Millad Supports a Circular Loop for the Plastics Industry

What if Plastics Could Replace Glass?

For decades, glass has been a trusted choice in packaging—valued for its clarity, chemical stability, and timeless aesthetic, particularly in food and beverage applications. Its non-reactive nature preserves the quality and flavor of contents, while its recyclability seemingly aligns with global sustainability goals, making it a favorite among consumers.

But what if plastics could offer the same benefits—and more?

There has been a noticeable shift towards plastic use in packaging—driven by practical challenges associated with glass. At Milliken, our additive technologies are enhancing polypropylene (PP) resins to create a plastic that rivals the performance of glass. Lightweight, durable, and shatterproof, PP can overcome the practical challenges of glass, like its weight and fragility. From freezer to microwave, PP delivers reliable performance across a variety of real-world conditions.

Transparent Packaging Solutions for Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPGs)

Clear packaging is a popular choice for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs) because it allows customers to see the product, contributing to enhanced appeal. Brand owners often choose materials like glass or naturally transparent plastic to achieve this.

When it comes to plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) are common options for clear packaging. Yet, each comes with its own set of challenges:

• PET: While lightweight and durable, it may not always offer the same level of clarity as glass. More importantly, it lacks heat resistance—making it unsuitable for microwave use or high-temperature applications.
• PS: Though clear, it can be brittle and less resistant to impact compared to other materials. Additionally, PS is not widely recyclable in a growing number of markets, limiting its appeal for sustainability-focused packaging strategies.

Polypropylene: A Viable Alternative

With the latest advancements in clarifying solutions, polypropylene (PP) has emerged as a key alternative for CPG packaging. Lightweight and highly heat-resistant, PP now achieves clarity comparable to polystyrene (PS) and even glass when enhanced with a clarifying agent.

Innovation in PP has progressed to the point where brands are seriously considering it alongside glass, traditionally seen as the sustainable choice. The comparison reveals surprising advantages:

• Lightweight: PP is up to three times less dense than glass, creating a lightweight alternative that can contribute to reduced transportation costs and emissions.
• Heat-Resistant: PP is ideal for products requiring thermal durability.
• Clarity: Enhanced with clarifying additives, PP can match the transparency of glass.

The Impact of Plastics: Efficiency vs. Recyclability

Plastics, including polypropylene (PP), are widely used across industries but often face criticism for end-of-life and recyclability challenges. However, a McKinsey report highlights significant efficiency benefits of plastics, such as reducing food spoilage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study, based on 2020 U.S. data and future projections, evaluates the total GHG impact of plastics compared to alternative materials throughout their entire life cycle.

Key findings indicate that in 13 out of 14 cases, plastics have a lower overall GHG footprint compared to viable non-plastic alternatives, providing emissions savings between 10% and 90%. Particularly in food packaging, plastics play a crucial role in reducing GHG emissions by preventing spoilage and enhancing energy efficiency.

While plastics do pose circularity challenges, their benefits in emissions reduction and resource efficiency in major sectors are significant. A balanced, science-based perspective is essential for understanding the complex implications of plastics versus alternative materials as we pursue sustainable solutions in a decarbonizing world.

Millad® Clarifiers: Enhancing PP for Ultra-Clear Materials

Imagine packaging with glass-like clarity—made possible by our innovative Millad® clarifiers for polypropylene (PP). This breakthrough additive transforms PP, enhancing its material transparency to match glass and amorphous polymers.

Using Millad® clarifying agents translates to:

1. Superior Clarity: Achieves glass-like transparency in PP, enabling its use in applications previously limited to naturally clear plastics.
2. Energy Savings: Offers energy savings thanks to lower required processing temperatures and shortened production cycles.
3. Cost Efficiency: Provides a cost-competitive alternative to PS, with added advantages like increased recyclability, enhanced scratch resistance, and greater flexibility.
4. Balanced Properties: Combines high transparency with good stiffness, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and thermal stability.
5. Versatile Applications: Suitable for products needing clarity, durability, and sustainability, with capabilities for hot filling and retort processes.

Millad® clarifying agents are more than just a clarifier—they’re a key to unlocking new possibilities in clear packaging.