The Essential Guide to FMCG Materials for Plastic Injection Moulding

Plastic injection moulding is perhaps the most widely used manufacturing process for products in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, with a large versatility in the different types of material that can be used combined with a cost-effective process for projects with more demanding quantities, injection moulding can meet that demand. 

When producing fast-moving consumer goods, selecting the right material is an essential part of the process. Different materials offer different properties in durability, aesthetics, and addressing sustainability concerns too. Partnering with Cameron-Price will ensure the best material options are explored to provide the best quality finish. 

We’ll explore the most common plastics used for the fast-moving consumer goods industry, the features that make them a great choice for different applications, whether they meet sustainability requirements and concerns, and why these materials may be the best fit for your FMCG project. 

Which are the main types of plastics used for injection moulding of FMCG products?

Polypropylene

Key properties of polypropylene: As one of the most popular types of materials used in the FMCG industry, polypropylene offers a lot of versatility by being a lightweight and flexible material, whilst also offering chemical resistive properties. PP is also commonly used in the medical industry for these same qualities.

It’s also a low-cost material, making it a great solution for higher-volume products. 

Is polypropylene a sustainable material for manufacturing?: Polypropylene is a recyclable plastic which makes it a fantastic choice for any project looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly products, and a material regularly recommended for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Why choose polypropylene for FMCG goods?: As a cost effective material, polypropylene is a fantastic choice to meet demands for higher volumes that’s lightweight and can be moulded for flexibility or toughness. It’s widely used across FMCG but also across other industries as a common material for automotive sectors. 

Polyethylene

Key properties of polyethylene: As another highly versatile material known for its moisture barrier properties and high impact resistance, it’s a great solution for a wide variety of FMCG products.

Polyethylene is also available in different forms, for both high-density, and low-density polyethylene, allowing flexibility on the best grade for different types of products. 

Our team at Cameron-Price will be able to offer the best advice on which grade will be the best fit for any project, enquire today to find out more about Polyethylene and its uses within FMCG manufacturing. 

How is polyethylene used for FMCG?: With a combination of moisture barrier properties and being flexible, polyethylene is a fantastic material for FMCG particularly for the likes of bottles, bags, and tubes. 

Is polyethylene a sustainable material?: Polyethylene is one of the easier materials to recycle and can be a very sustainable choice for many projects, particularly for high-density polyethylene which is recyclable in all forms. 

This feature alone makes it a fantastic material choice within the FMCG sector as it can be applicable across a wide range of projects.

Why choose polyethylene for FMCG?: If your FMCG product requires a strong, moisture-resistant material, polyethylene offers excellent value. Cameron-Price can assess your project and explore the best grade of polyethylene and how it’ll meet your requirements. 

Polystyrene

Key properties of Polystyrene: Known for being a lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to mould material, polystyrene serves a wide range of uses within the FMCG sector and beyond. Whilst it doesn’t offer the same durability as other materials, limiting its usage for products with a longer shelf life, it makes it a perfect material for products designed to last for a shorter period of time.

Polystyrene applications for FMCG: There are a wide range of applications for polystyrene with disposable packaging being the most common, but can also be a fantastic material for single-use stationary, usage as an insulation material, and also widely used for protective packaging too. 

Polystyrene can serve as an affordable and convenient solution for products with an expected shorter life-cycle.

Can polystyrene help with sustainable FMCG applications?: Whilst often being applied to single-use products, polystyrene has faced challenges with sustainability and recycling in the past. Whilst there is ongoing research and advancements with an aim to make it a more sustainable material, alternative materials may be a better fit where sustainability is concerned. 

Why choose polystyrene for FMCG applications?: Polystyrene is a very affordable material and fantastic for single-use products or a variety of other disposable products within the FMCG sector. Enquire with Cameron-Price to explore applications of polystyrene, and to learn more about whether it may help balance cost and performance. 

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Key properties of ABS: ABS is renowned for its strength, toughness, and ease of processing, making it a staple in the FMCG market. Its ability to withstand mechanical stresses and impact makes it a strong, durable choice for products that require both functionality and aesthetics.

Applications for ABS in FMCG: There are a wide range of applications for ABS plastic finding usage across a wide range of sectors.

Can ABS help with sustainability with FMCG applications?: While ABS is not easily recyclable compared to other plastics, its durability ensures a longer product life, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This can be a key advantage for brands aiming for sustainability through product longevity.

Why choose ABS for FMCG applications?: If your FMCG product needs durability and a high-quality finish, ABS offers an excellent balance of performance and aesthetics. Like other materials it can also be very cost-effective for a wide range of applications, offering a long-lasting product, helping to be one of the more affordable thermoplastics. 

Nylon

Key properties of nylon: Known for being a highly durable plastic with great wear resistance, toughness, and great tensile strength too, nylon can be a perfect material for different FMCG applications that may undergo repeated stress. 

Nylon applications in FMCG: Nylon finds a wide range of uses across the FMCG sector, with its properties it’s fantastic for any product that requires high durability, and often finds a crossover between sectors as it’s a great material for sports equipment and many other consumer products. The versatility of nylon allows it to be used in a very wide range of high-performance applications.

Can nylon help with sustainability in FMCG applications?: With an increasing focus on sustainable practices for many businesses, nylon does offer a solution for some as recyclability has improved over time with different initiatives focussed on reclaiming and reusing products. 

As nylon has a long lifespan, this also contributes to its sustainability factors, reducing waste over time.

Why choose nylon for FMCG products?: Nylon is an ideal choice for any project that requires high durability and toughness, great wear resistance, and something to find use for high-performance applications. Cameron-Price can help you explore the versatility that nylon offers as a production material, and how it may be the best fit for your FMCG product.

Choosing the Right Material for Your FMCG Product

As with any plastic injection moulding product, material choice is extremely important to ensure the product is able to perform as intended. Different materials can offer a wide range of different benefits from durability, sustainability, to cost effectiveness. 

At Cameron-Price, our expertise can help businesses design and develop products within the FMCG industry, and with our expertise in plastic injection moulding, we can ensure your products meet the highest quality. 

If you’re ready to explore a new project or would like to find out more about our capabilities for FMCG, get in touch with Cameron-Price today!