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Plastics have been a consistent material for products and packaging for decades. Despite their growing demand, thermoformed plastics still have a poor reputation.

Almost every industry worldwide uses plastics in various ways. Different types of plastics are also essential in growing global markets. Regardless, many myths surround thermoformed plastics.

Do you know any plastic thermoformed myths? This article will discuss and debunk the six most popular myths around plastic.

Understanding Thermoformed Plastic

Thermoforming plastics are the most common plastic manufacturing processes that companies use. The method includes applying pressure over a stretched sheet of heated plastic. Once it reaches its forming temperature, it goes over an engineered mold.

The process is simple and dates back to the Ancient Roman period. Fast forward, thermoforming has become one of the fastest ways of creating packages.

Depending on its purpose, manufacturers use different types of plastic to thermoform. These types of plastic have various chemical properties and textures. Here are the six best plastics to thermoform:

●      ABS (acrylonitrile, styrene, and butadiene) plastic

●      HIPS plastic or polystyrene

●      HDPE (high-density) polyethylene

●      PVC Plastic

●      PET Plastic

●      PETG Plastic

Aside from their qualities and uses, there are also myths around thermoformable plastics. While they provide many benefits, some are wary about them because of these reasons.

1. Recycling Is the Best Solution to Reduce Plastic Waste

People have believed for decades that recycling is the best waste management solution. The reality about recycling is more complicated than your initial perceptions. Tossing plastic packages in the recycling bin is only one step to recycling plastics.

On average, the world produces at least 8.8 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. In the US, recycled plastics are only an eighth of the country's entire plastic litter. The rest goes to landfills and incinerators or turns into pollutants.

In most cases, downcycling is the only option for some types of plastic. You can only recycle plastics once or twice before they become useless.

The percentage of the current plastic waste compared to recycled materials is too far apart. Recovering and processing boatloads of plastic isn’t workable.

Besides recycling, plastic companies create sustainable plastic packaging projects. Making these helps in lessening the production of plastic.

2. Thermoformed Plastics Are Harmful to Food Packaging

One of the most popular plastic thermoformed myths is their harm in food packaging. For years, people thought of styrene-based plastics as health and food risks. This myth became more notable with California State’s Proposition 65.

Because styrene is part of the Prop 65 list, many think that the list also includes polystyrene. Polystyrene is a well-known chemical used in HIPS plastic.

HIPS is a cost-effective type of plastic used in the food and medical industries. It's also the best plastic due to its strength, appearance, and heat resistance.

Soon after this news, California’s OEHHA specified that polystyrene isn’t part of Prop 65. There are also FDA-approved thermoformed plastics that help in food preservation. Thermoformed plastics also meet the safety standards for packing food and water.

3. Biodegradable Plastics Over Conventional Plastics

Nowadays, governments are looking for ways to reject conventional plastic products. Because of that, more companies are using plant-based or renewable resources as alternatives.

Using biodegradable plastics helps in moving away from fossil-fuel-based plastics. But these plastics aren’t as durable as conventional thermoformable plastics.

Biodegradable plasticware uses compostable materials. They can degrade in places under similar conditions with commercial compost facilities. It means that high temperatures can break down the plastic.

4. Plastics Don’t Help With Energy Conservation

In the US, heating and cooling hold the largest share of the country’s energy consumption. Contrary to this myth on plastics, different types of plastic help conserve energy.

There are some thermoformed plastics that you can use to insulate your homes. Some companies create plastic window panes that give extra insulation to houses. When you have good insulation, your HVAC system won’t need to work hard and consume more energy.

Thermoformed plastics are also a part of refrigerators and other appliances. Plastic insulation makes them more efficient and better for the environment.

5. Plastics Are Expensive

Many people often think that using plastic every day costs more than other options. Although materials like paper and glass look more sustainable, they are more expensive.

More than that, the expenses of transporting these materials are higher. Keep in mind that trucks, train cars, and container ships have weight limits.

Unlike other packaging materials, plastic weigh less. You can also ship more units in one shipment and save more money. It also means using less fuel to transport your materials.

For these reasons, plastic packages also conserve fuel use and help reduce pollution. Besides that, thermoformed plastics also help you go off the grid.

In a way, plastic sheets in solar panels help you lessen your energy consumption. They also work well as roof replacements.

6. Plastic Manufacturers Add to the Plastic Pollution Crisis

Plastic manufacturers always get the short end of the stick during plastic pollution debates. Plastic companies aren’t the problem. Instead, the constant demand for their products causes the rising crisis on plastic.

In their ways, manufacturers try to solve the growing plastic pollution problems. Many of them create anti-litter and recycling campaigns within nearby areas and cities.

Most, if not all, plastic producers are proactive in promoting sustainable packaging. They also foster sustainable plastic culture.

Recycling is an ineffective plastic waste reduction strategy. Aside from that, companies also need to become accountable in instances of over-production. People should also make an effort to lessen their use of plastics.

The best way to combat this crisis is to have restrictive policies on production. Governments should also ban single-use plastic.

Debunking the 6 Major Plastic Thermoformed Myths

Thermoformable plastics are one of the most functional materials in every industry. But because of the myths going around about them, it’s hard to see their benefits.

By knowing these six plastic thermoformed myths, you can clear your doubts. Not only that, but you can also think of the best ways to help reduce plastic pollution.

Contact us today to know more about thermoformed plastic and sustainable plastic packaging.

 

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