Refrigerator interior with clear drawers and vegtables

REFRIGERATOR INTERIORS ARE BEING REDESIGNED

Discover how refrigerator manufacturers can overcome the durability limitations of traditional polystyrene (PS) by switching to clarified polypropylene (PP) for refrigerator shelves, drawers, and interior components. Powered by Milliken's Millad ClearX™ 9000 clarifying agent, polypropylene delivers exceptional clarity, improved impact resistance, and lightweight performance—helping manufacturers create more durable, visually appealing refrigerator interiors without compromising design flexibility.

THE CLEAR PLASTIC IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR HAS A DURABILITY PROBLEM

Polystyrene has been the standard for clear internal components for decades. Consumers told us where it falls short.
Cracks Under Heavy Loads

Cracks Under Heavy Loads

Scratches from ice accumulation

Scratches from ice accumulation

Shatters if dropped during cleaning

Shatters if dropped during cleaning

THE MATERIAL IS LIMITING THE DESIGN

Can polypropylene deliver both performance and Clarity?

Standard PP is resilient, light weight and cost efficient.

It is also cloudy, which rules it out whenever visibility matters.

Milliken’s Millad ClearX™ 9000 clarifying agent alters PP’s crystaline structure during cooling.

performance and clarity data chart

WHAT THE CUSTOMERS NOTICE

77%

Preferred natural or transparent drawers

97%

Found PP drawers noticeably lighter than PS

65%

Would accept mixed materials if the performance improved

Source: Milliken Consumer Research

WHAT MANUFACTURERS GAIN

Resilience

Absorbs impact instead of shattering



Lower Density

0.9 g/cm3 against 1.05 for PS. Same part, less material weight


Cost Competitiveness

Clarified PP has historically priced below GPPS


Processing Flexibility

More complex shapes. Streamlined production cycles. Better chemical resistance.

ONE MATERIAL SWAP CHANGES WHAT A REFRIGERATOR INTERIOR CAN BE

Clarity, durability and weight can now be specified together. Discover how clarified PP is transforming refrigerator design.