For every product, no matter what type or kind it is, packaging is an integral part although it's wise to use a minimal amount of packaging to cut down on costs and waste. When it comes to this particular need, the materials available for use include cardboard, plastic, paper and even some of the metal-type materials. Follow on for the basics on packaging and its common types.
While you hear people say that they purchase soup or chili in a tin can, canned goods are not actually packaged in cans produced using tin. For many decades, tinplate steel was used to produce the cans that hold our vegetables, soups, sauces and other canned items. Aluminum has been the most common source used to make canned goods since the late 1950s.
Put aluminum alongside tinplate steel and you'll find it with more advantages starting with it being less costly and can be made easier though it still resists corrosion. This is the metal that is the most abundant type on Earth. In addition, aluminum can be recycled an infinite amount of times to create new cans and products. In fact, about two-thirds of all aluminum ever produced is still being re-used today. This number would be higher if people would simply remember to place aluminum into their recycling bins.
Different types of plastic are one of the most common materials used for packaging. Even items packaged in cardboard boxes and containers typically are just holding vessels for the sealed waxy plastic bags inside, such as the bags which hold cereal or crackers. There are actually seven basic types of plastic and each is identified with a special resin code, which is a number surrounded by a triangle of arrows.
Since plastic materials of all types are the most commonly used material in food packaging you might as well be familiar with the one responsible for holding liquid products like water and soda and that called polyethylene terephthalate. Another type, the high-density polyethylene is what makes other types of plastic bottles, milk jugs, plastic bags and containers for storing food. As for other plastic packaging products like that handy plastic wrap, plastic grocery bags and those rings that hold a six-pack of soda together, these items were made using low-density polyethylene.
What plastics go through for their transformation from a large piece of thin plastic into different products is called thermoforming. Manufacturers use either vacuum forming or injection molding as they heat up the plastic and then forced into molds. The moment it has been cooled down, they trim away any excess plastic from the mold which does not go to waste as is recycled for new thermoformed products. Then you have the final product removed from the mold.
While you hear people say that they purchase soup or chili in a tin can, canned goods are not actually packaged in cans produced using tin. For many decades, tinplate steel was used to produce the cans that hold our vegetables, soups, sauces and other canned items. Aluminum has been the most common source used to make canned goods since the late 1950s.
Put aluminum alongside tinplate steel and you'll find it with more advantages starting with it being less costly and can be made easier though it still resists corrosion. This is the metal that is the most abundant type on Earth. In addition, aluminum can be recycled an infinite amount of times to create new cans and products. In fact, about two-thirds of all aluminum ever produced is still being re-used today. This number would be higher if people would simply remember to place aluminum into their recycling bins.
Different types of plastic are one of the most common materials used for packaging. Even items packaged in cardboard boxes and containers typically are just holding vessels for the sealed waxy plastic bags inside, such as the bags which hold cereal or crackers. There are actually seven basic types of plastic and each is identified with a special resin code, which is a number surrounded by a triangle of arrows.
Since plastic materials of all types are the most commonly used material in food packaging you might as well be familiar with the one responsible for holding liquid products like water and soda and that called polyethylene terephthalate. Another type, the high-density polyethylene is what makes other types of plastic bottles, milk jugs, plastic bags and containers for storing food. As for other plastic packaging products like that handy plastic wrap, plastic grocery bags and those rings that hold a six-pack of soda together, these items were made using low-density polyethylene.
What plastics go through for their transformation from a large piece of thin plastic into different products is called thermoforming. Manufacturers use either vacuum forming or injection molding as they heat up the plastic and then forced into molds. The moment it has been cooled down, they trim away any excess plastic from the mold which does not go to waste as is recycled for new thermoformed products. Then you have the final product removed from the mold.
About the Author:
Lenna Stockwell loves blogging about how stuff is made. For additional information about custom packaging solutions or to find out more about food packaging design, please go to the Indepak website today.
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