According to one recent estimate, the number of plastic bottles sold globally towers over Manhattan Island. In fact, a Euromonitor International study tracked the number of plastic bottles sold worldwide and determined that 480 billion bottles were sold in 2018, an increase of 50% since 2009. In other words, the world’s plastic bottle supply is now 2.4 km high! Plastic bottles are just one part of plastic pollution. Here’s a primer on the other harmful materials in plastic bottles.
Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a stiff synthetic fiber, part of the polyester family of polymers. It is spun into fibres for permanent press fabrics, and is also used for blow-molded beverage bottles. Depending on its particle size and crystal structure, PET bottles can be transparent or opaque. Because PET tends to oxidize, it is not suitable for wine and beer storage.
The main advantage of PET is its high degree of recyclability. It can be recycled repeatedly without losing any of its properties. In fact, Norway recycles 97% of its PET bottles, and this is only possible because they add chain extenders to reestablish the molecular structure of the plastic. Further, reprocessing of PET into new bottles reduces energy consumption and diverts waste from landfills. In addition to this, it is safe for the environment, as it is 100% recyclable.
PET bottles are made of a combination of different chemicals and can be recycled in two ways: externally and internally. The external recycling process involves the collection of waste bottles, and reusing them within the production facility. In contrast, the internal process recycles the waste material, turning it into polyester fibre. In 2022, the most widely recycled form of PET will be film, with polylactic acid also being a viable substitute.
High-density polyethylene
These leak-proof and opaque high-density polyethylene bottles are the ideal choice for shipping liquids and solids. They come in a wide or narrow mouth, and are manufactured with FDA-approved resin. This material is also highly resistant to chemicals, making them a versatile solution for a variety of applications. For this reason, pharmaceutical companies and other organizations use this material for their packaging needs. Here are some reasons why you should use these bottles in your business.
HDPE is an extremely durable thermoplastic material. It is lightweight and strong, and is ideal for vacuum bottles, as well as for blow-molding applications. Unlike other materials, HDPE does not leach into the contents of bottles. This makes them ideal for highly-disposable products like water bottles and milk jugs. In addition, they are easy to recycle. And with so many uses, they’re a good choice for any business, not just for the food and beverage industry.
The global HDPE bottle market is expected to grow at a 3.5% CAGR between 2019 and 2026. The base year for this study is 2018.
Harmful Materials in Plastic Bottles
Nonylphenol
The discovery of endocrine disrupting properties in nonylphenol (NP) in plastic bottles sparked concerns about human exposure to the chemical. Although NP is an antioxidant, its toxicological profile and endocrine-disrupting potential make it a potential concern. A German study estimated the amount of nonylphenol that a typical human consumes in one day, excluding water. The present study measured NP and its cousin, octyl phenol, in spring water bottles.
Despite its adverse effects on human health and the environment, nonyl phenylphenol is not an authorised food-contact material. It is a breakdown product of alkyl phenol ethoxylates used as dispersing agents in some food packaging polymers. It also occurs naturally in soil and water and is found in food products. Currently, there is no regulation to determine the safe use level of nonyl phenol in plastic bottles, but it is considered a hazard for food contact by the European Chemical Agency.
In both studies, p-nonyl phenyl and bisphenol A were detected at concentrations ranging from 16 to 465 ng/L. Bisphenol A and TNPP are endocrine disruptors. They can be found in many products, including cosmetics and personal care products. Nonyl phenyl and bisphenol A are the most commonly found compounds in plastic bottles, and are ubiquitous in our environment.
Polycarbonates
Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been a topic of public concern for some time, but its use in drinking water bottles has only recently been banned in some U.S. states and Canada. It has been discovered that polycarbonate plastic bottles contribute to BPA in our bodies. In a new study, researchers found that drinking water in bottles made of polycarbonate increased BPA concentrations in urinary urine after a one-week period.
Originally created in the middle of the 20th century by Bayer and GE, polycarbonates have become an important part of our daily lives. Several companies manufacture polycarbonates today. Each one of them has their own specific formula, and trade names such as Makrolon and Lexan are trademarks of their respective companies. You can check out a list of companies and their trade names on the following website. Polycarbonate is used in bottles and other plastic products for many different applications.
Plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, and Nalgene(r) sports bottles contain polycarbonate plastic, a chemical that may harm developing humans. However, because BPA is a non-volatile compound, it can migrate from polycarbonate products and reach food and beverages. While the risks of BPA are low, government agencies are continuing to study its migration potential and possible effects on human health. For now, it is safe to use polycarbonate bottles as drinking containers for babies.
Polyethylene
Whether you are a consumer or a business, you probably know about the benefits of polyethylene plastic bottles. These bottles are both clear, lightweight, and recyclable. PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, was introduced in the 1940s, and makes up 96% of all plastic bottles in the United States. However, only 25% of the PET plastics are recycled. Recyclable containers are a smart choice for many reasons, including helping the environment.
There are two main types of recycling process for polyethylene plastic bottles. The first one is an external process. In this process, the bottle is separated from its contents, such as the liquid inside. Once separated, it is used as feedstock to create new bottles. The second type of recycling process is internal, which involves the reuse of polymer waste within the production process. In the future, only PET bottles will be recycled, as the fibre and film are collected and re-used within the manufacturing process.
Both PET and PP are used for making bottles. PET is crystal clear and has good barrier properties to gas, odor, and moisture. It has excellent impact and tensile strength and resists many chemicals. Both PET and PP are suitable for a variety of uses, including soda bottles. While PET is a good barrier to gases and oils, PP is more rigid and does not absorb liquids well. The latter is commonly used in yogurt and syrup bottles.
Resin identification code
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) on the bottom of plastic bottles and other containers is a symbol that corresponds to the type of resin in the bottle. By recycling items in accordance with a RIC, you help to preserve the product’s value. The RIC is administered by ASTM International. In total, there are seven different RIC labels on plastic bottles and containers. In addition, the RIC is a useful tool in identifying plastic products.
The RIC was introduced in 1988 by the US Society of Plastics Industry (SPI). SPI’s stated purpose for introducing the RIC was to improve post-consumer plastic recycling. It has since been adopted by many communities across the U.S. and has helped facilitate recycling. The RIC system was developed to address concerns of recyclers and workers in recycling facilities. As a result, it has become one of the most widely used recycling systems worldwide.
This coding system helps manufacturers and recyclers identify the types of plastic in a given bottle. There are seven different resin identification codes: poly (ethylene terephthalate), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polystyrene. The RIC symbol is typically molded into the base of the container. For more information, visit the SPI website. This site also provides helpful information and resources.
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