Plastic Recycling Codes

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 of polymers

Beverage bottles; baby milk bottles; electronic casing.