Packaging is all about function. Whether you're packaging food or footballs, the functionality of the package is contingent upon material choice. Our research team continually evaluates new materials and works to improve their performance. Fabri-Kal can help choose the most appropriate material for your new product by evaluating end-user functional and aesthetic requirements.
Our material expertise extends beyond traditional plastics and into environmentally sustainable or recyclable alternatives such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Recycled PET (RPET). PLA is made entirely from plants and is 100% compostable. RPET combines pre and post-consumer resin (like water bottles) to reduce the reliance on new material, conserving resources. Nearly all resins are run in-line with Fabri-Kal's own extrusion equipment to reduce cost and minimize transportation of roll-stock.
Fabri-Kal's in-house, in-line extrusion capability allows for end to end control of the thermoforming process and quicker product turnaround. Custom roll-stock sheeting is available in many of the materials we thermoform. Useful in form-fill-seal machines, sheeting can be made to order in widths up to 60 inches wide and gauges from .01 to .05 inches thick.
For more information about material options, properties and applications, please reference the table below.
| Resin Code | Description | Properties | FK Stock Product Applications |
| 1 (PET) |
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE, APET, RPET)
PET is clear, tough, and has good gas and moisture barrier properties. This resin is commonly used in beverage bottles and consumer product containers.
Cleaned, recycled PET flakes and pellets are used for spinning fiber for carpet yarns, producing fiberfill and geo-textiles.
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Clear and optically smooth surfaces
Excellent barrier to oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide
High impact capability and shatter resistance
Excellent resistance to most solvents
Capability for hot-filling |
Kal-Clear Cups
Alur Round Containers |
| 2 (HDPE) |
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE packaging generally is translucent, has good barrier properties and stiffness, and is well suited to products with a short shelf life such as milk.
Because HDPE has good chemical resistance, it is used for packaging many household and industrial chemicals such as detergents. |
Excellent resistance to most solvents
Higher tensile strength compared to other forms of polyethylene
Relatively stiff material with useful temperature capabilities |
Used mainly in custom packaging applications |
| 3 (PVC) |
Fabri-Kal does not thermoform any PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) products. |
| 4 (LDPE) |
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is used predominately in film applications due to its flexibility. Fabri-Kal does not generally thermoform LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) products. |
| 5 (PP) |
Polypropylene (PP)
PP has good chemical resistance, is strong, and has a high melting point making it good for hot-fill liquids. |
Good optical clarity
Low moisture vapor transmission
Inertness toward acids, alkalis and most solvents |
Nexclear Cups
Pro-Kal Deli Containers
Kids Cups |
| 6 (PS) |
Polystyrene (PS)
PS is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It has a relatively low melting point. Typical applications include protective packaging, foodservice packaging, bottles, and food containers.
PS is often combined with rubber to make high impact polystyrene (HIPS) which is used for packaging and durable applications requiring toughness, but not clarity. |
Excellent moisture barrier for short shelf life products
Significant stiffness in rigid forms. |
Portion Cups
RK Drink Cups
Juice Cups
Kal-Tainer
Medicine Cups |
| 7 (Other, PLA) |
Other
Use of this code indicates that a package is made with a resin other than the six listed above, or is made of more than one resin and used in a multi-layer combination. |
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Greenware Drink Cups
Greenware Portion Cups |
Sources: Fabri-Kal, American Chemistry Council, Plastics Resource
Disclaimer - All information is for reference only. Contact Fabri-Kal with actual product requirements. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided herein including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. ACC shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, damages from loss of use or profits, or cost of procurement of substitute goods or services, in contract, tort or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the information contained herein.
Resin Identification Codes (American Chemistry Council)
Recycling Resource
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