1. GCSE Graphic Products Materials and Components Summer Examination 2011

2. Materials and Components Plastics - Thermoplastics The use of plastic is huge in the packaging industry. It would be more environmentally friendly to use cards and paper when creating and packaging products as this is easier to recycle, due to its biodegradability. Plastics can take hundreds of years to compose in landfill sites or when dumped as litter. How are plastics changing? 95% of plastics are manufactured from the limited, non-renewable and environmentally unfriendly material – oil. Recent advances in technology mean that 5% of plastics are made from animal and vegetable matter, such as cellulose or starch found in plants. These types of plastics are bio plastics. These are biodegradable and therefore more environmentally friendly.

3. Materials and Components Why are plastics used for packaging? Plastics are used to help protect the products they house during transit. Some other reasons may include: Tough – to ensure protection. Lightweight – so that the product is not too heavy. Clear – so the consumer can see the product. Economical – easy to make and easily available. Aesthetically useful – it can be made to look good and can be printed onto.

4. Materials and Components NamePropertiesUses Bio PlasticBiodegradable – based on plants. Clear or coloured All sorts of food packaging Cellulose AcetatePartially biodegradable, based on plants with added chemicals. Clear – not tough Photocopiable clear film, or clear film for cameras. AcrylicStiff but brittle. Can shape and polish edges to a high gloss. Wide variety of colours. Point of sale stands. Available as rods, tubes and sheets. PP: PolypropyleneFlexibleCrisp Packets. PolystyreneNot tough. Can be vacuum formed. Shell forms for packaging. CD Jewel cases. Yoghurt pots.

5. Practice This question is about thermoplastics (total 20 marks) (a) What is the main property of a thermoplastic? (2 marks) (b) What five features make a plastic suitable for packaging? (5 marks) (c) (i) Why are plastics not ‘bio-friendly?’ (2 marks) (ii) some modern plastics are now ‘biodegradable.’ explain this term with regards to plastics. (4 marks)