled material is cleaned, ground and recompounded into uniform pellets along with prime virgin material especially designed to build up environmental stress crack resistance. PCR has no odor but exhibits a slight yellow tint in its natural state. This tint can be hidden by the addition of color. PCR is easily processed and inexpensive. However, it cannot come into direct contact with food or pharmaceutical products. PCR can be produced in a variety of recycled content percentages up to 100%.
K-Resin (SBC)
SBC is a highly transparent, high-gloss, impact-resistance resin. K-Resin, a styrene derivative, is processed on polyethylene equipment. It is specifically incompatible with fats and unsaturated oils or solvents. This material is frequently used for display and point-of-purchase packaging.

Other materials

Bioplastic
A bioplastic is a polymer structure based on processed biological materials rather than petrochemicals. Bioplastics are commonly made from renewable sources like starch, vegetable oil, and less commonly, chicken feathers. The idea behind bioplastic is to create a plastic that has the ability to biodegrade. [9]
Bisphenol A (BPA):
BPA is a synthetic compound that serves as a raw material in the manufacturing of such plastics as polycarbonates and epoxy resins. It is commonly found in reusable drink containers, food storage containers, canned foods, children's toys and cash register receipts. BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. [10]

Concerns

There is ongoing concern as to the use of plastics in consumer food packaging solutions, environmental impact of the disposal of these products, as well as concerns regarding consumer safety. Karin Michaels, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, suggests that toxins leaching from plastics might be related to disorders in humans such as endocrine disruption. [11] Aluminum and cyanide were found as trace elements in the examined samples but they are considered to be toxic elements according to the United States food and drug administration FDA. In the United States, plastic water bottles are regulated by the FDA which also inspects and samples bottled water plants periodically. Plastic water bottle plants hold a low priority for inspection due to a continuously good safety record. [12] In the past, the FDA maintained that there was a lack of human data showing plastics pose health problems. However, in January 2010, the FDA reversed its opinion saying they now have concerns about health risks. [11]

It is a common misconception that drinking from plastic water bottles increases cancer risk; there is no such risk. [13]

An article published on 6 November 2017 in Water Research reported on the content of microplastics in mineral waters packed in plastic or glass bottles, or beverage cartons. [14] In 2018, research conducted by Sherri Mason from the State University of New York in Fredonia revealed the presence of polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon and polyethylene terephthalate microparticles in plastic bottles. Polypropylene was hereby found to be the most common polymeric material (54%) and nylon the second most abundant (16%) polymeric material. The study also mentioned that polypropylene and polyethylene are polymers that are often used to make plastic bottle caps. Also, 4% of retrieved plastic particles were found to have signatures of industrial lubricants coating the polymer. [15] The research was reviewed by Andrew Mayes of the University of East Anglia (UEA) School of Chemistry [16] The European Food Safety Authority suggested most microplastics are excreted by the body, however the UN Food and Agriculture Organization warned that it is possible that the smallest particles (< 1.5 μm) could enter the bloodstream and organs, via the intestinal wall. [17] [18]

Labelling

The resin identification code for PET plastic products U+2673 DejaVu Sans.svg
The resin identification code for PET plastic products

Plastic bottles are marked at their base with the resin identification code to indicate the material used. [19] [ self-published source? ]

Product labels are attached with adhesive or are shrunk to fit. In-mould labelling is a process of building the label into the bottle during molding.

Speciality types

Collapsible bottle

An accordion bottle or collapsible bottle is a plastic bottle designed to store darkroom chemicals or any other chemical that is highly susceptible to oxidation. They work by being able to squeeze down to remove excess air from the bottle to extend the life of the product. [20] An alternate benefit is minimizing storage, transportation, or disposal space when the bottle is empty or as the content is being dispersed, for example with water bottles used by hikers. Collapsing can also keep foods fresher. [21]

Carbonated drinks bottles

Bottles, used for storing carbonated water and soft drinks, has an uneven bottom for stability reasons. [22] The technology was developed and patented by Lithuanian Domas Adomaitis in 1971. [22] [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Resin identification code</span> Symbol to identify the type of plastic

The ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, often abbreviated RIC, is a set of symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made. It was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry in the United States, but since 2008 it has been administered by ASTM International, an international standards organization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polyethylene</span> Most common thermoplastic polymer

Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the most commonly produced plastic. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes and containers including bottles, cups, jars, etc.). As of 2017, over 100 million tonnes of polyethylene resins are being produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thermoplastic</span> Plastic that softens with heat and hardens on cooling

A thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, is any plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polypropylene</span> Thermoplastic polymer

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polyethylene terephthalate</span> Polymer

Polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P), is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nalgene</span> Brand of plastic products

Nalgene is a brand of plastic products developed originally for laboratory use, including items such as jars, bottles, test tubes, and Petri dishes, that were shatterproof and lighter than glass. The properties of plastic products make them suitable for work with many substances in various temperature ranges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High-density polyethylene</span> Class of polyethylenes

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is sometimes called "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for HDPE pipes. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes and plastic lumber. HDPE is commonly recycled, and has the number "2" as its resin identification code.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water bottle</span> Container for liquids

A water bottle is a container that is used to hold liquids, mainly water, for the purpose of transporting a drink while travelling or while otherwise away from a supply of potable water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Low-density polyethylene</span> Chemical compound

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Dr John C. Swallow and M.W Perrin who were working for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high pressure process via free radical polymerization. Its manufacture employs the same method today. The EPA estimates 5.7% of LDPE is recycled in the United States. Despite competition from more modern polymers, LDPE continues to be an important plastic grade. In 2013 the worldwide LDPE market reached a volume of about US$33 billion.

A polyolefin is a type of polymer with the general formula (CH2CHR)n where R is an alkyl group. They are usually derived from a small set of simple olefins (alkenes). Dominant in a commercial sense are polyethylene and polypropylene. More specialized polyolefins include polyisobutylene and polymethylpentene. They are all colorless or white oils or solids. Many copolymers are known, such as polybutene, which derives from a mixture of different butene isomers. The name of each polyolefin indicates the olefin from which it is prepared; for example, polyethylene is derived from ethylene, and polymethylpentene is derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene. Polyolefins are not olefins themselves because the double bond of each olefin monomer is opened in order to form the polymer. Monomers having more than one double bond such as butadiene and isoprene yield polymers that contain double bonds (polybutadiene and polyisoprene) and are usually not considered polyolefins. Polyolefins are the foundations of many chemical industries.

Coated paper is paper that has been coated by a mixture of materials or a polymer to impart certain qualities to the paper, including weight, surface gloss, smoothness, or reduced ink absorbency. Various materials, including kaolinite, calcium carbonate, bentonite, and talc, can be used to coat paper for high-quality printing used in the packaging industry and in magazines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodegradable plastic</span> Plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclic olefin copolymer</span> Chemical compound

Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is an amorphous polymer made by several polymer manufacturers. COC is a relatively new class of polymers as compared to commodities such as polypropylene and polyethylene. This newer material is used in a wide variety of applications including packaging films, lenses, vials, displays, and medical devices.

Polymer engineering is generally an engineering field that designs, analyses, and modifies polymer materials. Polymer engineering covers aspects of the petrochemical industry, polymerization, structure and characterization of polymers, properties of polymers, compounding and processing of polymers and description of major polymers, structure property relations and applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twinwall plastic</span>

Twin-wall plastic, specifically twin-wall polycarbonate, is an extruded multi-wall polymer product created for applications where its strength, thermally insulative properties, and moderate cost are ideal. Polycarbonate, which is most commonly formed through the reaction of Bisphenol A and Carbonyl Chloride, is an extremely versatile material.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plastic film</span> Thin continuous polymeric material

Plastic film is a thin continuous polymeric material. Thicker plastic material is often called a "sheet". These thin plastic membranes are used to separate areas or volumes, to hold items, to act as barriers, or as printable surfaces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plastic</span> Material of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be molded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to their widespread use. Plastics typically are made through human industrial systems. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum; however, recent industrial methods use variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives.

Bottles are able to be recycled and this is generally a positive option. Bottles are collected via kerbside collection or returned using a bottle deposit system. Currently just over half of plastic bottles are recycled globally. About 1 million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and only about 50% are recycled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Packaging waste</span> Post-use container and packing refuse

Packaging waste, the part of the waste that consists of packaging and packaging material, is a major part of the total global waste, and the major part of the packaging waste consists of single-use plastic food packaging, a hallmark of throwaway culture. Notable examples for which the need for regulation was recognized early, are "containers of liquids for human consumption", i.e. plastic bottles and the like. In Europe, the Germans top the list of packaging waste producers with more than 220 kilos of packaging per capita.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multilayered packaging</span>

Multi-layered packaging are multilayer or composite materials using innovative technologies aimed to give barrier properties, strength and storage stability to food items, new materials as well as hazardous materials.

References

  1. ↑ Sandra Laville and Matthew Taylor, "A million bottles a minute: world's plastic binge 'a climate change'", TheGuardian.com, 28 June 2017 (page visited on 20 July 2017).
  2. ↑ Birkby, David (May 2014). "PET bottle handle—N.A. success story". Canadian Packaging. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  3. ↑ Widiyati, Khusnun (2013). "The Ease of Grasping to Evaluate Aesthetically Pleasing PET Bottle Design". Journal of Advanced Mechanical Design, Systems, and Manufacturing. 7 (5): 849–861. Bibcode:2013JAMDS...7..849W. doi: 10.1299/jamdsm.7.849 . Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  4. ↑ "The History of Plastic Bottles".
  5. ↑ "The History of soft drink Timeline". Archived from the original on 13 July 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2008.
  6. ↑ "Plastic vs. Glass – Why Plastic Containers Are Better". Packaging of the World. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  7. ↑ "The Advantages of Plastic Bottles". Seattle Pi. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  8. ↑ "Benefits of Plastic Packaging". Plastic Packaging. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  9. ↑ "Bioplastics and biodegradability | plasticisrubbish".
  10. ↑ "Tips to reduce your exposure to BPA". Mayo Clinic. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  11. 1 2 "Plastic packaging is injurious to health". thehindubusiness.com. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
  12. ↑ "February/March 2002 Ask the Regulators -- Bottled Water Regulation and the FDA". www.fda.gov. Archived from the original on 26 April 2013.
  13. ↑ "Does using plastic bottles and containers cause cancer?". Cancer Research UK. 23 December 2021.
  14. ↑ Schymanski, Darena; Goldbeck, Christophe; Humpf, Hans-Ulrich; Fürst, Peter (2018). "Analysis of microplastics in water by micro-Raman spectroscopy: Release of plastic particles from different packaging into mineral water". Water Research. 129: 154–162. Bibcode:2018WatRe.129..154S. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2017.11.011. ISSN   0043-1354. PMID   29145085.
  15. ↑ "SYNTHETIC POLYMER CONTAMINATION IN BOTTLED WATER" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  16. ↑ "Plus Plastic MICROPLASTICS FOUND IN GLOBAL BOTTLED WATER". Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  17. ↑ "Full Presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in food, with particular focus on seafood". doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4501 . hdl: 2164/6217 .{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  18. ↑ Wright, Stephanie L.; Kelly, Frank J. (2017). "Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?". Environmental Science & Technology. 51 (12): 6634–6647. Bibcode:2017EnST...51.6634W. doi:10.1021/acs.est.7b00423. PMID   28531345.
  19. ↑ Esomba, Steve (6 June 2012). TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY'S FUEL SUFFICIENCY ROADMAP. Lulu.com. ISBN   9781471734311.[ unreliable source? ][ self-published source ]
  20. ↑ "°Cs Collapsible Air Reduction Accordion Storage Bottle, 1000ml". CineStill Film. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  21. ↑ Rosato, Marlene G.; Rosato, D. V. (2000). Concise Encyclopedia of Plastics. Springer. p. 195. ISBN   9781461370680.
  22. 1 2 Adomaitis, Domas; Norton, Donald F.; Szekely, George E.; Kerwin, Joseph E.; Dittmann, William A. "United States Patent 3,598,270" (PDF). Patentimages.storage.googleapis.com. United States Patent and Trademark Office . Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  23. ↑ "Domas Adomaitis (1909 – 2010)". Geni.com . 29 July 1909. Retrieved 25 September 2021.

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