Intro to Polymers in Packaging
Explore plastics, polymer properties, and processes like blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming, and closures.
What you will learn
Polymers in Packaging offers practical and applicable lessons on polymer selection, processing, and the role of polymers in packaging. Learn about the different types of polymers (e.g., PET, HDPE, LDPE), their functions, pros and cons, and how you can apply them to your packaging operations.
Course Objectives
Gain a working knowledge of polymers and their history, as well as understand their role in today’s market
Review seven common types of polymers and their applications
Absorb a range of packaging terms related to polymers and their definitions in order to speak this industry-specific language
Evaluate the characteristics of common polymers in order to make business decisions in packaging design
Learn the processes behind blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming, and more
Comprehend federal regulations regarding plastics in packaging
Dive into the world of additives to see how they provide optimal performance enhancement to plastics, making them safer, cleaner, longer-lasting, easier to process, and more colorful
Course Outline
1.0 Polymer Overview
- 1.1Course Disclaimer(pdf)
- 1.2Navigation Tutorial (video)
- 1.3Polymers in Packaging Workbook(download)
- 1.4Welcome to Polymers(video)
- 1.5History of Polymers(multimedia)
- 1.6Market / Industry Overview(pdf)
- 1.7Top Polymer Terms and Acronyms(pdf)
2.0 Polymer Chemistry 101
- 2.1Introduction to Polymer Chemistry 101(video)
- 2.2Polymer Basics(video)
- 2.3Classifying Polymers(video)
- 2.4Polymer Structure and Chemistry(video)
- 2.5Thermal Properties(video)
- 2.6Other Properties (video)
- 2.7Sustainability and Biopolymers (multimedia)
- 2.8Exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Laws(pdf)
- 2.9Interactions with Packaging(multimedia)
- 2.10Knowledge Check: Polymer Chemistry 101(quiz)
3.0 Production
- 3.1Introduction to Production(video)
- 3.2Molding Processes - Blow Molding, Injection Molding(video)
- 3.3Thermoforming(video)
- 3.4Converting, Laminating and Coating(video)
- 3.5Flexible Packaging Systems(video)
- 3.6Thermal Analysis(multimedia)
- 3.7Knowledge Check: Production(quiz)
4.0 Plastic in Packaging
- 4.1Introduction to Plastic in Packaging(video)
- 4.2Packaging Types(video)
- 4.3Polymer Cheat Sheet(pdf)
- 4.4Polymer Cheat Sheet: Specific to Food Packaging(pdf)
- 4.5Regulations(multimedia)
- 4.6Adhesives(multimedia)
- 4.7Closure Systems(multimedia)
- 4.8Child-Resistant Closures(video)
- 4.9Distribution Packaging(video)
- 4.10Plastic Design Innovation(video)
- 4.11Knowledge Check: Plastic in Packaging(quiz)
5.0 Additive Basics
- 5.1Introduction (video)
- 5.2The Ins and Outs of Additives(video)
- 5.3Knowledge Check(quiz)
- 5.4Processing Aids(multimedia)
- 5.5Knowledge Check(quiz)
- 5.6Product Modifiers(multimedia)
- 5.7Knowledge Check(quiz)
- 5.8Breakout Lesson: Clarifiers Vs. Nucleators(video)
- 5.9Knowledge Check(quiz)
- 5.10Concentrates & Masterbatches(pdf)
- 5.11Knowledge Check(quiz)
- 5.12Ferrero Rocher Case Study(pdf)
6.0 Bonus Assignment
- 6.1Polymer Table—Test Your Skills!(download)
7.0 Wrap Up
- 7.1That's a Wrap(video)
- 7.2Exam Instructions(pdf)
- 7.3Final Exam(quiz)
- 7.4Resources(download)
- 7.5Survey(multimedia)
Instructor
Andrew Hurley, PhDFounder
53 Lessons
22 Videos
6 Hours
Buy now$3993-Month Access
Or subscribe$69per month for 6 months
Certificate of Packaging Science (CPS)
This course as part of the Certificate of Packaging Science, a comprehensive program covering all major aspects of packaging materials, processes, and design.
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