OPS

see Oriented Polystyrene

Oriented Polystyrene

• Excellent clarity, sparkle, and stiffness, virtually no taste or odour transfer to sensitive products with good to excellent chemical resistance. Barrier properties are fair to good.
• Typical Temp range of use is 20 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Identified by number 6 on recycling chart.

PLA - Polylactic Acid

• Plastic like resin made from Corn or other plant sugars
• Identified by #7 (other) on recycle chart

Oriented PLA

• Excellent clarity and stiffness ; good to excellent chemical resistance & barrier
  properties.
• Sensitive to temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Identified by #7 (other) on recycle chart

Cast PLA

• Fair to good stiffness but sometimes brittle.
• Sensitive to temperatures above 105F
• Identified by #7 (other) on recycle chart

PET

• Excellent clarity, gloss, toughness, impact resistance & oxygen barrier properties.
• Good to excellent chemical resistance & water vapour barrier
• Typical Temperature range of use is 0 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Polypropylene

• Excellent moisture barrier properties with good to excellent chemical resistance and rigidity.
• Also microwavable.
• Typical teperature range of use- 10 -240 Degrees F.
• Identified by #5 on recycle chart.

PP

See Polypropylene

Extruding

The act of making plastic Material

Injection Molded

A process that utilizes melted plastic, injected into steel or aluminum molds which ultimately result in finished production parts.

Thermoforming

The process of molding plastics for packaging by using heat and drawing the plastic
material into a mold to give it shape.

Polyethelene Terephthalate

See PET

Specific Gravity of plastics

• Each material has a specific gravity or density which is relevant because plastic is sold on a cost per lb basis.
• A higher density means more material per lb.
• Here are specific gravities for some plastic materials used in packaging today: PS (1.05) PLA (1.25) PET (1.37) PP (.91)

Density of Plastic

See Specific Gravity

OPS

See Oriented Polystyrene

Cast Material

• Plastic material that has been processed between two or more counter-rotating rolls to the finished thickness and material width.
• Materials like PET. PP are generally cast.

Bi-Axed Material

Plastic Material that has been processed in two directions under conditions that result in molecular re-orientation, thus improving the mechanical properties.

Biodegradable

A material that is capable of undergoing decomposition into simple compounds such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water rapidly by microorganisms under natural conditions.

Compostable (Commercially)

A controlled decomposition process meaning the product will disintegrate in 75-80 days under proper conditions that provide high heat (120 to 140 degrees F), microorganisms, and moisture returning the item to water, carbon dioxide and organic
material.

APET

CPET

Embossing

Engraving