
Plastic packaging is used in the composition of over 50% of all packaging for consumer products
although it accounts for a mere 15% by weight of all packaging materials
9 indisputable qualities Because plastics are:
- cost-effective,
- lightweight,
- easy to convert,
- transparent or opaque, matt or glossy, smooth or grainy,
- rigid or flexible,
- unbreakable at cold temperatures (deepfreeze) and equally capable of withstanding high temperatures (hot-fill process, cooking and sterilization in situ),
- either permeable or a barrier to oxygen and moisture, as required,
- chemically inert in contact with food products and medicines,
- Hygienic and durable.
Plastics have naturally conquered the packaging market with their excellent capacity to adapt compared to traditional materials which remain confined to specific applications.