Production is based on the use of several types of materials having different physical-organoleptic characteristics; the choice of materials is carried out by following the criterion of best achievable results in relation to the customer’s particular needs.

Types of Materials

• Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family; it may have low density (LDPE ) and be softer (molecular distribution with wider mesh) or have high density (HDPE) and be harder (molecular distribution with tighter mesh). PE is an excellent barrier against water and humidity, as well as resistant to shocks. It can be coloured with solid colours.

This material is used by Bormioli Rocco for the production of bottles destined for liquid and solid products, of caps and droppers.

• Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family; it may be a copolymer or homopolymer. Depending on the kind of PP used, different physical characteristics may be obtained in the finished article with regard to softness, durability, transparency and more. PP is characterised by greater rigidity compared to PE; like PE, it is an excellent barrier to water and humidity, as well as shock resistant. It can be coloured with solid and transparent colours. Some types of PP can stand high sterilization temperatures, for example in autoclave at 121°C.

Bormioli Rocco uses PP for producing caps (Child Proof and Tamper Evident ), measuring cups, spoons, and bottles.

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polymer of the polyester family.
  PET is a highly transparent material and an excellent barrier against oxygen, carbon dioxide and gases as well as a good barrier against water and humidity; it has a high level of rigidity and mechanical resistance, and can be coloured with solid and transparent colours.
  

It is used in Bormioli Rocco manufacturing to produce bottles and jars.

• Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic polymer of the styrene family; it may crystal, semi-anti-shock and anti-shock. It has excellent characteristics of transparency and it too can be coloured with solid and transparent colours.

Bormioli Rocco uses PS for production of measuring cups and spoons.

• Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) is a polymer with excellent barrier properties against oxygen, humidity and UV rays, with greater resistance to hot filling and a better response to sterilization compared to the other plastic resins, as well as excellent physical and mechanical properties.

Bormioli Rocco produces bottles in PEN for the pharmaceutical market.

• SAN (Styrol-acrylonitrile copolymer) has high transparency and excellent mechanical properties, as well as excellent chemical resistance. For this reason, it is used in place of polystyrene.
  

It is used by Bormioli Rocco for the production of spoons for the pharmaceutical sector and for the production of dropping caps for distillery.

• K RESIN (Styrene-butadien copolymer) offers an excellent compromise between transparency, brightness and excellent mechanical resistance combined with good flexibility. Particularly suitable for pharmaceuticals and food applications because of its excellent organoleptic properties and conformity to the United States Pharmacopoeia.

This material is used by Bormioli for the production of caps for the cosmetic sector when high transparency and good mechanical resistance, associated to items wear over time, are required.

All the plastic materials used by Bormioli Rocco undergo a careful and scrupulous type-approval procedure; they are suitable for contact with food and, in most cases, are in conformity with the specifically related information found in European Pharmacopoeia.

Plastic materials used by Bormioli Rocco are recyclable and ideal for thermal destruction and energy recovery.