What are Opaque Polymers?
Opaque plastics do not allow any light to flow through them are known as Opaque plastics. The nature of their fabrication is noted to be the main criterion that defines opaque polymers. According to the market database, in making a comparative study between opaque and transparent, it is noted that the permissibility of light is the key factor that distinguishes the two kinds of polymers.
Some transparent polymers can be colored or given other treatments to make them opaque.
Market analysis suggests that plastics are typically understood to be synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that can be extruded or rolled into fibers and films, molded into a variety of shapes, or used to create lacquers, paints, varnishes, and other coatings. Although new technology allows for the production of plastics from organic material, they are typically made from oil derivatives. Opaque refers to materials that block the transmission of light, as opposed to translucent and transparent polymers that both permit some light through and all light through, respectively.
Common Types of Opaque Polymers
According to the market database, some of the common types of opaque polymers are noted to be PEEK™ (Polyaryletheretherketone), Polyphenylene Sulphide PPS, and Polypropylene PP. PEEK is typically used to replace metallic elements, while PPS is heat-resistant plastic. Moreover, the market analysis states that PP is noted to be used across medical applications.
Opaque Vs Transparent Polymers according to Business Intelligence Tools
Business intelligence tools state that the permissibility of light through a polymer is noted to define its opacity. Compounds like Titanium dioxide can be used to change the opacity associated with a given material. Market analysis suggests that Titanium Dioxide is noted to be a common opacifier and the product is used commonly across verticals including sunscreens and cosmetics, paint, and pharmaceutical tablets. The market database states that in terms of its textural form, it is noted that titanium dioxide is a fine powder. In terms of appearance, this opacifier is noted to be bright and white.
Opaque plastic polymers are particularly useful in the packaging of light-sensitive products. These products tend to degenerate when it comes in contact with sunlight. For instance, within the personal care domain, skincare is noted to be one of the high-growth markets. Some skincare products like Vitamin C are to be stored in containers that conceal the substance from direct sunlight.
Additionally, it is also noted that some dairies are heading in the direction of bottling milk in opaque containers. The quality of milk can suffer with exposure to light due to which this change in packaging is to be adopted by manufacturers across the global markets. Even the bright illumination in a standard grocery shop display case can break down the vitamin A and B2, and even change the flavor of the milk, according to a Cornell University study. Therefore, to retain the quality and the taste associated with the product it is noted that protecting the same from sunlight is essential.
Opaque materials used for product identification
Business intelligence tools suggest that a consumer’s interaction with a product and developing a brand identity amongst customers is crucial. This process not only helps register the brand across global markets but also helps prevent common mistakes and misconceptions that can occur when the packaging for one product is mistaken for another. For instance, Tide Pods were initially sold in clear containers by the organization Proctor and Gamble. However, the detergent pods were mistaken for candy by young children due to which they were poisoned. The current opaque container used by Tide pods was devised after this mishap, to prevent children from mistaking the same as candy.
The opacity of the material varies from product to product, like for instance, the company Coca-cola expects to present their customers with a visual experience of their beverage, thus tempting them on a sunny day. The color of the beverage is the primary display in this case. Thus the opacity of the product depends on branding, design, safety as well as storage conditions for a certain product. Business Intelligence tools state that transparent polymers are used extensively to develop baby bottles, water bottles, syringes, etc. The use of transparent polymers makes the packaging more portable as compared to glass due to which it is poised to gain an advantage in the packaging sector over the glass.
