Rigid plastic items are self-supporting and sturdy. They are formed in many ways. One common forming method is injection molding, where molten plastic is forced into a mold under very high pressure. An example of this is a butter tub. Another common forming method is called blow molding, where a molten plastic tube is inflated with air (much like a balloon) to fill a mold. An example of this is a milk jug. >strong>Vacuum forming takes a thin sheet of hot plastic and using a vacuum, draws the plastic into a shaped cavity. An example of this is a very thin tray insert.

Rigid plastics are made of several resin types, but in agriculture they are mainly high density polyethylene (HDPE, #2), polypropylene (PP, #5) and polystyrene (PS, #6). Common products are nursery pots, trays, flats, tray inserts, baskets and hangers, pails and barrels.

To view or download more photos of rigid plastic items, see the “Further Information” drop-down menu.

Publications

Presentations

Videos

Photos

Resources