Plastic is a synthetic compound that has been in use for decades and today, it is found everywhere. We are surrounded by plastic in the form of water bottles, foam mattress, smartphone casing, utensils, toys, garbage drums, bags, envelopes and what not. It comes in various forms and shapes. There are reasons why plastic has taken over and replaced conventional materials some of which have already become history. So if you ask why to choose plastic containers, have a look at some of the advantages that this revolutionary material contains.
It Is Durable
One of the biggest pros of using plastic containers is that they are more durable than any other material such as steel or aluminum which are metals and corrode overtime. Similarly, a glass container is liable to breakage. Despite being lightweight, plastic containers are capable of carrying heavy weight and they are also resistant to high temperatures, which is why they are being used heavily in the food industry. Moreover, some special forms of plastic containers can even withstand high temperatures and are nonflammable.
It Can Be Recycled
If you are worried that your plastic container will go to waste once out of use, then you are wrong. Any form of plastic is recyclable and according to an estimate, over 40% of plastic containers manufactured are recycled each year. The figure stands at only 20% for glass. Not only that, plastic requires much lesser energy to recycle than glass.
It Is Flexible
Plastic is highly flexible and it is because of this ability, plastic can easily be molded into any shape. It is also the source of its strength and the reason why plastic packaging is getting famous. Flexibility also makes transportation easier as more material can be transported without fear of breaking or cracking. Throw it, hit it, kick it nothing will affect it.
It Is Comparatively Less Toxic
If not 100%, it is comparatively safer than containers made from other materials. Firstly, let’s talk about its impact on human health. Of course, every container material is composed of ions and atoms and same goes for plastic containers. But the fact is that plastic holds lesser percentage of such toxic entities than any other material such as glass. Though harmless in small amount, these particles can cause trouble if large amount enters the body. Coming to the environmental side, if you are eco-friendly then you should definitely go with plastic containers. The manufacturing process of plastic containers is far less toxic than glass or any other containers which not only employs the excessive use of water but also causes large scale air pollution.
Plastic is everywhere around us and almost every other thing is made of plastic these days. From jars to buckets, bottles to cans, most of the containers are being manufactured with plastic which is a synthetic organic material and can be made into a variety of shapes and forms. Not only that, different physical as well as chemical properties can be incorporated according to the requirement.
With 300 million tons of plastic being produced annually, it will be irresponsible to say that this material has no effect on human health and the environment. The truth is that despite being more advantageous than glass or other containers, plastic has its own drawbacks most of which are health and environment related. Plastic is, without doubt, causing environmental pollution and is responsible for seriously threatening marine life but this is only a manmade issue because plastic is renewable. The problem is that we are only renewing 40% of the plastic. Talking about health, plastic does contain harmful ions and particles that can pose health risks but luckily, not every plastic variety is dangerous.
Of different varieties of plastic available, there are some that you can safely pick.
HDPE or High Density Polyethylene
The number indicates recycling symbol. These plastic containers are not only safe but are also tough and nonflammable. They are also nonreactive to chemicals which is why they are mostly used in the food industry for food packaging and storage. Moreover, containers in the form of fuel tanks, bottles and other chemical containers are also made from it.
LDPE or Low Density Polyethylene
Thi is another safe choice. LDPE is lighter, more flexible and cheaper than HDPE. It is also easier to process comparatively. The plastic is resistant to the action of acids and chemicals. However, it cannot withstand high temperature. This type of plastic is also used for manufacturing food storage containers. In addition, plastic wraps and bread bags are also made from it.
PLA or Polylactic Acid
This is biodegradable and eco-friendly. This is the best choice for an environmentalist. Also known as bioplastic, PLA is made from starches obtained from sugarcane, corn, rice or any other such product. Its processing also involves a lesser use of chemicals than conventional plastics. The only drawback is that it is not renewable but that doesn’t make any difference as it can easily be used as feed for animals. It is used to make bags, screws, pins, rods and medical implants.
BPA-Free
BPA stands for Bisphenol-A which is a compound used in the manufacturing of certain plastics. The chemical leaches out on heating and can be absorbed by food or beverage thus posing serious health risk. So BPA-free container is clearly a safer option.
While buying plastic containers, look for these symbols which are usually printed on the underside. You will also find numbers ranging from 1 to 7 written within a tiny triangle. 1, 2, 4 and 5 are safe for food storage. Stay safe and healthy and click here to know more.
