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Resin Information Center
The technical information provided on this page is
designed to assist you in determining the proper resin material for your
application. Click on a resin below for more information.
Some of the information in this site is in Adobe PDF format. Click on
the icon below to download Adobe Reader.
Barex
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
| HDPE (High
Density Polyethylene) |
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HDPE is the most
widely used resin for plastic bottles. This material is economical,
impact resistant, and compatible with a wide range of products
(including acids and caustics) and provides a good moisture barrier.
It is usually supplied in FDA approved food grade. When fluorine
treated, HDPE becomes an effective package for solvents (aromatic
hydrocarbins) and oxygen sensitive extracts. HDPE is naturally
translucent and flexible. The addition of color will make HDPE
opaque although not glossy. Adding extra weight to the bottle will
yield a rigid container.
HDPE is supplied
surface-treated on a stock basis and lends itself readily to
silkscreen decoration. While HDPE provides very good protection at
temperatures below freezing, it cannot be used with products filled
at over 180º F or products requiring a hermetic seal. |
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
| LDPE (Low
Density Polyethylene) |
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LDPE is similar
to HDPE in composition. It is less rigid and generally less
chemically resistant than HDPE, but is more translucent. LDPE is
used primarily for squeeze applications. LDPE is significantly more
expensive than HDPE, but will yield a glossy bottle when produced in
colors. |
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
| PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) |
| PET is one of
several resins in the polyester family. The major raw materials used to
manufacture PET bottles include ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid or
dimethyl terephthalate and small quantities of additives such as
catalyst and stabalizers. Bottles made from PET are injection blow
molded, unoriented or injection stretch blow molded, biaxially oriented.
PET bottles have
outstanding clarity, good impact and scratch resistance, high gloss
finish and good barrier properties. They are lightweight and safe
compared to glass (no breakage on filling lines, in transit, retail
stores and in homes). Containers manufactured with PET resin are ideal
for packaging a wide range of food product, toiletries, cosmetics and
household and pharmaceutical products. Each application should be tested
to ensure that the product is compatible with the container. |
Click on the icon to read more about PET in Adobe Reader
format: 
Note: This file is over 9MB in size. It will
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continue to browse our site while the download proceeds. |
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
PETG
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
| PP (Polypropylene) |
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Polypropylene is a naturally translucent material that provides contact
clarity and an excellent moisture barrier. One major advantage of
polypropylene is its stability at high temperatures (maximum temperature
= 230-260º F); it is autoclavable and offers the potential for steam
sterilization.
PP's compatibility with high filling temperatures is responsible for its
use with hot fill products such as pancake syrup. PP has an excellent
chemical resistance, but provides poor impact resistance in sub-freezing
temperatures. Produced in color, PP exhibits a glossy finish. |
| PVC (Vinyl
/ Polyvinyl Chloride) |
| PVC is naturally
clear, has extremely good resistance to oils and very low oxygen
transmission. It provides an excellent barrier to most gases, but is
vulnerable to solvents. PVC is a semi-rigid material which, when
produced on extrusion blow-molding equipment, can accommodate handled
designs. Improvements in resin formulation have increased oxygen barrier
properties and chemical resistance, with a 20-30% improvement in drop
impact resistance.
PVC exhibits low
temperature resistance and will distort at 160º F. It is not compatible
with hot filled products. Because it provides a good oxygen barrier, PVC
is an excellent choice for salad oil, mineral oil, and vinegar. It is
also commonly used for shampoos and cosmetic products. |
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
Post-Consumer Recycled HDPE
Resin Information Center
Progressive Plastics, Inc.
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