If you’re in need of something lightweight but incredibly strong and durable, corrugated plastic is a great option. PP corrugated sheets have gained popularity in several industries, and offer amazing toughness, waterproofing, and recyclability. Let’s see what exactly they can be used for, and what their benefits.
1. What Is Corrugated Plastic?
Corrugated plastic is a perfect choice when you require something that’s very lightweight but strong at the same time. Corrugated plastic is also known by names like PP corrugated sheets or polypropylene flute boards, which are made of polypropylene resin. It is the unique corrugated internal structure that makes this plastic very strong without increasing its weight.
Standard specifications include a thickness range of 2 to 12 mm, a GSM range of 250 to 2,500, and width range of 2,600 mm.
2. Uses of Corrugated Plastic
If you are searching for lightweight but robust material, look no further than corrugated plastic.
Here are some of the most common applications:
1. Returnable Packaging
One of the largest areas in which it is applied is returnable packaging.
Instead of using cardboard boxes which deteriorate in just a few runs, corrugated plastic boxes can be used many times.
According to many companies, returnable PP packaging is 20-50 times more durable than traditional corrugated cardboard.
Some of the items include:
- Returnable shipping boxes
- Foldable containers
- Distribution totes
- Industrial boxes
- Component packaging
Custom packaging solutions can be developed from PP corrugated sheets by die-cutting, folding, stapling, printing, and laminating, making them a more protective and precisely branded solution.
2. Layer Pads
Layer pads are widely used in many different industries – beverages, food processing, pharmaceuticals, glass manufacturing, and chemical production. Using PP layer pads between products ensures their safe transportation.
The use of plastic layer pads compared to paper ones offers various benefits like:
- Water-resistant
- Cleanable
- Reusable
- Lightweight
- Chemical-resistant
- Suitable for cold storage
They are perfect for export packaging and long transportation.
3. Advertising and Signage
Corrugated plastic is the way to go for outdoors if you work in the printing industry.
Examples of applications include:
- Election posters
- Real estate posters
- Yard posters
- Directional posters
- Promotional posters
- Exhibit boards
- Retail advertising posters
Corrugated sheets from PP have high UV and moisture resistance as well as toughness, allowing the plastic corrugated signs to remain outside for long periods without bending or deforming. They can also be printed quickly, customized easily, installed easily, and recycled.
4. Agriculture
Corrugated sheets made of plastic are reliable in agriculture due to their ability to withstand moisture.
Some of the uses that you may come across include:
- Tree barriers
- Boxes for vegetables
- Dividers in greenhouses
- Seedling protection
- Boxes for fruit
- Transport boxes for poultry.
Its main advantages include the water-resistant nature, easy cleaning, recyclability, and high chemical and weather resistance. PP corrugated plastic will allow you and your agricultural business to guard your crops, make better storage, and reduction of packaging expenses.
5. Automobile Industry
The automotive industry requires packaging materials that are durable enough to withstand multiple trips from the supplier to the factory.
Corrugated plastic is typically used to create:
- Returnable boxes for automobiles
- Divider boards
- Inserts
- Parts trays
- Interior protection boards
It’s light-weight design makes it easier to transport and protect valuable components.
6. Protection During Construction
Construction companies generally use PP corrugated sheets for protecting finished surfaces during the entire construction process.
Applications:
- Protection of floors
- Protection of walls
- Protection of windows
- Protection of elevators
- Barriers
Their lightweight and durability make it easy to install and remove them.
3. Selection of Suitable Corrugated Plastic Sheet
- Thickness:Choose the one that suits your needs. Sheets between 2-3 mm are great for light packaging and signs. Sheets between 4-6 mm are ideal for making reusable boxes and dividers. Sheets between 8-12 mm offer additional strength to heavy-duty packaging.
- Weight Tolerance:Consider the weight and size of your products before selecting a sheet. Products that are heavy in weight, such as car parts, machine parts, and industrial items, require tougher PP corrugated sheets so that they can support the weight and maintain their shape.
- Interior/Exterior Use:Select the right sheets based on how you plan to use them. Standard PP corrugated sheets are best suited for indoor applications as they make perfect packaging material. When your project will be exposed to the outdoor environment, choose UV sheets for extended durability.
- Compatibility with Printing:For branding, detailing products, creation of bar codes, or preparing promotional images, you can select PP corrugated sheets that are smooth and have a corona treated printing surface. Printing can be done using screen printing process, UV printing, or special prints for packaging & displays.
- Colors:Choose colors that would fit your requirements for particular uses and branding. Standard colors may be used for general purposes, but custom colors may help to enhance your brand, differentiate your products, organize your warehouses, and improve your packaging.
- Antistatic and Conductivity:In case of electronics, semiconductors and fragile equipment, you should choose PP anti-static or conductive sheets due to their particular characteristics, which will reduce the threat of static electricity.
- Flame Retardant:If you want to use sheets in areas where there are high safety requirements, choose flame-resistant pp corrugated sheets, which give an additional advantage in those areas where fire-resistant material is required.
- Food Contact:When you are looking for the best material for packaging fruits, vegetables, beverages, or food processing, go for food grade PP corrugated sheets. The material is manufactured with hygiene in mind and provides you with reusable food packaging options.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is PP corrugated plastic useful for packaging electronic components?
Yes, PP corrugated plastic provides an excellent support structure for boxes and separators, and anti-static varieties are also available for very sensitive electronic parts.
Q2. Can PP corrugated plastic be used for pharmaceutical packaging?
Yes. PP corrugated plastic can be used in pharmaceutical packaging to cover boxes used in the transportation of pharmaceuticals such as medicine boxes, transport boxes for vaccines, medical devices, laboratory consumables, and other healthcare products. This helps in protecting these items from vibrations, shocks, and humidity during transportation.
Q3. Can PP corrugated plastic be used for seafood and frozen product packaging?
Yes, its water-resistant characteristics and easy cleaning process makes it ideal for seafood, frozen products and cold chain logistics.
Q4. How is PP corrugated plastic used for fragile product protection?
Corrugated plastic can be fabricated to form insert pieces, dividers, and cushioning which will ensure that delicate items are kept separate and protected from any impact during transportation.
Q5. How does PP corrugated plastic work in the textile industry?
PP corrugated plastic is used by textile manufacturers to make garment boxes, separators of fabrics, storage containers, and transport packing material.
5. Conclusion
By understanding the function of corrugated plastics, you will find the right product for your needs. PP corrugated sheets provide strength, flexibility, and long-lasting value in packaging, storage, agriculture, construction, and advertising. Partner with a professional company and discover custom solutions, cost-effective options, reliable delivery, and improved product protection. Want to know more about PP corrugated plastic solutions? Discover what we have to offer at Purepack.
