Key Takeaway

Chemistry explains why packaging materials behave as they do. From atomic bonds to polymer chains, these principles guide the design of safe, functional, and sustainable packaging. For example:

• PET bottles rely on ester bonds (hydrolysis-sensitive) and aromatic rings (rigidity).
• Aluminum cans use electrochemical principles (corrosion resistance via oxide layers).
• Biodegradable PLA undergoes hydrolysis (reaction with water) to break down.

Mastering these concepts allows chemists to innovate: creating smart barriers, reducing migration, and enabling circular packaging solutions.