While we encourage product compatibility testing by the user, Western Plastics Corp. will be more than happy to make some suggestions regarding common plastic materials, their qualities and limitations.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is extremely economical and usually approved by the FDA for food products. It has a good moisture barrier and is impact resistant. HDPE is translucent in its natural state, but may have colorant added. It is compatible with a wide range of products including acids but not solvents. When flame treated it is an excellent choice for silk-screening. It cannot stand up to hot fill of over about 160 degrees.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is similar to HDPE but its less molecular structure renders it less chemically resistant. It is more translucent and is used mainly for squeeze applications. The price is usually higher than HDPE for the same type of container,

Polypropylene (PP)
PP is manufactured by an injection molding process, which yields a container with contact clarity and an excellent moisture barrier. It is stable at high temperatures up to 200 degrees. It has excellent chemical resistance but poor impact resistance in cold temperatures.

Polystyrene (PS)
PS creates a rigid walled container of excellent clarity. It is however, poor in terms of impact resistance and does not have good barrier properties. It was one of the first packaging materials used to make plastic jars.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a semi rigid material that has extremely good resistance to oils but is vulnerable to solvents. PVC is unstable at temperatures over 160 degrees and will distort. It has good drop impact resistance.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET (the material 2 liter soda bottles and water bottles are made of) has excellent clarity and very good alcohol and essential oil barrier properties. It has a high degree of impact resistance but PET is extremely heat sensitive. Even storage of empty containers can affect the stability of PET. It will distort!

Other Materials
There are other materials available for special circumstances. Most are too expensive for the general consumer and will not be addressed here. If you have a special need, please ask us and we will either recommend a material for you or offer product compatibility testing through one of our suppliers.

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