PLASTIC BOTTLES AND JARS

Plastic bottles or jars are in many cases alternatives for glass or metal packages. This is especially true for cosmetic products, automotive liquids and other techno-chemical products. In food industries, plastic bottles are used mainly for edible oils, carbonate nonalcoholic beverages and condiments (mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauces). Plastic jars are not yet used to a great extent in general food packaging.
                                            
The advantages of plastic bottle and jars are ;

• Good impact strength and no splinters if broken;
• Light weight;
• Many colors available for both an aesthetic appeal and UV-light protection;
• Clear packages possible;
• Shorter production runs can be economical;
• More possibilities for shape variation than glass packages.                 

High impact strength and light weight are especially good features for packages which are handled in humid conditions or with wet hands(shampoos, bath oils, detergents, etc).As plastic bottles are easier to shape than glass bottles, convenience features, like handles, do not raise the costs too much.
                       
                             Bottles and jars are made of many different types and grades of plastic which have different properties. It is therefore necessary that the packer knows the exact requirements of his own product, and also the properties of the plastic package intended for the product. For food products, the plastic package must have approval for use in direct contact with food. In most countries either the approval of the FDA(Food and Drug Administration, USA) or the BGA is acceptable.