There are many different materials used to be make up plastic bottles and apply to different uses. Today, let’s see 6 common materials so that we can make informed decisions while choosing plastic bottles.

High-Density Polyethylene is the most commonly recycled plastic due to being not known to transmit any chemicals into foods or drinks, and not breaking under exposure to extreme heat or cold. Items made from this plastic include containers for milk, shampoos and conditioners, soap bottles, detergents, and bleaches, etc. 

While HDPE bottles provide good protection at below-freezing temperatures, they cannot be used with products filled at over 190° F or products requiring a hermetic (vacuum) seal. HDPE is NOT suitable for use with essential oils.

Low-Density Polyethylene is sometimes recycled. It is a very healthy plastic that tends to be both durable and flexible. Items such as cling-film, sandwich bags, squeezable bottles, and plastic grocery bags are made from LDPE.

LDPE is similar in composition to HDPE but less rigid and chemically resistant. It is also more translucent and significantly more expensive than HDPE.

PET is a durable material with excellent gloss, clarity, and impact resistance desired for clear bottles, but sometimes absorbs odor and flavor from foods and drinks that are stored in them. Items made from this plastic are commonly recycled. PET(E) plastic is used to make many common household items like beverage bottles, medicine jars, rope, clothing, etc.

This material does not provide resistance to high-temperature applications -- max. temp. 160° F.

Polypropylene is occasionally recycled. PP is strong and can usually withstand higher temperatures. It is used to make lunch boxes, margarine containers, yogurt pots, syrup bottles, prescription bottles, etc. Plastic bottle caps are often made from PP.

Plastic bottles made from PP are rigid with excellent moisture barriers. They are stable at high temperatures ( up to 220° F ).

Polystyrene is commonly recycled, but it's difficult to do. Items such as disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, plastic cutlery and packing foam are made from PS. It doesn’t provide good barrier properties and exhibits poor impact resistance.

Plastic bottles made from PS are commonly used with dry products including vitamins, petroleum jellies, and spices. 

Polyvinyl Chloride is sometimes recycled, and usually clear when used in plastic bottles. It has excellent resistance to water, alcohols, alkalines, and concentrated acids and offers excellent flexibility and versatility along with predictable and long term stability. This kind of plastic should not contact with foods as it can be harmful if ingested. PVC bottles are commonly used for shampoos and cosmetic products.

PVC exhibits poor resistance to high temperatures and will distort at 160° F, making it incompatible with hot filled products.

Sanle is a leading OEM/ODM supplier of customized plastic containers for world-leading multinationals. We deliver packaging solutions and results, doing so with fast, exceptional service that never fails to be polite, friendly, and sincere. Sanle Plastics exclusively uses recyclable and safety plastics for all our products, either PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, or PS.

If you want to get more information about plastic bottles, or can’t make sure which type applies to your use, contact us now!