Plastic materials have been in use for a very long time. They are always used for different purposes like storage, packaging, and piping, among others. Of late, plastic materials are even used in the making of vehicles to make them lighter and environmentally friendly. Synthetic materials are used to make plastic containers. These plastic containers are always used for different purposes, either at home, school, or work. Also, the containers are used in industries not only for storage and packaging but for transportation reasons. While purchasing a plastic container, choosing the best one for the right purpose can be challenging. Here are the factors that can help guide before you buy a plastic container:
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Plastic Containers Secrets
Quality of the plastic container
When purchasing a plastic container, the quality of the material is always a vital thing to check. Virgin plastic is of high quality, and they are 100% recyclable. Moreover, these types of plastics are resistant to wear and tear, making them the ideal ones for food storage containers. For a plastic food container to be suitable for the storage of foods or medicines, in most cases, its construction should be FDA approved, making the container safe. For plastic storage bin, the quality of the plastic should be durable, recyclable, and wear and tear resistance should be high. Because of this, the quality of the plastic makes it environmentally friendly and safe. Finally, for storage of highly corrosive liquids like concentrated acids, a high quality non-corrosive plastic container is advised.
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Color of the plastic container
For easy and quick identification of items inside the container, clear plastic is always a suitable one. Moreover, a transparent plastic helps save time since whatever is packed inside can be easily seen even if the plastic storage box has other boxes stacked above it. Additionally, some individuals prefer colored plastic to use, and this may be cumbersome since it may require labeling of the containers or mastering each color for whatever content each storage container contains. For example, red containers are always favored for the storage of festive decorations while blue for clothing. But for easy, fast, and simple identification even for kids, clear storage containers are generally the best.
Contents to be stored in the plastic containers
When searching for storage containers, what to be stored in the container is always a factor. Plastic containers have different colors, quality, sizes, and shapes. For storage of liquid things like water, diesel, or even industry oil, a clear plastic container is preferred for easy and faster identification. However, for the sizes, different items have different sizes too. If you have bulk goods or property to be moved from one place to another, a big storage plastic container is advised since so many things can fit inside at ones and help save time. For the storage of sweets, fruits, or baby toys, a small or medium-sized container is recommended. Last, when you want to store highly corrosive liquids like concentrated hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, durable non-corrosive plastic that does not tear and wear is recommended.
Handles of the plastic container
Different plastic containers have different types of handles. Some containers have handles on the lids while some on the container’s body. For this reason, it is always important to check if the container has a handle, where the handle is and if the handle supports the entire container weight. For example, if you want plastic storage containers, the presence of sturdy handles are of importance to avoid unnecessary cracking or breaking. On most occasions, a handle that supports the entire plastic container is never on the lids but the container’s body. This is because handles on the lids are always weak and crack with little pressure compared to the ones on the containers body that are almost strong, sturdy and this helps in the container’s easy mobility hence less trouble.
Storage of the plastic containers
Whenever you consider purchasing a plastic container, where it will be kept, must be considered. Some containers can be stacked hence occupying a small space while some cannot be stacked leading to them occupying a large area. Storage containers with lids are always the best since they can be easily stacked, and this helps save space for other things. Most stackable plastic containers have their covers relating to the opposite of containers base on top of them. Additionally, container colors have distinctive advantages since they can help save space and time. Because of this, different container colors can be stacked together on top of the other, provided the user knows their various contents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Are plastic containers suitable for storing items?
Choose your plastic food containers carefully and restrict their usage to the storage of cold foods only. They are also an excellent choice for carrying food items. Instead, you may choose to put cold or hot items in containers made of glass or stainless steel. Both of these options are great for storing food at home since they can be reused after being cleaned.
What are the advantages of bamboo over plastic?
Products created from bamboo are made from a material that is particularly eco-friendly and sustainable. In contrast to plastic, bamboo is biodegradable and has antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics. Plastic, which takes a significant number of years to biodegrade and is the primary contributor to pollution everywhere in the globe, cannot be broken down by nature.
Which is a better container for storing flour: plastic or glass?
A plastic container that is 5 liters in capacity may comfortably hold up to 2 kilograms of flour. They are also stackable, which makes it simple to keep them in your pantry and makes the most efficient use of the space you have available. Plastic storage containers are often preferable to glass ones due to the fact that they cannot break when placed in the freezer or when they are accidentally dropped.
What are the most secure plastic containers?
HDPE, LDPE, and PP polymers are considered to be the most secure materials for food storage containers made of plastic. These include jugs for milk and juice as well as shopping bags, bread bags, vegetable bags, and storage boxes for food. These kinds of plastic containers are safe for storing food in since they prevent the release of any harmful chemicals.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, before acquiring a plastic container for use at home, school or work, it is always essential to consider factors like, where it will be stored in order to save space, the quality of the container to check it will fit its intended purpose. Moreover, the contents that you are planning to store in the plastic container is crucial as it will help determine its quality. Additionally, the containers handle is essential as it will help in making the container to be moved easily. Lastly, the colors of the container will significantly affect how they are stack and help in saving time.
