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Plastic Identification Codes
| Plastic Identification Code |
Type of Plastic Polymer |
Properties |
Potential Packaging Applications |
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE) |
Clarity, strength, toughness, barrier to gas and moisture |
Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles; peanut butter and jam jars |
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High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
Stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to moisture, permeability to gas |
Milk, juice and water bottles; trash and retail bags |
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Polyvinyl Chloride (V) |
Versatitlity, clarity, ease of blending, strength, toughness |
Juice bottles; cling films; PVC piping |
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Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
Ease of processing, strength, toughness, flexility, ease of sealing, barrier to moisure |
Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container lids |
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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 |
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Polystyrene (PS and EPS) |
Versatility, clarity, easily formed |
Egg cartons; packing peanuts; “Styrofoam”; disposable cups, plates, trays, and cutlery; disposable take-away containers |
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Other (often polycarbonate, ABS or PLA) |
Dependent on polymers or combination of polymers |
Beverage bottles; baby milk bottles; electronic casing |
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