Over the years, various types of plastic packaging have taken over the food packaging market compared to other traditional packaging alternatives such as paper, and glass.
In full compliance with the regulations of consumable packaging products, the development of plastic packaging follows stringent manufacturing processes, ensuring they are safe for food contact.
At present, there are six widely-used types of plastic packaging in Malaysia. Read on to discover some of the most recognised and sustainable plastic types used for plastic packaging.
Types of Plastic Packaging in Malaysia
All plastic packaging is made from tiny resins that form polymers. Through a process named the ‘cracking process’, manufacturers design various plastic resins to produce food-grade plastics that cater to customer needs.
The plastic resins are designed to cater for specific applications, such as Polypropylene Plastic (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene Plastic (HDPE).
They are available in different shapes and possess varying qualities. Here are six common plastic resins used in the packaging sector:
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
The ubiquitous HDPE is one of the most popular resin choices for food plastic packaging. The plastic’s solvent-resistant, durable, and translucent properties make it the right choice for goods that require extra protection.
This type of plastic packaging is also perfect if you need stiff yet light packaging that holds its shape.
Examples include milk jugs, ice cream containers, cereal box liners, and butter or margarine tubs in the food service industry, as the material is more durable than PP.
This material can also be applied to other food applications depending on their requirements and can be used with Combi-Pack’s Combi Cups.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Due to its durability, flexibility, and toughness, LDPE is mainly used to create plastic stretch films or shrink wraps.
Inexpensive and easy to produce, the plastic features high resistance to chemicals, tearing, and moisture, as well as some oils and greases.
LDPE is generally used for food packaging that requires heat sealing and is included in coatings on cartons or beverage cups.
Also, one can easily find this particular resin in flexible lids, frozen food packaging, and squeezable condiment bottles.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene has impressive tensile strength, good barrier properties against moisture, and a high melting point, which makes it one of the most versatile types of plastic packaging available.
The cost-effective PP is suitable for medication bottles, automotive products, deli food containers, bottle caps, yoghurt, ice cream and biscuit containers, and many other food types.
PP is also 100% recyclable, allowing manufacturers and end-consumers to recycle their packaging with minimal effort. It can also be decorated with in-mould labelling, one of modern technology’s most sustainable decorative methods.
Per our ‘Combi Cares’ motto, we utilise PP to produce sustainable and environmentally-friendly plastic packaging for your business.
Read More: 5 Essential Instant Noodles Packaging Benefits in Malaysia
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE)
PET or PETE plastic is an excellent choice for food packaging as it is resilient and contains gas as well as moisture barrier properties.
Not only that, but PET is also lightweight, impact- and corrosion-resistant. This is why most carbonated drinks are packed in PET.
What’s more, the durable nature of PET minimises the probability of packaging degradation upon food contact. As such, this resin is typically used in single-use water bottles and food-grade containers.
PET also has one of the highest collections in the recycling stream and is a material of choice moving forward.
Read More: The Benefits of A Great Food Packaging Design in Malaysia
To Conclude
As Malaysia’s prominent food packaging manufacturer, Combi-Pack offers different types of plastic packaging, particularly packaging made from PP resin, HDPE resin and soon PET resin, that meet our client’s expectations.
For more details, learn more about our expansive portfolio of innovative plastic packaging products and custom solutions.