Polypropylene is a special type of plastic that can be made into all kinds of products. Although it’s already a big part of people’s daily lives, listed below are some of the ways businesses utilize polypropylene as well as how they reuse it at the end of its life cycle.
Construction Or Building Materials
Polypropylene is a versatile material with many applications in the construction industry. Recycled polypropylene’s low cost and durability make it ideal for commercial construction purposes. It’s used to make products such as the following:
- Plastic lumber
- Permeable pavers
- Pipe insulation
Plastic lumber is just what it sounds like: lumber that’s made of recycled plastics instead of trees. This type of plastic doesn’t rot over time, and it won’t need to be replaced nearly as often as traditional wood fencing or decks. This and its other qualities are part of what makes polypropylene recycling popular in the construction industry.
Furniture And Other Consumer Goods
Due to its strength, polypropylene is often used in manufacturing consumer goods such as trays, chairs, food containers, synthetic beehives, tables, outdoor furniture, drawers for clothing, and kitchen utensils. When combined with other materials like cotton or wool, it can also be made into mats or rugs. What’s more, it’s become more common to use it in the production of shoes because it can withstand wear and tear better than most materials.
Automotive Parts
Polypropylene is an effective material for car seats because of its toughness. It can withstand most weather conditions, is comfortable for passengers to sit on, and doesn’t absorb sweat (which means that if you spill something on the surface, it won’t leave a wet mark behind). This makes polypropylene seat covers great not only for protecting your car’s original upholstery but also for giving the interior a brand-new look that’ll last a long time.
The same kind of plastic is used to manufacture car parts such as bumpers, fenders, door panels, and instrument panels. It’s a more cost-effective choice compared to plastics with higher price tags.
Bottle Caps
Plastic bottle caps are also made of polypropylene. These are attached to plastic bottles with the screw-on, flip-top style popular for water and soda containers. These lids need to be sturdy enough for repeated opening and closing by consumers without wearing out or coming loose.
Polypropylene is also easy to recycle, which is more sustainable than using virgin plastic material every time a new bottle needs a lid. A recycling program can recapture these used bottle caps and melt them down to make new ones.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are one of the most well-known uses of polypropylene. When you go to the grocery store and grab a loaf of bread or a head of lettuce, there’s a good chance that it’ll come home with you in a plastic bag made from the same material. It’s more durable than a paper bag, which makes it more convenient to use. Plus, since it’s recyclable, this has led to businesses using it over plastic wrap if items need ventilation during transit.
Nets And Ropes
In the fishing industry, polypropylene is also often found in fishing supplies such as nets and rope. The plastic’s strength makes it suitable for use in high-tension situations where a weaker material would fail the durability test.
Carpet Adhesive
Most carpets are held down with adhesive made from polypropylene because of how well polypropylene sticks to surfaces while also having some give when pressure is applied. It also tolerates high temperatures, staying strong at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Polypropylene’s ability to stick well and resist high temperatures means that it’s the perfect material for the adhesive component of carpeting.
Medical And Scientific Equipment
You’ve probably seen this kind of plastic being used to create medical equipment that you’ll find in hospitals, doctor’s offices, laboratories, and even your home. Since it’s clear yet incredibly strong, polypropylene works well as a material for creating syringes, IV tubing and bags, surgical tools and masks, and anything else that doctors and patients need to use safely.
Chemical Containers
Chemical companies use polypropylene for their containers because there’s less chance of interaction with chemicals that are stored in those tanks. The type of plastic utilized in manufacturing bottles will determine whether they’re safe for storing hazardous chemicals. For example, high density polypropylene has a high melting point that can safely store pure ethanol but not methanol, which has a lower boiling point than ethanol.
Packaging
One of the polypropylene’s most beneficial characteristics is how resistant it is to moisture, fats, oils, and alcohol. This makes it perfect for use in packaging food items such as chips, candy, cheese, and crackers because those will stay fresh longer inside the container. Polypropylene is also used to create bottles for vinegar, beer, and other beverages.
Pipes And Fencing
One of the strongest applications for polypropylene is piping, so manufacturers use it to create plumbing systems meant for various chemicals, oil, and water, among others across a wide range of industries.
However, people have noticed that when this material is used in fencing or the construction of other outdoor buildings, it makes for a great outcome because it doesn’t rot or rust over time. This means you can count on your fencing being just as effective years after installation as it was upon completion.
Conclusion
Polypropylene is widely used in packaging because of its strength and durability. Even in its recycled state, it’s still suitable for the production of medical equipment such as syringes and surgical tools, and masks. It can be used in car seats and seat covers because of its strength and resistance to oil, sweat, and other liquids. Certain industries turn to polypropylene pipes designed to transport everything from chemicals to water as well.
It’s not only the main component in adhesives for over 47% of new carpets produced each year but also used to produce 44% of plastic bottles. Because of its many applications and recyclability, it’s no surprise so many businesses in almost every industry around the world depend on it. And with most enterprises actively looking into ways to lighten their environmental footprint, it’s rising as a material of choice in most manufacturing processes.
With all that said, it’s clear that this particular plastic should be among your top options if you’re a business owner looking for a material that’s not only cost-effective but also durable and incredibly versatile.
I am Tristan who loves to ride and spend time with my jenny (horse) and my love Mark. After completing my graduation, I have been working as an accountant in a private firm in Cologne.
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