Bottle crate facts for kids
A bottle crate is like a special box. People use it to carry many drinks at once. Think of it as a strong holder for bottles. Today, most crates are made of plastic. But long ago, they were often made of wood or metal.
Contents
Bottle Crates: Carrying Your Drinks!
What are Bottle Crates?
Bottle crates are containers. They help move many bottles together. Imagine a big box with sections for each bottle. This keeps them safe during travel. Most modern crates are made from a strong plastic called HDPE. Before plastic, people used wood or metal crates.
A Brief History of Crates
Plastic bottle crates became popular in the 1950s. This was when HDPE plastic started being widely used. This new material made crates lighter and more durable. It was a big change from the older, heavier wooden or metal crates.
Crates That Last a Long Time
Bottle crates are built to be very tough. They can last for many years. For example, in Sweden in the 1980s, there was a recycling program. Old crates were collected to be replaced. Some of these crates had been used since the 1960s! This shows how strong and long-lasting they are.
Making Crates Colorful and Strong
Manufacturers want crates to be safe. They stopped using harmful colors like lead-based or cadmium-based pigments. This was because of new laws and public concern. So, they found new ways to color HDPE plastic crates.
In Japan, since the 1970s, they have used special, safe colors. These colors make the crates look good. Scientists also improved the plastic itself. They added ingredients to make crates stronger. This helps them last longer, even in sunlight. They also made them more resistant to breaking. This means your drink bottles stay safe inside!
