Factors contributing to the increase in demand for plastic packaging include developments in injection blowmoulding technology, new materials, and higher standards of container decoration and design. It is widely acknowledged that packaging, particularly in the toiletries and cosmetics market, plays a role in influencing the decision to purchase. In recent years, an explosion in the range of beauty products available has led to a host of new bottle, jar and container shapes, in vibrant colours and with powerful graphics, being launched. With packaging manufacturers offering a range of standard designs, as well as bespoke bottles, jars and containers, the packaging buyer or merchandiser can find a confusing array of products to choose from. This is particularly pertinent to plastic packaging as it is used across all sectors of the industry from low end, high volume liquid soaps to high cost cosmetics.
Plastic offers a number of important benefits over traditional packaging materials.
It is generally lower in cost than glass and metal and is lighter, yet resistant to damage or breakage. This makes plastic containers easier to store, transport and use. In addition, the flexibility offered by plastic, in terms of the production methods available, the variety of materials on the market and the styles that can be achieved, can influence the decision to use it. Each is suitable for particular applications. For example, HDPE is excellent for products which require a rigid or semi-rigid pack that resists light external hand pressure or greater forces encountered during transit.