Chapter 20.5, Problem 1DQ

To determine

To list:

The advantages and disadvantages of the various materials that are used for the container production with the consideration of following aspects:

• Cost of the containers;
• Recyclability of the containers;
• Energy consumed for the production of these containers.

Answer to Problem 1DQ

The commonly used materials for the production of containers are listed below;

1. 1. Glass
2. 2. Aluminum
3. 3. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)

The advantages and disadvantages of these materials are explained below:

Explanation of Solution

Glass:

Advantages:

• Glass is an inexpensive material and it is readily available.
• It is chemically non-reactive material.
• It is the transparent material that gives a good appearance.
• The recycling process of glass does not require much energy.
• Increased and rapid production of recycled glass result in more usage and thereby reducing the pollutant emission.

Disadvantages:

• Glass is a non-bio degradable material.
• Sorting of salvaged glass takes more time and is an expensive process that reduces its market value.

Aluminum:

Advantages:

• Aluminum is a non-corrosive material compared to ferrous materials.
• Aluminum is easily available material.
• It has the capacity to withstand higher temperatures.
• Low energy is required to recycle the aluminum containers.

Disadvantages:

• They are non-refillable.
• Aluminum is the non-bio degradable material.
• It promotes the chemical reaction between the packed material and container. Tin coatings are provided to stop the chemical reaction.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE):

Advantages:

• They possess good optical clarity.
• It is the light-weighted material compared to the others.
• It is a shatter-proof material.
• The PET containers are easy to manufacture (blow molding).
• It is chemically non-reactive material.

Disadvantages:

• They are non-refillable.
• PETs are the non-biodegradable materials.