As businesses strive to make the right choice for their products and the planet, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each material is crucial. This pressing issue is especially vital in industries ranging from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to food and cosmetics. But which material truly holds the crown? The answer might surprise you.
Sustainability
When it comes to sustainability, metal containers are hard to beat. Made from highly recyclable materials like tinplate, aluminium, and steel, metal containers offer an eco-friendly option that aligns with growing environmental concerns. Metal containers can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, making them a long-term solution for businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
While Invopak’s plastic containers are recyclable, during the recycling process, recycled plastic is often downcycled into lower-quality products and sometimes not recycled at all, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste, which has become a significant environmental challenge. Invopak does, however, have a range of plastic containers made from recycled plastic, and it’s important to remember that plastic containers still offer some advantages, especially in industries where lightweight and flexibility are crucial.
Winner: Metal Takes the Lead
Durability and Protection
In industries that demand robust packaging, metal containers are the undisputed champions. Their resistance to impact, extreme temperatures, and corrosive substances makes them the go-to choice for storing and transporting hazardous chemicals, automotive fluids, and other high-risk materials. Choose metal containers that are UN-approved to ensure protection against aggressive chemicals and ensure their security during transit.
While more prone to wear and tear, plastic containers offer a different kind of durability. Their flexibility and lightweight nature make them ideal for applications where ease of handling and transportation are key. Using advanced sealing technologies, plastic containers preserve freshness and prevent contamination, which is particularly important within the food and drinks industry.
Winner: Metal Containers Stand Strong
Cost Efficiency
Cost efficiency is often the deciding factor for businesses operating on tight margins. Here, plastic containers have a clear advantage. Due to their lightweight nature and easier stackability, they are generally less expensive to produce and transport large volumes of products that need to be moved quickly and cost-effectively, which can significantly reduce shipping costs.
However, it’s important to consider the long-term implications. While metal containers may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and recyclability can lead to lower costs over time, especially for businesses that can reuse or recycle their packaging.
Winner: The Plastic Advantage
Versatility and Customisation
Both metal and plastic containers have strengths when it comes to versatility. Metal containers, including aluminium bottles and lever-lid tins, are highly versatile and cater to various industries, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. They offer excellent barrier properties, protecting sensitive contents from light, air, and moisture, which is crucial for maintaining product integrity. Our in-house design team can customise metal containers to fit your brand.
Plastic containers are also easily customisable. We use ‘In Mould Labelling’, or IML, a printing technique where a pre-printed polypropylene film is placed directly into the mould of a container during the manufacturing process. The film fuses or bonds with the container, becoming inseparable and unable to be removed from the container. It is, therefore, highly durable and resistant to temperature changes and can be used on products that will be frozen. The process produces labels with a high-resolution finish. It is environmentally friendly because the labels are made of the same material as the plastic container (making the products easy to recycle).
Winner: A Draw
The Right Choice for Your Business
So, which is better for your business – metal containers or plastic containers? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities. If sustainability, durability, and long-term cost savings are your top concerns, metal containers may be the way to go. They offer unmatched protection, especially for industries dealing with hazardous or sensitive materials, and their recyclability makes them a strong choice for businesses committed to environmental responsibility.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for cost-effective, lightweight, and highly customisable packaging, plastic containers might be the better fit. They excel in sectors where flexibility, ease of handling, and visual appeal are paramount, making them popular in the food and drink industry.
For more information, visit https://invopak.co.uk/