Plastics Use In Boxes

Publish date: June 12, 2011 3:00 pm

Introduction to Plastic Boxes

The use of plastic can be dated to 1900s. Any synthetic organic material which can be made to retain a particular shape with the use of heat and pressure is named as plastic. Plastic can be used in a countless number of ways, the most common being the plastic boxes used in both industry and in homes. It can be used in toys, flooring, food and storage containers, bags, water pipes and hoses to name but a few. It also has plenty of industrial uses, such as in airplane windows, building materials, automobile bodies and so on. Continuing new uses are being discovered every day for plastics, such as in computers for CDS and in personal computers.

Why Plastic is used for Boxes

Plastic is the ideal material for making boxes, as it has several simple properties such as being easily moldable. It is the ideal method to store and preserve products, especially dry products. It is very flexible and hence it can be molded into different shapes, as per the requirement of the consumer. It also gives maximum protection to the material placed inside. It is non-reactive and does not undergo any chemical reaction with the item placed inside. You can therefore preserve almost anything in plastic for a longer time.

Additionally, plastic is very lightweight and hence very ideal for transporting. It saves a lot of energy while packaging and also while transporting the material from one place to another. It is not disposable, like paper cartons and can be used and reused for years. It offers the best protection for perishable products.

Due to the use of plastic, you can minimize on the use of other sources, such as wood, steel and other scarce products. It is also very easy to maintain plastic boxes and is very hygienic. You can place medicines and food in it and it does not get contaminated. It is also possible to seal it tightly for added security against tampering. Another advantage of plastic boxes is that it is transparent and one can view the products inside very clearly. Such boxes made of plastic are also shatter-proof and durable; hence it does not get damaged soon.

Plastic Strength

Plastic supplied for the food industry is tough and durable and are strong enough to survive harsh environment and manufacturing conditions. The plastic boxes made for industrial use is very strong and can be safely used in conveyor systems. Due to its strength, it can ensure that the product reaches the end user in good condition. They are water-resistant, chemical resistant and can be used for long-term outdoor applications. Plastic boxes that are watertight and are vibration resistant are also produced for storing delicate industrial equipment.

Plastic Box Types

There are various types of plastic boxes, for both household and business use. The various types of boxes are made of PETE, HDPE, PVC, and PP and so on. You can store perishable goods for the kitchen, or store documents and files, or even use it as shipping containers to keep products safe while travelling. The size and shape of plastic boxes can be customized according to the needs. Some of the boxes are of the clear and transparent types, which will display the product kept inside in order to attract customers in a shop, for instance.

There are other durable types of plastic boxes, such as the polyvinyl chloride, PVC, and the polycarbonate ones, which cannot be used for food storage as it can become toxic. Some of the plastic boxes are airtight and water tight and you can store them in the attic or in the basement, without having to worry about whether it will be damaged by pests or water. Some plastics are food grade and can be safely used for storing food, whereas others are not. Polypropylene has a great tensile strength and is used for making storage containers. It has a high melting point and can even be used for filling with hot products. For instance, Tupperware and Rubbermaid boxes used for food storage are plastic boxes made from PP.

Storage and Use recommendations

Plastics are usually very sanitary materials and don’t usually harbor any bacteria. Plastics can be cleaned with hot soapy water and then dried thoroughly. For food storage, use only food grade plastic containers. You can store food stuff in plastic containers in the fridge or the freezer. Don’t keep old plastic boxes for too many years. If it has become worn out and scratched then it is time to throw them out. Older plastics tend to leach the toxins into the food stored in them. You can use such old boxes for storing non-food items. Don’t serve foods with fats and oils in plastic boxes as plastic toxins can easily get transferred through the heat. Plastic boxes should be used for microwave only if they carry the microwave -safe mark on them. Don’t heat plastic boxes, as the chemicals are likely to leach into the food.