Plastic resins are created by breaking down hydrocarbons into ethylene and propylene through a “cracking process”. Different polymers are combined to create plastic resins for various applications. Thermoplastics are versatile and commonly used in food packaging, milk jugs, soda bottles, and other products. However, only half of plastic resin products are recycled.
Plastic resins are made by heating hydrocarbons in what is known as a “cracking process”. The goal here is to break down the larger molecules into ethylene, propylene and other types of hydrocarbons. The amount of ethylene produced depends on the cracking temperature.
Once the cracking process is complete, the compounds form into chains known as polymers. Different polymers are combined to create plastic resins that have the characteristics needed for different applications. Once plastic resins have been formed, they are used to make many different types of products.
The appropriate type of plastic resin is selected to make the particular type of product needed. Some plastics are filled with products that are hot when packaged, such as those used in some food establishments. Others are used for chemicals and are supposed to have different properties.
A type of plastic resin, known as polyethylene terephthalate, is used to make products such as soda bottles, bottles and waste containers. High-density polyethylene is used to make milk jugs, vitamin bottles, and film containers. The plastic wrap you use around the house to keep food fresh is made of vinyl/polyvinyl chloride. Plastic bags, garment bags and nets are made from low density polyethylene.
Many products that are familiar to us are made of thermoplastic materials. This is a very versatile material that softens when heated. It can then be molded into various shapes. Colors can be added as desired, depending on the application. Other additives are used to make the product resistant to damage from heat, light or bacteria.
Thermoplastics are a popular choice for food packaging materials, as they can be molded into a variety of shapes at relatively low cost. When you pick up a milk jug or soda bottle, you’re seeing an example of a product made from thermoplastics. Other applications for plastic resins include fibers used to make carpets, vehicle bumpers and microwave containers. Instrument panels inside cars, wallpaper and credit cards are also made from this material.
Even though plastic resin can be used to make many products that we use every day, many people don’t get the message that it can be recycled. Only about half of plastic resin products are used to make other products. The rest end up in the trash, which isn’t good news for the environment.
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