Plastics Recycling Symbols Explained
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PET/PETE
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Polyethylene terephthalate |
Usually clear or green, sinks in water, rigid. Barrier to gas and moisture |
| Applications: |
Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles, cooking oil bottles, peanut butter and jam jars.
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HDPE
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High density polyethylene |
Semi rigid, sinks in water. Resistance to moisture, permeability to gas |
| Applications: |
Water bottles, bleach bottles, milk, juice, washing up liquid, bath and shower gel bottles, plastic bags.
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PVC
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Polyvinyl Chloride |
Semi rigid, glossy, sinks in water. |
| Applications: |
Detergent / cleanser bottles, cling film, PVC pipes.
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LDPE
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Low density polyethylene |
Flexible, not crinkly. Ease of processing, Ease of sealing, barrier to moisture. |
| Applications: |
6 pack rings, bread bags, sandwich bags, frozen food bags, squeezable bottles, cling films, flexible container lids.
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PP
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Polypropylene |
Semi rigid, low gloss, resistance to heat, chemicals, greese and oil, versatile barrier to moisture |
| Applications: |
Margarine tubs, straws, screw on lids, reusable microwave ware, kitchenware, yogurt containers, disposable cups and plates.
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PS
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Polystyrene |
Often brittle, glossy. easily formed, |
| Applications: |
Styrofoam; foam cups; packaging chips; egg cartons; disposable cups, plates, trays and cutlery; take-away containers.
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O
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Other often Polycarbonate, acrylic, ABS, mixed / multi layer plastic. |
Dependent on polymers or combination |
| Applications: |
Beverage bottles; baby milk bottles; electronic casing.
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