Plastic is the most well known and widely used packaging material for food and beverages. Over the years, it is used even more by producers to pack their products and by consumers who find plastic packaging easy to use, especially for storing food and preserving freshness.

Plastic is energy-efficient in its production and much lighter than other alternative packaging materials, as it accounts for less than 1/4 of the total packaging weight. It is durable, it protects the product efficiently and due to its transparent nature consumers can check the quality of the product enclosed.
More than 50% of all European products are packed in plastic packaging. In studies on the effects of replacing plastic with other alternative packaging, such as paper, cardboard, glass, steel, aluminum or cork, it was found that substitute materials are on average 4.5 times heavier.
Due to its lightweight nature and given that it usually does not occupy large storage space, plastic packaging is extremely easy to carry. The alternative packaging mentioned above require substantially more material to produce packaging of the same dimensions.
Plastic packaging is durable in extreme environmental conditions as it cannot easily be decomposed over hot and cold temperatures, thereby preserving the food or beverage it encloses. Plastic packaging also offers protection from moisture, oxygen, dust, light and odors, which are often food spoilage factors.
Plastic recycling is easier nowadays given the numerous recycling bins/points available and has turned to a trend  thanks to the the state’s innitiatives to inform people for the beneficial impact over the environment and the planet it general.
In 2014, the United States recycled more than 3 billion pounds of plastic bottles. According to a study conducted by the United States EPA, 91% less energy is required for a pound of plastic to be recycled as compared to a pound of paper, which make plastic more favorite to manufacturers and redefines the beliefs for environmental harmfulness.
By using plastic packaging the desired aesthetic results for shape and color can be achieved as well as the prospect the plastic resemble to glass so as packaging can give a premium feeling for the product. Great emphasis is also placed on the labels that decorate specific shrink sleeve packages or other elaborate graphic designs through specific printing techniques.
Furthermore, plastic is versatile. Unlimited shapes and a wide range of plastic packaging can be created so that manufacturers tailor their style according to customer needs and market trends.
Plastic is a highly economical material, since its replacement with other materials requires 80% more energy for packaging to be produced. It therefore results in significant cost savings for manufacturers and reduces considerably the purchasing price of the products.
To sum up, the characteristics of plastic packaging are as follows:

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Flexible
• Versatile
• Recyclable
• Economical