The Plastics Identification Code identifies the type of plastic resin a product is made from. The code makes it easier for re-processors to identify and separate used plastics for a range of new applications. Single and mixed materials can be recycled into new products, and used plastics can also be converted into liquid fuel or other energy.
TYPE OF PLASTIC
| PROPERTIES Incl. Specific Gravity
| APPLICATIONS: Virgin Grades
| APPLICATIONS: Recycled grades MAJOR USE / minor use
|
Polyethylene Terephthalate PET
| Clear, tough, solvent resistant. Used for rigids, sheets and fibres. Softens: 85 CSG = 1.38
| Carbonated soft drinkbottles, fruit juice bottles, pillow and sleeping bag filling, textile fibres
| BEVERAGE BOTTLESClothing, geo-textiles, bottles fordetergents etc., laminated sheets, clear packaging film, carpet fibres
|
High Density Polyethylene HDPE
| Hard to semi-flexible,waxy surface, opaque.Softens: 135° CSG = 0.96
| Crinkly shopping bags,freezer bags, milk bottles,bleach bottles, buckets, rigidagricultural pipe, milk crates
| FILM, BLOW MOULDEDCONTAINERSAgricultural pipes, pallets, bins for compost and kerbside collections, extruded sheet, crates, garden edging, household bags, oil containers, pallets
|
Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride UPVC
| Hard rigid, can be clear, can be solvent weldedSoftens: 70 - 100° C SG = 1.40
| Electrical conduit, plumbingpipes and fittings, blisterpacks, clear cordial and fruitjuice bottles
| PIPE, FLOORINGPipe and hose fittings, garden hose, electrical conduit, shoes, road cone bases, drainage pipes, electrical conduit and ducting, detergent bottles
|
Plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride PPVC
| Flexible, clear, elastic,can be solvent weldedSoftens: 70 - 100° C SG = 1.35
| Garden hose, shoe soles,cable sheathing, blood bagsand tubing, watch straps, rain wear
| same as UPVC
|
Low Density Polyethylene LDPE Linear: LLDPE
| Soft, flexible, waxysurface translucent,withstands solvents
Softens: 115° CSG = 0.92
| Garbage bags, squeezebottles, black irrigation tube,silage and mulch films,
garbage bins
| FILMS: BUILDERS, CONCRETELINING and BAGSAgricultural pipe, nursery & other films
|
Polypropylene PP
| Hard, flexible, translucent(can be transparent).Wide property range formany applications, goodchemical resistance.Softens: 165° C
SG = 0.90
| Film, carpet fibre,appliances, automotive, toys, housewares, crates, pails, bottles, caps and closures, furniture, rigid packaging
| CRATES, BOXES, PLANT POTSCompost bins, garden edging,irrigation fittings, building panels
|
Polystyrene PS
| Clear, glassy, rigid,brittle, opaque semitough,melts at 95°C.
Affected by fats andsolvents.Softens: 90° CSG = 1.06
| Refrigerator bins & crispers,stationery accessories, coat hangers, medical disposables. Meat & poultry trays, yoghurt & dairy containers, vending cups
| INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, COATHANGERS, CONCRETEREINFORCING CHAIRS
Moulded products, coat hangers,office accessories, spools, rulers,
video cases and printer cartridges
|
Expanded Polystyrene EPS
| Foamed, light weight,energy absorbing, heatinsulating
Softens: 90° CSG = 0. 90 – 0.93
| Drinking cups, meat trays,clamshells, panel insulation,
produce boxes, protectivepackaging for fragile items
| SYNTHETIC TIMBERPicture frame mouldings,under slab void pods for buildings
|