The Best Plastics for Outdoor Use

Did you know annual global plastic production was recorded at 368 million metric tons in 2019? Plastic consumption is increasing as it’s one of the main manufacturing raw materials for companies globally. If you’re running a manufacturing business, you should be aware of the different types of plastics to create long-lasting products for your clients.

We all know plastic is durable, lightweight, and easy to mold into just about any shape. But did you know that there are different types of plastics, each with unique properties? Continue reading this blog to learn more about the best plastic materials for manufacturing outdoor products. Whether you’re looking for a material that can withstand harsh weather conditions or one that’s easy to clean, we’ve got you covered!

Use Acrylic Plastic

Acrylic plastic is a versatile thermoplastic material that can be used for various purposes. Here are five advantages of using acrylic plastic for outdoor products:

• Weather-resistant: Fortunately, acrylic plastic won’t break down in extreme temperatures, making it perfect for products that will be exposed to severe weather.
• UV-resistant: Acrylic plastic doesn’t fade in direct sunlight. Its extensive UV resistance makes it an excellent choice for products that will be placed in sunlight, such as outdoor furniture or swimming pool toys.
• Easy to clean: Acrylic plastic is best for products that consumers will use on outdoor benches or picnic tables. You don’t have to spend an eternity trying to clean products made from acrylic plastics. Take a clean cloth and scrub it over your furniture, and you’re good to go!
• Lightweight yet durable: If you’re looking for a plastic material that’s durable but easy to move, such as outdoor chairs or backyard statues, you can use acrylic plastic.
• Affordable: It’s no secret that plastic prices are skyrocketing. Using acrylic plastic is a good idea if your company wants to cut costs. It’s an exceptional choice for budget-minded manufacturers that want to create high-quality outdoor products.

Opt For Polycarbonate Plastic

Looking for a plastic that can withstand harsh weather conditions? Polycarbonate plastic is an excellent option as it’s known for its durability and impact resistance.

Polycarbonate plastic is also UV resistant, making it ideal for outdoor products that will face direct sunlight. It’s also one of the easiest plastics to clean, so it’s perfect for products that may become muddy.

You must use polycarbonate plastic to make outdoor products such as playground toys and garden furniture. Polycarbonate is also shatter-resistant and is a safe choice for children’s products. You’ll be surprised to know that polycarbonate can withstand up to two-forty eight Fahrenheits, making it a perfect option for products that face extreme heat.

Start Using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic known for its durability and strength. HDPE is often used in manufacturing outdoor products, as it can endure rough weather conditions and is tolerant to UV ray damage.

You can use it to make outdoor products like coolers and storage tanks. One of the benefits of using HDPE is that it doesn’t soak up water. HDPE can also resist various solvents like alcohol, bases, and acids. Its high resistant properties make it strong and ensure this plastic is well worth your investment.

Choose Marine Boards

Marine board, also known as marine-grade polymer, is a type of plastic you can use in your products to endure the rough conditions of the marine environment. Companies use marine boards to manufacture docks and other aquatic structures.

Marine board is also a popular choice for making outdoor furniture because of its durability and resistance to salt water. You can use marine boards to construct boats and other maritime vessels, as they can survive high winds and waves.

Select Phenolic Resins

Phenolic resins, also known as Bakelite, are a perfect plastic to manufacture your products. If you’re looking for a plastic material that’s both strong and weather-resistant, consider using phenolic resins.

You can use them to manufacture outdoor products such as picnic equipment and park seats. Phenolic resins are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a low-maintenance option for busy families. Here are some industries that use phenolic resins:

• Automotive
• Marine
• Furniture/Plywood

Go For Fluted Olefins

If you’re in the market to manufacture top-class outdoor products, you should get your hands on fluted olefins. This type of plastic is often used in outdoor applications due to its capability to survive extensive climatic circumstances. It’s also low maintenance, so you won’t have to spend a lot of your precious time and money.

How To Select The Perfect Plastic For Your Production?

There are a few things to evaluate before choosing plastic for your outdoor product. You must consider the environment in which your customers will use the product. If it will be exposed to harsh conditions like cold temperatures or direct sunlight, make sure to choose a material that can withstand those conditions. You should also think about how your clients will use the product. If it will need to be cleaned often, look for a plastic that’s easy to clean.

With manufacturing costs increasing, you must consider your budget. Some plastic types are more expensive, so choose the material that fits your financial requirements. Some plastics are more readily available than others, so you’ll need to check on the product accessibility before making your final decision.

We understand that selecting material for your company can be challenging. We recommend you collaborate with an injection molding company that can evaluate your production needs and guide you accordingly.

Get Customized Plastic Injection Molded Parts At Affordable Rates

Want to get your hands on top-notch plastic parts? Visit PTMS to get plastic, silicone, die casting, and metal stamping parts. We’ve been working in the plastic injection molding industry since 2002. We aim to become a global injection molding company by supplying multiple products to our esteemed clients.

We cater to several manufacturing industries, including automotive, electronics, home appliances, printing, and plastic tooling. We export our high-quality injection molded products to countries like America, Japan, Russia, Australia, and many countries in Europe.

Get in touch with our experts for more details about our injection molded manufacturing services.