One of the most sustainable packaging materials available is CORRUGATED PLASTIC. A single layer of plastic cut in specific ways with strategically placed corrugations, provides both rigidity and protection.
What is CORRUGATED PLASTIC?
It is a single layer of plastic strengthened by corrugated fins. The amount of material used for each package is greatly reduced, compared to a flat sheet of plastic. The thickness of the material is also greatly reduced, resulting in more efficient packaging and reduced food waste.
The ability to form a variety of shapes and sizes makes it ideal for use with automated packaging lines. This, in turn, allows for more flexibility when it comes to manufacturing and optimises efficiency.
Why is CORRUGATED PLASTIC better for the environment?
When compared to other materials, it takes fewer resources to produce and the carbon footprint is significantly reduced. Not only that, but it also significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste thrown away by individuals and businesses.
Another plus point is that since it is single-use, there is no further consumption – the product is either used or thrown away. This, in turn, reduces the demand for products made of plastic, which subsequently, reduces the impact on the environment.
What are the Cartonale ?
There are a number of benefits to corrugated plastic, including:
- brighter colors available
- improved UV protection
- flexibility when it comes to manufacturing
- easier branding due to the embossed or printed design on the material
- more stable stacking due to the stiffness of the material
- less damage in transportation and storage
- lightweight and easy to handle
How does it work?
The material is immensely strong due to its special composition and the precisely cut and placed corrugations – these fins project outward, strengthening the flat sheet of plastic in which they are located while also providing a certain rigidity and stiffness to the overall package.
The main benefit of this is that the material can be cut to any shape or size with very high precision. This enables manufacturers to take advantage of automated packaging lines, which are becoming more prevalent in industry. These machines are essentially robotic arms that carry out your instructions in a precise manner, cutting the material to shape and sending it on its way to you.
In some cases, these machines can cut a single layer of plastic to create a complex product. Oftentimes, they will cut plastic in the shape of a capsule or a tube to create pharmaceuticals or nutriceuticals, or even organic produce such as flowers or mushrooms. The possibilities are truly endless.
Production benefits
The benefits of automated packaging lines lie not only in the ability to produce customised products but also in the efficiency and speed at which they can operate. Flat sheet plastic can be printed, embossed, or otherwise marked during the manufacturing process, providing a readymade label for the end user. These automated lines also feature feeders that constantly refill the material as it is cut, further increasing production efficiency and reducing the amount of wasted material.
What's more is that the speed at which these lines can operate is astonishing. They can cut through multiple layers of paper, plastic, and metal in a matter of minutes, providing a truly quick turnaround time for manufacturers.
Why should you consider CORRUGATED PLASTIC for your next project?
It's a valuable addition to any sustainable package because it requires less resources to produce than conventional flat sheet plastic and it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with its manufacture. Not only that, but it also significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste thrown away by individuals and businesses.
As for why you should consider using this particular material for your next project, it all comes down to the shape and size you need to have in mind for your end goal. If you are in the business of pharmaceuticals, then you might want to have a look at HAVO's product portfolio, which includes pharmaceutical blister packs and injection moulding equipment. If you are in the business of food or drink, then you might want to have a look at Throwing Savers' portfolio, which includes equipment such as clamshell and trays for ovenware.
Or if you are in the business of cosmetics or toiletries, then you might want to have a look at Schülke's portfolio, which includes cosmetic tubes, puffers, and jars.
Where can I get more information?
If you'd like to know more about CORRUGATED PLASTIC and its role in sustainability, then visit the websites below: