Making a HDPE bottle

Plastic milk bottles are made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This type of plastic is used widely for milk containers because it doesn't flavour the contents, you can see the amount of milk left inside, and it's re-sealable. It can also be made into a shape that fits perfectly into most fridge doors and provides a handle for carrying and pouring.

The plastic is heated to around 170șC and then fed into two halves of a mould. The two halves are then closed up and compressed air is blown into the mould to form the bottle. The plastic bottle is then cooled, trimmed and quality-tested.

Click on the link to below to watch a bottle being made