~ Vern Bergen, Systems & Development Manager of think4D
Plastic packaging is one of the most widely used and versatile materials in the world. It offers many advantages for different products, such as food, beverage, and cosmetics. In this blog, we will explore some of the benefits of plastic packaging for these products, and how it can help improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of the products we consume and use.
Preserving & Protection
Plastic packaging plays a vital role in preserving and protecting products from external factors such as moisture, oxygen, microbes, and pests. This helps extend the shelf life of perishable items, reducing waste and ensuring that consumers receive fresh products. Some examples include:
- Vacuum-sealed plastic bags which create a barrier against oxygen, preventing meat from spoiling and maintaining its quality for longer periods.
- Protecting cosmetic products from physical damage, light exposure, and microbial growth, preserving their quality and effectiveness.
- Prevents leakage and spillage, keeping the product intact and avoiding waste.
Versatility
Manufacturers can produce containers of different volumes and designs to suit specific products. Whether it’s portion-sized clamshell containers for takeout meals or larger tubs for bulk purchases, plastic packaging provides options that cater to diverse needs. It can also be molded into various shapes and sizes, and decorated with different colors and graphics, to create unique and eye-catching packaging for cosmetics products. Furthermore, plastic is lightweight compared to alternative materials like metal or glass making it easier for producers to transport larger quantities of products and reduce fuel consumption during shipping. This contributes to greater transportation efficiency by optimizing space and reducing weight.
Transparency, Safety & Convenience
Plastic packaging also enables excellent visibility, safety, and convenience for consumers. Clear plastic containers allow consumers to easily identify the product they are purchasing without opening or unwrapping it. This transparency can enhance customer satisfaction and build trust in the brand. Plastic bottles and caps conform to the highest standards of safety and hygiene, preventing contamination and leakage. Plastic bottles and caps are also tamper-evident and child-resistant, ensuring that the product is sealed until intentionally opened. Plastic packaging also provides functionality and convenience for products, such as pumps, sprays, droppers, and tubes. These features allow for easy and precise dispensing and application of the product, improving the user experience and satisfaction.
Environmentally Friendly
Plastic packaging is also recyclable, reducing the environmental impact of packaging. It can be collected, sorted, and processed into new products or materials, such as clothing, furniture, or even new plastic packaging.
According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), using recycled plastics in manufacturing new products reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions significantly compared to using virgin materials. Recycling also helps divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans, where it can harm wildlife and ecosystems. The APR provides guidance and resources for designing plastic packaging that is compatible with the existing recycling infrastructure and supports innovations that overcome the challenges of recycling. By following the APR’s recommendations, producers and consumers can contribute to a circular economy for plastics, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, and then regenerated into new products or materials at the end of their life cycle. This way, plastic packaging can be seen as a valuable resource rather than a waste problem.
think 4D has the design, print, and forming expertise to help our customers create packaging people will reach for again and again. How can we help you? Get in touch today.