Polyethylene terephthalate is a condensation polymer that has undergone particularly rapid growth as a packaging material, not only for carbonated beverages but also for amorphous and crystallized containers and trays. The success of PET as a carbonated beverage packaging material is due to its toughness and clarity, its ability to be oriented and the development of high-speed bottle processing technology. Prior to bottles, PET was used primarily as a food packaging film and for the production of ber for textile products and other applications.

Consumer Benefits
Toughness Shatterproof Lightweight Good barrier properties Clarity

Typical Temperature Range
Products made of polyethylene terephthalate are typically for use within the following temperature range:
18°C - 79°C

3-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, 9-Series, F-Series, D-Series, R-Series, J-Series

Polyethylene is produced in two forms - low and high density. It appears in its natural form as a milky white, waxy feeling material. As the density increases, so does the stiffness, hardness, strength, heat distortion point, and ability to transmit gases. As density decreases, impact strength and stress crack resistance increase. Stress cracking is a surface change that polyethylene and some other plastics undergo when exposed to oils, gasoline and other hydrocarbons. It appears on the material as a flaky, cracked surface.

Consumer Benefits:
Easily colored in transparent, translucent or opaque material Odorless and tasteless Very tough at low temperatures Excellent chemical resistance Low in water vapor transmission (won't easily sweat or fog) High permeability to air and gases

Typical Temperature Range:
Products made of polyethylene are typically for use within the following temperature range:
Low Density: 18° C - 79° C
High Density: 18° C - 121° C

C-Series

Polypropylene is produced as granules for use as a molding material. In its natural state, polypropylene is a fairly hard, cloudy white material. Because of its chemical makeup, it cannot be produced as a crystal-clear material. However, when it is produced as lm, its clarity is similar to polyethylene film. It is one of the lightest plastics available with a range of thicknesses. However, lack of stiffness does limit its application.

Consumer Benefits:
Good surface hardness and scratch resistance Excellent resistance to water and gas vapor Good chemical resistance Serviceable above sterilization temperatures, (100° C) Easily colored in opaque and translucent products

Typical Temperature Range:
Products made of polypropylene are typically for use within the following temperature range:
-23°C -115°C

1-Series, 3-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, 8-Series, 9-Series, D-Series, R-Series, J-Series, M-Series, T-Series

Polystyrene is an odorless and tasteless polymer produced from ethylene and benzene. The addition of synthetic rubber, or butadiene, makes it a much tougher and more versatile plastic. Because polystyrene can be foamed to lightweight, it is an outstanding insulation material.

Consumer Benefits:
Good food packaging material Can be naturally translucent or colored for added merchandising and consumer appeal

Typical Temperature Range:
Products made of polystyrene are typically for use within the following temperature range:
0° C - 100° C

1-Series, 3-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, 8-Series, 9-Series, D-Series, R-Series

Use of this code indicates that a package is made with a resin other than the six listed above, or is made of more than one resin and used in a multi-layer combination

* It must be well noted that the listed "typical temperature range" is for the material category and subject to a more defined range with specific grades. No single grade of material within a category will function between the entire range listed.

GB-Series