As a trusting wholesale storage box manufacturer, we frequently get asked questions like, “What materials are plastic storage boxes made of?”. The choice of materials for plastic storage boxes may vary depending on their intended use, durability, and budget, etc. To help you learn more about KingStar Mold’s storage boxes and bins, here is a list of all the materials that we use!
1. Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene makes up most of the plastic we see in our daily life. With different techniques, PE could be manufactured into varying densities. Different densities give the final plastic unique properties; therefore, PE is in variety of products. Polyethylene is most likely to be seen in four different densities: low, medium, high, and ultra high molecular weight.
- Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is very ductile, and mostly used to make shopping bags, disposable packaging, or clear food containers.
- Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE): With more polymer chains, MDPE can be used in gas pipes, carrier bags, and more.
- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): For a more rigid choice, there is HDPE, a recyclable and often used in eco-friendly storage situations.
In general, PE is a material that has excellent flexibility and impact resistance. It is non-toxic, odorless, and waterproof, but usually tends to have lower heat resistance.
2. Polypropylene (PP)
PP due to its stiffer and heat-resistant features, is used wildly for food containers. As a polymer material, its single chain structure can endure temperature from -20°C to 100°C. As a synthetic plastic material, PP obtains strong chemical stability, and high mechanical strength. However, UV light could damage the linking, and cause degradation.
Through injection molding techniques, PP could turn into complex boxes and hold unique structures. It is very ideal for industrial storage, especially in scenarios where it requires high-temperature sterilization or chemical resistance, for example: pharmaceutical containers.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC, the third most produced synthetic plastic polymer, could be manufactured to possess either rigid or flexible properties, and is best known for its ability to blend with other materials.
In its rigid form, PVC is largely used in construction and building industries to make things like doors, window profiles and pipes, or small instances, like outdoor storage boxes. Mixing with other substances, PVC could be turned into softer and more flexible materials, which then could be used in scenarios such as flooring, wiring, and electrical cable insulation.
Despite its many advantages like durability and lightness, its drawback is clear. When exposed to high temperature, PVC can release hydrogen chloride, a toxic gas, so its processing needs careful handling.
4. Polyester (PET/PETP)
PET has excellent chemical resistance to organic materials and water. Compared to the previous materials, it is outstanding in its recyclable nature. It is highly transparent, has a glossy smooth outlook, and of strong strength, it is shatterproof.
As the most common thermoplastic resin of the polyester family, it is mainly used to make bottles and food packaging. But despite its less common use in storage boxes, some transparent organizer trays, such as cosmetic storage cases, may use PET for its high transparent aesthetic preference.
Although PET is not a mainstream material for storage boxes, it serves specific applications through certain methods. By reducing the cooling time or modifying with other organic compound, PET can increase its toughness and heat resistance, a suitable material for microwave safe purposes. PET is also eco-friendly, as PET bottles are often recycled and repurposed into polyester fiberboards.
5. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is often seen in household items and organizing trays and boxes. Made by polymerizing acrylonitrile, styrene, and polybutadiene, ABS holds the potential of all three materials. It has chemical resistance, thermal stability, and hardness of acrylonitrile, the wear and collision resistance of butadiene, and the gloss rigidity of styrene.
Generally, ABS is a material which well balances strength, toughness, and processibility, which makes it a perfect material for making electronic casings, toys, and wildly used in fields like 3D-printing and construction piping.
6. Acrylic (PMMA)
PMMA, also called acrylic glass, has an absolute spitting image of, as you may have guessed it, transparent glass. However, it is better than glass, since its polymer features made it shatter-resistant. It has more chemical stability, therefore, it has a more competitive feature in weather resistance and does not yellow easily. So, considering outdoors use, PMMA may just be your choice.
Despite PMMA not being biodegradable, it can be recycled mechanically by grinding and remelting in some cases. Its main advantage in transparency and weather resistance makes it good to see through. It is often used in display purposed trays and cases, lenses, and even windows in some cases.
7. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Different from other synthetic polymer materials, polyoxymethylene is not just strong, stiff, and dimensional stable, it is also very well known for its low friction quality. It makes good gears, bearings, fasteners, and even precision mechanical parts.
However, POM is not just used in mechanical fields, it is also used to make storage boxes and small parts like zippers. In general, this material is often used in fields where toughness, dimensional accuracy, and durability are needed more than transparency and budget saving.
8. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU combines the elasticity of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics, this unique feature gives TPU flexibility, toughness, and wear resistance. It is resistant to oils, greases and many other solvents. However, it is very sensitive to moisture and heat, as these two factors may cause TPU to degrade.
TPU is chosen when flexibility and durability is needed, for example, footwear, phone cases, and conveyer belts. It is a recyclable material good for protective cases and storage.
Other Material Comparisons
- Polystyrene (PS): Polystyrene is solid or foamed. It is lightweight, low-cost, and highly brittle. Due to its properties, it is mainly used for disposable or protective packaging, like packaging peanuts, etc., rather than for long-term storage.
- Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate is strong, tough, and known for its heat resistance. Its unbreakable lightweight with easy fabrication is used in a wide range of applications, like riot shields and airplane windows. However, the cost is expensive, you would have to consider twice if you are on a budget.
- Polyamide (PA/Nylon): Wear-resistant and self-lubricating, with its strength and durability, polyamide is an ideal material for sportwear and carpets, items that constantly come in contact and require free movement.
Future Trends
With the growing trend of eco-development, PLA/PBAT and other bio-based materials are gradually replacing traditional plastics to reduce environmental impact. We care for our environment, as much as we care for our customers.
Here in KingStar Mold, we also investigate smart materials. Incorporating antibacterial agents, such as silver ions, we ensure our customers a wholesome day. Also, popularity in anti-static additives expands, in fields and applications like medical and electronic component storage, we approach and improve.
Conclusion
Materials should be selected based on specific usage environments, considering different possible factors such as temperature resistance, chemical exposure, aesthetic requirements, and many more. For further inquiries, feel free to leave a message online or email sales@kingstarmold.com, we will respond within 24 hours.
