Plastic has traditionally been recognized for its functional capabilities. It is strong, resilient and at least semi-impermeable. Given the wide variety of plastic substrates available today, including PVC, APET, PET, PETG, polyethylene, and polypropylene, it is helpful to compare material performance characteristics with project specifications in order to select the best plastic for your application.

PVC is one of the most popular plastic substrates used for carton converting. PVC, commonly referred to as "vinyl", is available in either flexible or rigid form, with material thickness from .007 to .020 gauge. Rigid PVC plastic folding carton combines maximum visibility with package integrity. The enclosed product is held securely and is viewable from every angle for dramatic shelf impact. Box grade PVC is economical, RF seal-able, and has a high impact modifier that resists cracking to temperatures of -31 degrees Fahrenheit. It is, however, slightly more brittle than some of the other plastic substrates, so it may not be the best choice for a package that will be subject to excessive manipulation during finishing or in the retail setting.

Although each plastic substrate exhibits unique performance characteristics, there are some universal principles to consider when printing on plastics: Plastic tends to accumulate static. When printing on plastic it is especially important to use an anti-static device on the press and to regulate pressroom temperature and humidity. Plastic has added a whole new dimension to packaging, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. As you can see, however, choosing a substrate is more complex than simply asking "paper or plastic?" Choosing a folding carton supplier with experience and expertise in converting plastic is just as important to the decision making process. Plastic doesn't absorb water. Excessive use of fountain solution on any substrate, but especially plastic, slows ink oxidation and impairs adhesion. For optimum performance inks that are specifically formulated for printing on plastic should be used. These inks are designed to perform with minimal water, allowing the printer to reduce the amount of fountain chemistry and improve adhesion. Furthermore, printing with UV inks allows for greater latitude than printing with conventional inks. Since UV inks are cured rather than oxidized, drying is less of an issue. The plastic box made of cardboard combine today's Plastic Folding Carton, concentrate a bit plastic and cardboard, were people like the box.

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