Plastic is the most recently introduced of the major packaging types. Polyethylene was discovered by British chemists in 1933. High density polyethylene (HDPE) was first developed for packaging as a film before being introduced as a bottle for milk in 1964. Its use for packaging has increased because of its low cost, flexibility, durability, ability to withstand the sterilising process, and resistance to many chemicals. About half of HDPE consumed in NZ is used for packaging and about 60% of the packaging is for food contact purposes.
High density polyethylene is a plastic widely used in manufacturing products for home, business and industrial use. From plastic bottles and food containers to natural gas pipeline and plastic lumber and furniture, high density polyethylene is made into many products.
Properties
HDPE plastic has several properties that make it ideal as a packaging and manufacturing product. It’s stronger than standard polyethylene, acts as an effective barrier against moisture and remains solid at room temperature. It resists insects, rot and other chemicals. It is easily recyclable and can be used again and again. Also, high density polyethylene leaks no toxic chemicals into the soil or water.
Advantages and disadvantages
HDPE plastic is resistant to acids, bases, alcohol and vegetable oils, as well as being impact resistant. It is also resistant to sustained heat of about 110 degrees Celsius. Disadvantages of the compound as a packaging material include its low resistance to UV light and gas permeability. New technologies, such as barrier coatings and multi-layer materials, are being introduced to improve these characteristics.
As food packaging, this material is most commonly associated with milk, oil, and juice bottles. Non-food packaging uses include supermarket bags, cleaning product containers, motor oil containers, agricultural films and chemical containers, paper bag liners, bags, crates, drums, and pails. Different grades of high density polyethylene are used for different purposes. For example, there is a blow mould grade (used for milk bottles, and detergent bottles) and an injection grade material (ice cream containers).
Recycling
This compound is a recyclable material and is falls under No. 2 of the plastic resin code. Recycling contributes to reduction in resource consumption and pollution. Many municipalities encourage recycling HDPE plastic products to reduce the amount of material entering landfills and also to help conserve natural resources such as petroleum used to manufacture the material.
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