|
Plastic Identification Code |
Type of plastic polymer |
Properties |
Common Packaging Applications |
|
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE) |
Clarity, strength, toughness, barrier to gas and
moisture. |
Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles;
peanut butter and jam jars |
|
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
Stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to
moisture, permeability to gas. |
Milk, juice and water bottles; trash and retail
bags. |
|
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Versatility, clarity, ease of blending,
strength, toughness. |
Juice bottles; cling films; PVC piping |
|
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
Ease of processing, strength, toughness,
flexibility, ease of sealing, barrier to
moisture. |
Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g.
honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container
lids. |
|
Polypropylene (PP) |
Strength, toughness, resistance to heat,
chemicals, grease and oil, versatile, barrier to
moisture. |
Reusable microwaveable ware; kitchenware; yogurt
containers; margarine tubs; microwaveable
disposable take-away containers; disposable cups
and plates. |
|
Polystyrene (PS) |
Versatility, clarity, easily formed |
Egg cartons; packing peanuts; disposable cups,
plates, trays and cutlery; disposable take-away
containers; |
|
Other (often polycarbonate or ABS) |
Dependent on polymers or combination or polymers |
Beverage bottles; baby milk bottles; electronic
casing. |
