The Plastic Identification Code - Plastics New Zealand

The Plastic Identification CodeSymbol Type of Plastic Properties Common Uses Recycled In1PETPETPolyethylene TerephthalateClear, tough, solvent resistant,barrier to gas and moisture,softens at 80°CSoft drink and water bottles,salad domes, biscuit trays, saladdressing and peanut buttercontainersPillow and sleepingbag filling, clothing,soft drinkbottles, carpet2PE-HDPE-HDHigh Density PolyethyleneHard to semi-flexible, resistantto chemicals and moisture,waxy surface, opaque, softensat 75°C, easily coloured,processed and formedCrinkly shopping bags, freezerbags, milk bottles, ice creamcontainers, juice bottles,shampoo, chemical anddetergent bottles, buckets, rigidagricultural pipe, milk cratesRecycling bins,compost bins,buckets, detergentcontainers, posts,fencing, pipes3PVCPVCUnplasticised PolyvinylChloride PVC-UPlasticised PolyvinylChloridePVC-PStrong, tough, can be clear, canbe solvent welded, softens at80°CFlexible, clear, elastic, can besolvent weldedCosmetic containers, electricalconduit, plumbing pipes andfittings, blister packs, wallcladding, roof sheeting, bottlesGarden hose, shoe soles, cablesheathing, blood bags andtubing, watch strapsFlooring, film andsheets, cables, speedbumps, packaging,binders, mud flapsand mats4PE-LDPE-LDLow density PolyethyleneSoft, flexible, waxy surface,translucent, softens at 70°C,scratches easilyGlad wrap, garbage bags,squeeze bottles, black irrigationtube, black mulch film, garbagebinsRubbish bin liners,pallet sheets5PPPPPolypropyleneHard but still flexible, waxysurface, softens at 140°C,translucent, withstandssolvents, versatileDip pottles and ice cream tubs,potato chip bags, straws,microwave dishes, kettles,garden furniture, lunch boxes,blue packing tapePegs, bins, pipes,pallet sheets, oilfunnels, car batterycases, trays6PS6PS-EPSPolystyrenePS-EExpanded PolystyreneClear, glassy, rigid, brittle,opaque, semi-tough, softensat 95°C. Affected by fats andsolventsFoamed, light weight, energyabsorbing, heat insulatingCD cases, plastic cutlery,imitation 'crystal glassware',low cost brittle toys, videocasesFoamed polystyrene hot drinkcups, hamburger take-awayclamshells, foamed meat trays,pro-tective packaging for fragileitemsCoat hangers,coasters, white warecomponents,stationery trays andaccessories7OTHEROTHERLetters below indicate ISOcode for plastic typee.g. SAN, ABS, PC, NylonIncludes all other resins andmulti materials (e.g. laminates)Properties dependent on plasticor combination of plasticsCar parts, appliance parts,computers, electronics, watercooler bottles, packagingCar parts, concreteaggregate, plastictimber