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What is polyethylene packaging?

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What is polyethylene packaging?

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Polyethylene packaging is a remarkably versatile and dependable form of petroleum-based plastic found in numerous industrial and household products. The basic chemical component of this packaging, polyethylene, is identified as a thermoplastic because it can be changed into a liquid at very high temperatures.  Once melted, it can be reshaped into many diverse solid forms that each has a different strength and purpose.

Polyethylene packaging varies in density from high to low, offering manufacturers a host of applications.  The more dense varieties find their way into heavy construction plastics such as piping systems, housing materials—like Tyvek—or chemical storage tanks.  Polyethylene boxes are high-density containers found in business products such as binders, folders and toting kits. Lighter types of polyethylene serve as durable, yet extremely flexible plastics used to make water bottles and grocery bags. Because of its resistance to moisture, acids and other chemicals, polyethylene can also be used as a handy coating for many other items like milk cartons and plastic wraps for foods, or as CD packaging. 

One of the most adaptable forms of polyethylene is foam which has made its way into many fields and industries.  Its buoyancy has made it a favorite substance established in life jackets and the actual hulls of water craft. Its thermal insulation properties make it useful in appliances and other HVAC equipment.  Polyethylene’s dense, shock absorbing qualities provide the protection in athletic equipment and electronic devices.

Because of these valuable applications, and the fact that polyethylene is so inexpensive to produce, it has been made in vast quantities across the globe for many years.  One negative effect of this mass production is that polyethylene is not easily biodegradable and may exist in its solid state for centuries, despite society’s best efforts at proper disposal in landfills.  In order to curb this harmful environmental impact, a plan for consistent recycling of this product would be necessary.  Another concern is the fact that polyethylene is not perfect when it comes to fending off ultraviolet light.  If exposed to the sun over long periods of time, products may show signs of fading or premature wear.

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Polyethylene packaging consists of various forms and grades of thermoplastic polyethylene sheets or film to wrap, seal, and protect consumer goods. Polyethylene, which is obtained from petroleum polymers, is the ideal medium with which to accomplish these tasks since the material is both durable and resistant to environmental hazards. In fact, polyethylene packaging is considered superior to any other material for this purpose and its use is widespread in the flexible packaging market. What makes polyethylene packaging so reliable is its molecular structure. Its cellular makeup is so cross-linked that it is virtually impossible for water vapor to pass through. This also makes polyethylene packaging resistant to damage from coming into contact with chemicals or solvents, as well as being able to withstand friction. Of course, there are varying grades of polyethylene, ranging from very high density to low density and high molecular weight. Each type of polyethylene provides unique proper

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