Write a report comparing two common polymeric materials which are both used to perform the same task in society. Your report must analyse secondary data to make a justified recommendation about which...

COMPARISON OF TWO POLYMERIC MATERIALS,
POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET) AND POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA)
Executive Summary
Polymers, both synthetic and natural, are widely used in various sectors of the society. Food packaging industries is one of the most common sector using polymers. The present reports attempts to make a critical comparison of two most commonly used food-packaging plastics, namely, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polylactic Acid (PLA). The study demonstrates the properties and constituents of the polymers and ca
ies out a comparison of the woe, Similarities and differences are evaluated. Secondary information is analysed in the report to understand the suitability of the two polymers in food packaging industries. The study concludes with providing recommendation about the best-suited polymer for application in the food packaging and other tasks of the society.
Table of Contents
Introduction    4
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polylactic Acid (PLA)    4
Comparison    4
Analysis    5
Recommendation    6
Conclusion    6
Reference List    8
Introduction
Polymers are compound chains of monomer solutions that are widely used in various spheres of daily life. Polymers are advanced materials having various uses ranging from packaging to fa
ication and coating. Polymers can me made either through natural or synthetic process. Polymeric materials are used in many sectors, one of the most common being packaging of food and beverages. Polymers used in industrial and food packaging blend several nano-composite and micro materials to form hazard-free compounds. This study attempts to analyse the application and uses and evaluate the safety of two such polymers, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) used in food packaging.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PET is a synthetic polymer that is actually a resin of the polyester family applied in various thermoforming activities including personal care, food packaging, medical and their consumer products. As stated by Pacheco-Torgal et al. (2012, p. 720), PET is resistant to cracking, lightweight, strong, possess clarity and acts as a ba
ier to gas and moisture. Major PET products are bottles, jars, tubes, metallised foils and films, coatings and other food packaging substances. It is prefe
ed for food packaging because of its physicochemical properties that are transparency and rigidity. It is a plastic material, which is sometimes biodegradable causing harmful effects on the health and safety of the society and citizens.
PLA is bioactive and biodegradable aliphatic thermoplastic polyester that is extracted from various renewable resources like cassava...