Is it customer driven? Do you use what you are familiar with?
For many years PET and PS have been the materials of choice, selected for their versatility, processability and cost effectiveness for food packaging applications. However, recent concerns and pressures to develop sustainable & recyclable food packaging, coupled with health and safety concerns regarding the use of PS in food packaging have re-invigorated interest in the use of polypropylene materials in a wide range of food packaging and processing applications, from form-fill-seal yogurt multi-packs to hot-fill applesauce cups, aseptic creamers and more, giving PET & PS a run for their money particularly in the food and foodservice packaging segments. While polypropylene is by no means a “new” material, we find that the majority of our customers who have used PET or PS for years aren’t familiar with all of the benefits inherent to this polymer.
This in turn, led us to put together a list of attributes that make polypropylene sheet worth taking a second look for your next food packaging project:
- Low Density
When compared to other polymers, PP has the lowest density, resulting in more parts from the same amount of material. This results in a 33% yield advantage vs PET and a 12% yield advantage vs PS - i.e. lower cost, increased output! - Light Weight
PP has the lightest weight of all the polymers, resulting in a lighter, thinner, stronger finished part. -
Cost Efficient
PP becomes the lowest cost polymer after prices are adjusted for density. The increased yield helps with the bottom line too! -
Versatile Temperature Range
PP packages can be put in the microwave, freezer and anywhere in between without compromising the integrity of the package or food product. -
Sustainable
Lighter products result in lower fuel consumption and lower emissions, and lower density results in less solid waste by weight than PET, PS or PVC. -
High Heat Resistance
PP products can safely undergo high heat without having to worry about chemical leaching or taste and odor issues, making them compatible for microwave applications, hot-fill processes, or even a hot car in the sun! -
Durable
PP performs better in drop tests when compared to PET and has a high impact strength. -
High Clarity
You heard it right! Now with UltraClear PP you can take advantage of all of these great features without having to sacrifice aesthetics and consumer appeal. -
Versatile
Combine inherent polymer attributes with performance solutions and the result is a material that can be highly customized to fit the exact needs of your application offering compatibility with a wide range of packaging and processing applications ranging from form-fill-seal packaging, to thermoforming, hot-fill packaging & processing and more. -
Recyclable
PP is a widely accepted material for recycling and research shows that outside of PET bottles, PP is one of the most widely recycled non-bottle rigid plastic material. Initiatives to increase accessibility of food-grade PCR-PP solutions further improve the circularity of this material.
Interested in learning more about Impact Plastics Clear Polypropylene solutions?
