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Why HDPE & PET Plastic Bottles Are So Popular

hdpe vs pet

Why HDPE & PET Plastic Bottles Are So Popular

Thousands of plastic bottles pass through consumers’ hands each day, but rarely does anyone give a second thought to the actual plastic material such as HDPE vs PET. It’s just something to hold a product in, until it fails. Maybe the lid doesn’t stay on or the plastic bottle cracks. All of a sudden, there’s a problem and the reality hits. Quality storage containers make a difference. 

Safety of HDPE vs PET

Bottles made from poor quality plastics are not durable or safe. Medicines improperly stored are a danger to children and pets. Faulty child-proof caps can allow children to access medications, causing overdoses. Each year, more than 34,000 children are sent to the emergency room after ingesting medication. Over 9,000 of them are hospitalized. 

Some plastics are unsafe and cause toxins to leach into the product. Foods and liquids stored improperly can absorb the toxins, especially when heated or stored over a long period of time. The importance of using the right food grade plastic cannot be underestimated. HDPE plastic is currently considered a low-hazard plastic with a low risk of leaching. PET plastic is approved as safe for food and beverage contact by the FDA and other regulatory agencies throughout the world, and has been for more than 30 years.

PET Plastic Containers

PET Clear Plastic Bottle
                             PET Clear Plastic Bottle

Polyethylene terephthalate, more commonly known as PET or PETE plastic or polyester. This plastic is clear and strong but lightweight. It’s commonly used for drink bottles, salad dressings, shampoo bottles, peanut butter, milk jugs, cooking oils, and food storage. Thirty years of testing has proven this plastic to be safe for contact with food packaging, drinks, and pharmaceuticals. Because it is resistant to micro-organisms and will not react to foods or biodegrade, and is 100% recyclable, PET is one of the most popular plastics to use. In fact, PET plastic is the most recycled plastic in the U.S and worldwide. The FDA and other world-wide health organizations recognize PET’s safety. It does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalate.

PET bottles can be easily decorated and molded into a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Their high clarity allows for good product visibility and they are easily colored to complement a brand and label. When you’re looking for protection of products such as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals, amber colored bottles offer high resistance to UV rays.

HDPE Plastic Containers

HDPE White Plastic Bottle
          HDPE White Plastic Bottle

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is widely used in both rigid and flexible products. Its versatility allows it to be used for everything from hard hats to storage containers to bags. Lightweight yet strong and impact-resistant, this plastic has replaced many metals and wood for playground equipment, decks, and car parts, yet remains highly recyclable. It is FDA-approved and safe for food, liquids, and pharmaceuticals, and does not contain BPA or phthalate.

An important property of HDPE plastic is the ability to withstand cold temperatures. HDPE plastic can endure long-term temperatures of up to -100 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows products such as food and beverages to be frozen for later use. It also has the ability to withstand temperatures between 212 and -220 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time, making it sometimes suitable for autoclave sterilization.

What’s The Difference? HDPE vs PET

People often ask the fundamental differences between HDPE vs PET plastic bottles. PET plastic is clear and glass-like while HDPE plastic is more opaque and flexible. Both are safe and are great options for consumables. HDPE bottles provide good stress crack resistance and impact strength along with a uniform wall thickness for better labeling and appearance. PET plastic containers are manufactured using a two-stage injection blow molding process. Clear PET bottles provide a great alcohol, solvent and moisture barrier.

Why Use Plastic? HDPE vs PET

Plastic is durable and lightweight, making it ideal for storage and more economical for transporting. Drug interactions and leaching can be an issue with certain medications and supplements, but in the battle between HDPE vs PET, both plastics are safe and are commonly used. The white bottles give further protection by blocking light. 

Silver Spur Bottles & Closures

Silver Spur was founded in California in 1978 and quickly became well-known for their glass amber bottles. The business grew and now carries a large variety of glass and plastic containers. Along with the amber, they also offer cobalt blue, flint, green, and frosted glass bottles.

The PET and HDPE plastic, wide-mouthed bottles can be ordered in white or clear and come in a variety of sizes. The PET plastic also comes in amber. These round bottles are perfect for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals and are ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 certified.

Quality caps are also important to mention. Safety is a top concern and the integrity of the product and safety of the consumer is vital. A nice selection of plastic fine rib closures are available as heat sealed or pressure sealed. Also in stock are plastic child-proof caps that come in a variety of convenient sizes.

With years of experience, a large selection of products, and a commitment to great customer service, Silver Spur Corporation will be able to assist with any packaging need. Please contact us with any questions about our available products and how we can best serve you.

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The Anatomy of Great Plastic Wide Mouth Bottles

variety of plastic wide mouth bottles

The Anatomy of Great Plastic Wide Mouth Bottles:

10 Parts to Know

 

Bottles come in all forms and sizes. That is why it’s vital to understand their anatomy to enable you to choose the most suitable one for your packaging needs. The mouth of a bottle can be sealed using an exterior bottle cap, an inner seal, internal stopper or closure. The type of product you deal with determines the kind of bottle you should use. Plastic bottles are best suited for keeping liquids like medicine, vitamins, oils, soft drinks, and water. They are popular because they are great moisture barriers and highly resistant to breakage from impact, whether during production or transportation. Also, they are affordable. Best of all, plastic wide mouth bottles are available in various types and sizes.

Plastic Wide Mouth Bottles
                     Plastic Wide Mouth Bottles

Amber Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic wide mouth bottles are best suited for storing pills, veterinary, and pharmaceutical products. These wide mouth bottles allow you to see the contents inside and can be used with a variety of closures. Their sizes range from 75cc to 750cc.

Clear PET plastic wide mouth round bottles are available in a variety of sizes from 75cc to 960 ml. They are lightweight, resistant to impact, and offer easy access to the contents inside. These bottles are often used in the laboratories and for storing items such as nutritional supplements..

White HDPE plastic wide mouth bottles are opaque white in color, recyclable and perfect for bulk packaging. Their size ranges from 75cc to 750cc. These wide mouth bottles are normally used for label application and silkscreen decoration.

Plastic Wide Mouth Bottles – 10 Parts to Know

Let’s take a detailed look at the architecture of plastic wide mouth bottles.

#1 FINISH – This is the part of wide mouth bottles above the neck, reaching up to the opening of a bottle. The finish is usually shaped in line with the type of closure used on the bottle. According to history, creating this part was the last step that craftsmen took when making containers, and hence the name.

#2 SEALING SURFACE OR LAND -The sealing surface or land is the flat circular part of the finish that comes in direct contact with any closure used to seal wide mouth bottles. The land is usually flat to prevent contents from leaking from the container.

Wide Mouth Bottles#3 THREAD -This is the section of the finish that has a spiral shape. It is where the closure is twisted to seal the container. The size of the bottle neck determines the thread – standards range from between 5 threads per inch to 12 threads per inch. A well engineered thread will protect the bottle contents by keeping them fresh and free from being tampered with which can lead to product damage.

#4 TRANSFER BEAD – Also known as the neck ring, this is the horizontal ridge found at the bottom of the finish section. This collar of plastic is used during the molding process and can be used to provide tamper evidence for your packaging.

#5 NECK – The neck area is found below the finish. This is the section where the narrow part of wide mouth bottles gets smaller and joins the finish.

#6 SHOULDER – This section is where the base of the neck joins with the body. It is the widest part of the container. The shoulder’s slope can tell you how fast a product can spill out when you turn the container upside down.

#7 LABEL PANEL -The label panel is the flat area below the shoulder and just before the bottom of wide mouth bottles. This is the section where labels or print decorations are placed.

#8 BODY – The body, also known as the sidewall, refers to the central part of the container. The body of most vessels usually is vertical. However, there can be exceptions.

#9 BOTTOM – This is the foundation of wide mouth bottles. As the name suggests, it is found on the lower section of the bottle and falls right under the body. The bottom is divided into sections like the base, push-up, and heel. The heel refers to the section where the sidewall starts curving to form the base, which is the bottom part of the container. The push-up is part of the base and is the section that provides a plastic wide-mouth bottle with stability, and includes room for marking the base with details like registration numbers, and any labeling.

#10 PARTING LINE – This is a vertical line from the base to the finish. It’s where the two halves of the container meet during molding to form a full bottle.

Silver Spur Corporation can provide you with a variety of different types and sizes of plastic wide mouth bottles in line with the product you want to package. Get in touch with us, and we’ll ensure you get the best plastic bottle for your packaging needs.

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8 Simple Reasons Why HDPE Bottles Are the Best Choice

Shop HDPE Bottles

8 Simple Reasons Why HDPE Bottles Are the Best Choice

 

HDPE Bottles – Perfect for Pharmaceutical & Nutritional Products

A HDPE bottle provides manufacturers of pharmaceutical and nutritional products with a package that ensures against the contamination of the product. HDPE is often used to make medicine bottles since it’s a thermoplastic, meaning it can be molded into any shape necessary. They also have a white, medical-grade appearance and look attractive when labeled. A HDPE plastic bottle is economical, comes in a variety of sizes, and rank amongst the most sustainable packaging options.

If you are marketing a pharmaceutical or nutritional product, HDPE bottles are the most effective option from a logistics, price, quality, and environmental standpoint. Here’s why:

1 – Plastic Container Strength

HDPE  bottles provide strength while remaining lightweight. Drop one to the floor and it sustains no damage, even against a hard surface. HDPE is known for its outstanding tensile strength and strength-to-density ratio, as well its high-impact resistance. This means manufacturers can rest assured that their products remain safe when packaged in HDPE bottles.

2 – Container Durability

You can leave HDPE bottles in storage for years, and they remain in pristine condition, provided you avoid exposing them to intense heat. These plastic bottles are ideal for providing long-lasting protection for a variety of products. In general, they can withstand temperatures from -148 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a great choice for pharmaceutical use.

3 – Chemical Resistance

                       Pharmaceutical HDPE Bottle

HDPE plastic bottles are the best choice for medicines, foods, and beverages because they have no reaction to the ingredients of items stored inside them. HDPE can withstand most strong mineral acids and bases and has excellent resistance to chemicals. They are also non-leaching meaning that whatever the contents, it will not leach into the bottle itself. For these reasons, HDPE bottles are perfect for all kinds of medication as well as vitamins and a variety of popular nutritional supplements. 

4 – Resistance to Weather, Insects, and Mold

Weather, insects, and mold can certainly spoil medicines, supplements, liquids, and foods. HDPE resists mold, mildew, and rotting, making it the preferred plastic material for bottles. HDPE plastic containers are also very weather-resistant, including below freezing temperatures,  which adds an additional layer of protection for the products inside.

5 – Low Cost

HDPE plastic bottles are also great for the bottom line because they add little to the cost of the product. HDPE bottles offer the perfect combination of strength, cost-efficiency, and environmental friendliness.

6 – Food Safe

HDPE bottles can be sterilized with radiation or with boiling water and remain unaffected. Food-grade HDPE containers are considered the safest type of plastic for food storage. These containers pass the Food and Drug Administration’s requirements for excellent food safety. Though food-safe containers are made with HDPE, not all HDPE products are food-safe. Some HDPE applications, such as gas cans, do not need to adhere to food safety requirements. Before using an HDPE product for food, milk, or water storage, make sure it is made with food-grade HDPE. 

7 – UV Resistant

Ultraviolet (UV) light resistance is important for many HDPE applications. For example, HDPE pipes may require UV resistance. HDPE can easily be made to be UV resistant by adding a special pigment during the molding process.

8 – Sustainable

White HDPE PackerHDPE is one of the most sustainable plastic packaging on the market. About 25-100% of HDPE is made from recycled plastic. For example, when HDPE bottles are recycled, they are often repurposed into other HDPE products, such as toilet partitions, commercial vanities, or locker-room doors. 

This chain of recycling is very important from a green point of view. HDPE is not biodegradable, which means it does not break down in a landfill for a very long time. By recycling HDPE bottles, the plastic winds up in another product rather than a landfill. 

At the recycling center, HDPE needs to be separated according to grade. Some HDPE plastic is very thick, such as those used for partitions, while others are thin, such as those used for bottles. Once separated, the plastics are cleaned to remove debris. It is important that only HDPE material is homogenized during the recycling process. If any impurities are left in the plastic, it can damage the end product.

HDPE bottles offer pharmaceutical and nutritional products marketers with the ideal packaging. They come in a variety of sizes, prevent contamination, are cost-effective, and highly sustainable. Silver Spur Corporation provides HDPE bottles that exceed all medical-grade requirements, take labels efficiently, and offer a sustainable solution. 

Alternatively, Silver Spur Corporation manufactures PET bottles, which have the same great characteristics but are clear as glass, perfect when you want the shopper to see the product.

To learn more about HDPE bottles and how they will help your product fly off the shelf, contact us or request a sample.