Types of Plastics
Code
Plastic resin type
Uses
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Clear or coloured; bottles have a
raised dot on the base.
Soft drinks & edible oil bottles; containers for toiletries, cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene
Translucent or opaque, does not
crack when bent, slightly waxy.
Rigid containers, crinkly retail bags, milk and juice jugs, margarine tubs,
detergent bottles, motor oil containers.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride
Clear, colourless, white creases,
bottles have a seam on the base.
Shampoo bottles, mineral water bottles, household chemical containers,
window frames.
Low-density polyethylene
Flexible, smooth, soft to the touch.
Carrier bags, rubbish bags, bubble, stretch, pallet & shrink wrap.
Polypropylene
Transparent, clear or opaque,
smooth, semi-rigid.
Coating on milk cartons, shrink wrap, bottle caps, yougurt and margarine
tubs, labelling.
Polystyrene
Stiff but flexible, snaps when bent.
Foam: meat trays, egg cartons, hot drink cups
Crystal: drinks cups, disposable utensils, drinking straws.
Mix of plastics
Squeezable ketchup bottles, condiments.
LDPE
PP
PS
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