Parents concerned about the costs of sending their children to school are more and more looking to minimise lost property by labelling their children's belongings. There are many online companies that sell a range of labels that can be used to identify all the belongings taken to school. The most widely used of the labels is a vinyl sticker label that can be used for almost anything, even items like lunch boxes and drink bottles that are washed in the family dishwasher.
Vinyl, also known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is an environmentally unfriendly chemical compound that is widely used in the construction industry. It is a tough material and can be produced relatively cheaply. However, its toughness causes it to be somewhat inflexible. In order to make it more flexible, it is mixed with chemical additives called phthalates. These give the PVC a more "plastic", pliable quality.
Plastic Toy Boxes
However, the phthalates have been known to cause toxins to leak from the PVC and increase the risk of cancer, asthma and allergies. They have also been linked to damage to the reproductive system, the liver and the kidneys. As a result, the EU banned the use of various phthalates in children's toys in 1999 because of concerns that children could become ill if they put the toys in their mouths.
PVC is also used in many other products, such as cosmetics, medical products, shower curtains, car interiors and some types of food packaging. However, several companies have started trying to eliminate PVC from their products. The 2000 Sydney Olympics aimed to use no PVC in its materials, wherever possible.
Other concerns about PVC include the release of dioxins during its production process. Also, dioxins can be released into the atmosphere when PVC is incinerated after use. Similarly, toxins can be released into the soil if PVC is dumped into landfill. And its chemical constitution makes it very difficult (and expensive) to recycle PVC. In other words, PVC can cause problems when it is produced, all through its lifetime and even when it is disposed of.
Polyester labels are a more environmentally friendly alternative to PVC labels. However, polyester labels lack the pliability of PVC labels. They will stick to flasks and bottles, but not on areas that have double curves, such as necks of bottles and some baby bottles. They also have trouble sticking to tight curves like pens and pencils. They are a "green" solution, but they do not meet all the needs of today's kids.
Sticker labels made of a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene (PP/PE), result in a much "greener" label. For example, these labels do not emit toxins when heated, so they can be used in microwaves. This unique chemical compound also creates a highly flexible label, capable of conforming to double curves and tight curves.
According to Greenpeace, polyester rates better for the environment than PVC but not as good as polyethylene or polypropylene. (PVC scores 1/5, and is the worst. Polyester scores 3/5. Polyethylene & polypropylene score 4/5. Bio-based plastics are the best, scoring 5/5. However, there are currently no bio-based plastics that have all the characteristics that are needed for the labels.)
In summary -
PVC labels come in bright colors. PP/PE labels only come in white.
Both labels are equally flexible and use the same adhesive.
PP/PE labels out perform PVC in terms of temperature resistance, and there fore can be used on baby bottles that are cleaned in sterilizers.
PP/PE labels are safer for the environment and human health.
The vast majority of children's school label companies today, still use the PVC labels, mainly because of aesthetics and cost. Thanks to the internet consumers now have more choice available to them. Labels are small and light so in most cases postage is either free or at a small cost and delivery times can be fairly quick to any where in the world.
Black Friday American Plastic Toy 28 Piece Tea Party Set 2011 Deals
Nov 21, 2011 06:11:17
Click for larger image and other views
Black Friday American Plastic Toy 28 Piece Tea Party Set Feature
- Complete tea party set
- 25 piece tea service set
- Table measures 21 1/4" x 21 1/4" x 16"
- 2 chairs measure 12 5/8" x 14 1/8" x 15 1/4"
- Easy assembly
Black Friday American Plastic Toy 28 Piece Tea Party Set Overview
13620 Features: -Set includes: 25 tea service items, 1 table, 2 chairs. -Perfect for an afternoon tea party. -Packaged in a colorful, corrugated carton with full color litho label. -Some assembly required. -For 2 years and up.SAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Black Friday American Plastic Toy 28 Piece Tea Party Set ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |
