Do household plastic storage tissues tend to age or discolor when exposed to sunlight?

Aging and discoloration of home plastic storage containers under sunlight is a common result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on plastic materials. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate deep into the surface of plastic and break down its molecular structure. After long-term exposure to sunlight, especially after long-term exposure to high temperatures and strong light, the molecular chains of plastics will gradually break, which will cause the material's strength to decrease, thus affecting the durability and appearance of plastic containers. With the action of ultraviolet rays, the plastic surface will not only lose its luster, but may also show problems such as discoloration, embrittlement or cracks.
In actual use, transparent plastic containers are most susceptible to ultraviolet rays. Because these containers have no color or high transparency, ultraviolet rays can more easily penetrate and act directly on the plastic surface. Under this effect, transparent plastics usually turn yellow, the surface gradually becomes brittle, and even tiny cracks or damage may occur, especially when exposed to sunlight for a long time. Even some translucent plastic containers may fade in color, lose their original luster or become dull on the surface.
Not only transparent plastic containers, but also some colored plastic storage containers may be affected by ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays may gradually fade the color, making the originally bright colors dull. For dark-colored plastics, UV radiation may cause the dark hue to fade, affecting the appearance of the container. Therefore, whether it is used in the kitchen, bathroom or storage room, plastic containers may age and discolor to varying degrees under sunlight.
To slow down this aging phenomenon, many modern plastic containers are added with UV stabilizers or UV-resistant coatings during the production process. These additives can effectively reduce the damage of UV rays, thereby improving the durability and anti-aging properties of plastic containers. Plastic containers with UV protection usually have a longer service life, especially when used outdoors or in strong sunlight. Such containers perform much better than ordinary plastic containers.
Although some plastic containers are treated with UV protection, if they are exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, it will still have a certain impact on the container. Therefore, the reasonable way to use them is to avoid exposing plastic containers to strong sunlight for a long time. Storing these containers in a cool place or covering them with a shield can effectively extend their service life and prevent UV rays from causing irreversible damage to plastic materials.
The way items are stored in the home also affects the aging rate of plastic containers. For example, placing plastic containers on balconies, windowsills or other places with direct sunlight may accelerate their aging process. To avoid this, it is best to choose to store in a cool, dry place, especially for plastic containers used to store food, chemicals or other sensitive items. This will not only avoid direct exposure to ultraviolet rays, but also maintain the quality of the contents inside the container.