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The Marvellous World of Manufacturing

Not many people give much thought to the fact that almost every object you touch as you go about your day had to be manufactured by someone. When you stop to consider the impact that the processing and manufacturing industry has had on the modern world, it can blow your mind. My mind was blown when my son arrived home from his new job at a local processing and manufacturing plant and told me about the industry he was now working in. Since then, I have learnt all kinds of cool things which I would love to be able to share with the rest of the world.

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The Marvellous World of Manufacturing

A Guide for First-Timers When Choosing Plastic Packaging

by Anthony Harvey

Plastic is a popular choice when it comes to the packaging of various items, such as foodstuffs and pharmaceutical products. Plastic packaging is advantageous because of its durability, performance, lightweight, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Buyers of plastic packaging must always aim from durable and safe material that meets stringent Australian regulatory guidelines. This is a guide for first-timers when choosing plastic packaging.

Plastic Packaging Reduces Cost of Shipping and Handling

Businesses always look towards reducing the cost of shipping and handling goods as much as possible. Since plastic is lightweight and offers flexible packaging, it reduces such costs as opposed to other rigid packaging materials like pallets. Consequently, you can ship more products with plastic packaging, and thus, enjoy increased profit margins. Also, the lightweight property of plastic packaging enables businesses to reduce the cost of distribution, which translates to more money in their pockets.

Sustainability

Although some single-use plastic materials have been blamed for contributing to climate change, it is more complicated than that. Since the material is lightweight, it can be shipped using less energy. As a result, the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from transporting plastic packaging is less compared to transporting heavier packaging alternatives. For instance, it is estimated that a plastic tuna packaging minimises greenhouse gas emissions by at least 77% when compared to a steel can.

Ideal for a Range of Applications

Plastic is known for its protective and versatile properties and is suitable for a range of packaging applications, including pharmaceutical, healthcare, food and beverage, home, garden, cosmetic and personal care products. In the healthcare sector, plastic is used for packaging items such as syringes, fragile devices, drugs, and assorted medical equipment. Conversely, in the food and beverage industry, plastic packaging is widely adopted because it protects food and beverages from contamination. In a nutshell, plastic packaging is safe for use in several applications since it meets significant industry requirements.

Different Material Types

Plastic packaging is manufactured from different materials for specific packaging needs. What is ideal for packaging fresh farm produce might not be suitable for pharmaceutical products. Therefore, you will find plastic packaging that differs in temperature range, appearance, barrier properties, shelf life and environmental properties. For example, the excellent barrier properties of plastic packaging protect items against contamination from nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and moisture. Before buying plastic packaging, talk to your supplier about the different types available for your specific application.

Recycling

Since recycling of plastic contributes to a circular economy, buyers must opt for plastic packaging that can be recycled. Turning such packaging into new uses can also play a role in a clean planet since it reduces waste. Besides, consider biodegradable plastic that can be composted to reduce harm to the environment.

Reach out to a plastics packaging manufacturer to learn more.

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