When plastic became relatively inexpensive to manufacture in the 1960s, a commercial product packaging revolution began. In today's retail market, thousands of items are delivered to the consumer via plastic packaging, specifically plastic bottles. Ideal for the storage of liquids and significantly less expensive than glass bottles, plastic bottles can be found carrying everything from water to laundry detergent. That is not to say that the plastic bottle containing laundry detergent is made of the same materials and chemical compounds as the plastic bottle containing water. Think of the difference between a squeezable mustard bottle and a typical water bottle. While both are made of plastic, the properties of each are radically different. In addition to the revolutionized retail packaging market, plastic bottles have also helped us think about how our consumption and disposal of these bottles affects the environment.
Types
While there are least nine different types of plastic bottles that are commonly used for the packaging of retail goods, water and soft drink bottles are typically manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate. While polyethylene terephthalate bottles represent the typical image when we think about plastic bottles, high density polyethylene bottles hold a greater percentage of the plastic bottle market. The chemical compounds found in high density polyethylene bottles do not support solvents, making them unsuitable for water or other soft drinks. High density polyethylene plastic bottles are popular because the manufacturing cost is significantly lower than most other plastic manufacturing. In contrast, low density polyethylene plastic bottles have a relatively high manufacturing cost, resulting in a decline in popularity. Low density polyethylene bottles are commonly referred to as "squeezable," making them perfect for products likes shampoos and conditioners as well as ketchup and mustard.
Cost Appeal
There are several factors leading to the rise in popularity of plastic bottles as opposed to glass or aluminum. The biggest and most obvious appeal is for manufacturers, as plastic bottles can be produced at a fraction of the cost of glass. When retail companies save money on packaging, the consumers then go on to save money at the grocery store. A six-pack of soda sold in aluminum cans contains 72 fluid oz. of soda or just over 2 liters. Compare the cost of a six-pack to a 2-liter plastic bottle of the same soda and the price difference will be shocking for essentially the same amount of soda. The price difference is a direct correlation between the package manufacturing costs. If the same soda can be found in glass bottles, the disparity will be even greater.
Convenience
For consumers, plastic bottles provide a convenience that is not found in other products. Plastic bottles are durable, making them less accident prone than glass. Because of their somewhat pliable nature, plastic bottles can be gripped in a manner that is impossible when holding a glass bottle. An improved grip leads to a reduced chance of slipping, which of course leads to a reduced risk of dropping the bottle. Of course even if the bottle is dropped it will only break if it is under an extreme amount of pressure or it lands on a surface that is capable of puncturing the bottle. Plastic bottles are also significantly lighter in weight than glass, making them easier to transport.
Disposal
While the recycling of plastic bottles is possible, a large majority of used bottles are thrown away. This creates landfill and environmental issues as the chemical nature of most plastics make them non-biodegradable. Scientists believe it will take the average plastic bottle 700 years to begin the process of decomposition. It is for these reasons that plastics and plastic bottles in particular have been the target of environmental awareness campaigns. Because of the negative impact have on the environment, it is suggested that the best means of disposal is to drop off plastic bottles at a local recycling facility.
Warning
The chemical compounds in many plastic bottles do not respond well to heat. The Food and Drug Administration has declared heating plastic bottles in a microwave as "unsafe" and the practice should avoided. Recently, concern has spread regarding the use of polycarbonate plastic bottles containing the chemical bisphenol A. While studies are not conclusive, it is strongly recommended that people, especially children, avoid drinking warm liquids from polycarbonate plastic bottles. In addition to polycarbonate plastic bottles, many organizations are urging parents to avoid plastic baby bottles as the long-term effects of plastic exposure are not known.
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