Paper and card is not always suitable for packaging products such as liquids, solutions, toxic materials and some food products. Other materials have to be considered and some are identified below.

PLASTICS
Many plastics can be used for packaging. Examples are;

Polythene (high density) HDPE - a strong plastic used for buckets, bowls pipes etc...
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) - a shatter proof plastic becoming very popular for drinks containers. It is shatter proof, light weight and 90% recyclable.

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride - Used for soft drinks containers that are not pressurised.
 

Polythene (low density) LDPE - a softer plastic used for plastic bags, squeezy bottles for substances such as detergents. Also used for pouches containing products such as drinks and semi-solid foods. Very popular as containers of sports/energy drinks. These containers are flexible, shatter proof, and cheap to produce.

TIN PLATE AND ALUMINIUM
Tin plate is often used for cans, screw tops and aerosols. Tin plate cans are normally used for packaging foods such as processed vegetables and products such as tuna and many more.

The most recognisable ‘metal’ material used for packaging food products is aluminium. It is used for drink cans, trays, wrappings, inner bags and in laminates. It is strong and withstands heat and processing. It can also withstand the internal pressure of gases that have been added to the product inside the can. Aluminium cans are also lightweight.

PAPER AND CELLULOSE FILM
This type of packaging material is easy to print on and can be coated, treated or laminated. Often it is manufactured from renewable materials (recycled paper and pulp).
It is easy to handle and lightweight. In addition it can be folded into a variety of shapes by machines or by hand.
In general it is used for labels, cartons, boxes and wrappings.
 

GLASS
Glass can be moulded into a variety of shapes. It can also be manufactured in a variety of colours. One of the reasons for using glass is that the product (normally a liquid) can be seen inside it. Some drinks have gases added and so glass bottles must be able to withstand internal pressure. Although glass is rigid (it is not flexible) it can be recycled. All these factors make glass a desirable packaging material.
 

QUESTIONS:
1. Name a product that has a package manufactured from a plastic. Draw the package, name the material and explain why you think it was chosen.

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