HDPE EVOH HDPE High Barrier Bottle

Plastic bottles are the norm in many industries for a good reason. They are affordable, practical, and durable. However, an increasing number of consumers are concerned about the environment and want to know that the bottles they purchase aren’t harming the environment.

The problem is, with technology as it presently stands, it’s not always possible to use products that can be recycled. HDPE EVOH bottles serve a valuable purpose. If you’re looking at whether these bottles are best to buy for your products, then the following FAQs are likely to help.

 
HDPE EVOH Bottle Image 1 – bottles

What Is HDPE?

HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene. It is a type of plastic, sometimes referred to as alkathene or polythene. It’s a thermoplastic polymer which means it’s tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and won’t break down easily. Its melting point is 131.8°C (269.24 °F).

HDPE is known as having a high strength-to-density rating. However, while this type of plastic is very strong, it is also known for cracking. 

You’ll find HDPE commonly used in the production of bottles, geomembranes, corrosion-resistant piping, and even plastic lumber.

It’s worth noting that HDPE is also resistant to most solvents. That has made it harder to join it with EVOH to get the best possible results.

HDPE is approved for use in making pipes, specifically those that are used to carry drinking water. This approval reflects how safe a HDPE pipe is

What Is EVOH?

EVOH stands for Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer. It’s a copolymer, meaning it’s derived from more than one species of monomer. The finished plastic has excellent thermoplastic possibilities. It’s resistant to high temperatures and is surprisingly durable.

However, the best part of this is that EVOH is also very flexible. It can be bent without cracking or splitting. In addition, EVOH is known to be a very effective barrier. Gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide cannot pass through it.

These qualities have made EVOH a popular choice in food and bottle manufacturers where keeping gases, chemicals, and solvents out is an essential thing.

It’s worth noting that EVOH is very thin but surprisingly strong. That’s what makes it a practical addition to a wide variety of projects.

Does The Bottle Need To Contain EVOH And HDPE?

Yes. EVOH is an excellent barrier. Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases can’t get through it. However, when EVOH is exposed to moisture, it is no longer an effective barrier to gases, solvents, and other chemicals.

In other words, a bottle made of EVOH would be virtually useless if it was exposed to moisture.

That’s why bottles contain HDPE and ECVOH. The two compounds can be put together. A thin sheet of EVOH is sandwiched between two layers of HDPE. The HDPE is an effective moisture barrier. The EVOH layer can’t be affected by moisture which means the contents maintain their moisture level and no additional moisture is added.

This is very important as moisture triggers bacterial growth which can cause the product to spoil.

In short, using EVOH and HDPE means you get a strong bottle impermeable to water, gases, chemicals, and solvents. That’s perfect for containing almost anything.

How Is A HDPE EVOH Bottle Made?

The bottle consists of three layers. The outer layer is HDPE, this is followed by a middle layer of EVOH, and the inner layer is a second layer of HDPE. Because HDPE and EVOH don’t easily glue together, the layers are welded together.

This is done by machine, allowing any shape or size of bottle to be created. However, being welded together does mean that it is virtually impossible to separate the layers at a later date.

The welding process requires the application of heat and the EVOH film is wound around heated chrome rollers. This can then be pushed through the HDPE, coating the EVOH on both sides with HDPE.

At the same time, the bottle is shaped according to the mould.

Is EVOH Recyclable?

HDPE EVOH Bottle Image 2 recycling codes

Unfortunately, a lot of EVOH ends up in landfills. Because EVOH is a plastic film it doesn’t break down easily. The composition is considered hard and therefore difficult for recycling machines to process. EVOH is very good at sticking inside recycling machines, causing them to break!

The HDPE used in these bottles is fully recyclable. However, there is a further complication as the HDPE and EVOH are bonded together. In order to recycle the EVOH or the HDPE, the two elements need to be separated. That’s complicated.

In addition, products made using recycled EVOH don’t retain the same qualities as the original material. In many cases, holes appear in the recycled EVOH, rendering it useless.

While EVOH could be recycled, at present the technology doesn’t make this an easy or even a viable option. However, technology is constantly improving and there is hope that this will be an option in the future.

How Can You Reduce The Impact of EVOH On The Environment?

Although EVOH can’t easily, or even successfully, be recycled, it’s not all bad news for the environment. EVOH can be incinerated. Tests show that incinerating EVOH doesn’t release any toxic fumes or other byproducts. In short, it’s not likely to cause harm to the environment or people.

Of course, this approach is only good if the EVOH is burned by itself or with other products which don’t produce toxic fumes. If it’s burnt with other material that does produce toxic fumes then EVOH is indirectly harming the environment.

The best way to reduce any impact on the environment is to make sure there are plenty of local incineration programs which will burn the EVOH separately.

Which Products Need HDPE EVOH Bottles?

HDPE EVOH Bottle Image 3 coconut oil

You can store almost anything in a HDPE EVOH bottle. It is particularly useful for storing food and drinks. Because the EVOH is so effective at keeping gases, chemicals, oils, and solvents out, there is nothing to taint the product. This ensures the flavour stays the same as when you bottle it.

In addition, the HDPE prevents moisture from entering the bottle. Moisture encourages bacterial growth and can adjust the texture of your product. Preventing this from entering also ensures the quality of your product.

In short, any perishable food can be stored safely in an HDPE EVOH bottle for a long period without the quality of the product being affected.

Of course, these bottles can also be used to store chemicals, solvents, and even oils. They won’t let the contents out preventing potentially hazardous leaks.

Can EVOH Let Gas Through?

EVOH is exceptionally good at keeping out gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. If oxygen is unable to enter your product then oxidisation won’t occur. Oxygen can change the composition of any product. It’s particularly relevant when it comes into contact with fats and oils. The oxygen will trigger a release of electrons. This creates a series of reactions which can make food, drink, and other perishable items go bad.

The process starts straight away although it may not be noticeable immediately.

Oxygen and other gases will destroy the nutritional value of your food products, change the flavour and the aroma, and shorten the shelf life. That means your product loses quality which can damage your reputation.

Obviously, this effect is most pronounced in perishables laden with fats and oils, such as potato chips and crackers. However, most products contain fats and oils to some degree. Anything perishable should be kept away from oxygen and HDPE EVOH bottles do this.

What Are the Benefits Offered By A HDPE EVOH Bottle?

Bottles made with HDPE EVOH are very effective at protecting their contents from gases such as oxygen. They can also prevent moisture from entering the product. Both gases and moisture can cause a product to go bad.

In short, using HDPE EVOH means the durability of your contents is extended while maintaining the quality of your product.

Of course, because HDPE and EVOH are effective barriers, the taste and aroma of your product will also remain the same. That means customers will be tasting your product as it should taste.

This leads to perhaps the biggest benefit of all, your reputation. If you’ve spent time creating a fantastic product you’ll want your customers to experience it at its best. A HDPE EVOH bottle can help to ensure this is the case. Your consumer will be impressed and happily tell others about your product. That’s a boost for your reputation, brand awareness, and sales.

Can A HDPE EVOH Bottle Be Any Size?

HDPE EVOH bottle image 4 – various bottles

Absolutely! Here at Srlon, we produce an extensive collection of HDPE EVOH bottles. We offer bottles in a wide array of shapes and sizes, enough to cater for the needs of most customers.

However, if you want something custom-designed for your business and your product, we will be happy to help. Our team has been producing these bottles, and similar products, for over 15 years.

We have moulds, preforms, production machines, and finished high-barrier containers. In fact, we’re the leading manufacturer of high-barrier packaging in China.

Whatever size or shape of bottle you want, we can help!

Why Do I Need To Prevent Oxygen From Getting To My Product?

Oxygen in products, especially perishable ones, can cause serious issues. When oxygen gets into your food it starts a process known as oxidisation. This isn’t an issue for fresh food.  However, if you’re storing foods for any length of time the oxidisation process should be of concern.

Oxygen effectively causes the breakdown and change of fats and even proteins in foods and drinks. This will change the flavour and the aroma of your food and will start to deteriorate the quality of the product.

In short, oxygen will cause your product to spoil and that’s not something you want your customers to experience. After all, a bad experience by any customer means bad reviews, a damaged reputation, and fewer customers.

It’s safer for your reputation to use HDPE EVOH bottles and protect your product properly.

Are HDPE EVOH Bottles Cheaper Than Traditional Plastic Bottles?

In the short-term, it will cost you more to purchase HDPE EVOH bottles than traditional plastic ones. This is because the HDPE EVOH bottle has three layers which have to be bonded together while creating the desired mould.

However, HDPE EVOH bottles are much stronger and more flexible. More importantly, they won’t allow moisture, gas, and an array of other contaminants into your food.

In the long term, this will give you a better quality product which lasts longer and helps you gain the reputation you deserve. That will encourage more customers to your products and effectively make this a better investment than using traditional plastic bottles.

Is The HDPE EVOH bottle Safe Left In Sunlight?

You’ve probably heard that some plastic bottles left in the sun will release chemicals which can contaminate the product inside.

That’s not the case with HDPE EVOH as EVOH is effective at keeping ultraviolet rays out. However, as with all plastic bottles, it’s not advisable to tempt fate. The best advice is to minimise storage in direct sunlight and keep your HDPE EVOH bottles in a cool dark place.

It’s better for the bottles and better for the contents. After all, even if the sun’s rays can’t get to your product, it will still warm the bottle which can damage what’s inside.

If we haven’t answered all your questions regarding HDPE EVOH bottles please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help!