A multifaceted material

Plastic is widely used because it’s flexible, durable, and cost-efficient. You’ll find it everywhere—from everyday packaging to more technical applications. But while plastic solves many practical problems, it also raises environmental concerns.

This guide walks through the most common types of plastic used in product packaging and shares practical advice on how to use them more responsibly. The focus is on recyclability, smart design choices, and clear communication with consumers.

*Common types* of plastic and their uses:

  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
    Most commonly used for beverage bottles and food packaging.
  • PP (Polypropylene)
    Often found in lids, jars, and certain types of bottles.
  • HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
    A durable plastic frequently used in tubes and bottles.
  • LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
    Typically used for squeezable tubes and flexible packaging.

Key considerations for *recycling plastic*

  • Plastic can usually be recycled two to three times before its quality starts to decline. With each recycling cycle, the material loses some of its strength and stability.
  • Packaging made from multiple layers or mixed plastic types is harder to recycle and often ends up being downcycled or discarded.
  • Design matters. Uncolored or light-colored plastics are easier to sort and recycle. Black plastic should be avoided entirely, as it is difficult for sorting systems to detect.
Packaging information to include
  • Clearly mark packaging with sorting symbols that follow national guidelines in the market where the product is sold.
  • Provide simple, easy-to-understand instructions for consumers—such as whether lids and containers should be separated before recycling.

Material *compatibility* and performance

When selecting plastic packaging, material compatibility with the product formulation must be carefully assessed. Different polymers exhibit varying resistance to solvents, surfactants, oils, and active substances, which can lead to issues such as migration, absorption, stress cracking, or changes in mechanical properties over time.

To ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance, packaging materials should be validated through relevant compatibility, migration, and stability testing under intended storage and use conditions. Proper material selection helps maintain product performance, shelf life, and safety throughout the entire product lifecycle.

 

Tips when choosing plastic packaging

Make conscious design choices
Use as little material as possible without compromising function or safety.

Choose recyclable materials
Whenever possible, opt for plastics such as HDPE, PET, or PP.

Keep it simple
Using a single type of plastic throughout the packaging makes recycling much easier.

Think beyond printing
Labels are often a better choice than direct printing, as they simplify the recycling process.

Design for reuse
Reduce reliance on single-use packaging by creating solutions that can be refilled or reused.

Consider recycled content
Where possible, use recycled plastics—such as materials sourced from ocean cleanup initiatives or other social and environmental projects.