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 C<br /SG = 1.38
| Carbonated soft drink bottles, fruit juice bottles, pillow and sleeping bag filling, textile fibres
| BEVERAGE BOTTLES Clothing, geo-textiles, bottles for detergents etc., laminated sheets clear packaging film, carpet fibres
|
| High Density Polyethylene HDPE
| Hard to semi-flexible waxy surface, opaque. Softens: 135° C<br /SG = 0.96
| Crinkly shopping bags,freezer bags, milk bottles,bleach bottles, buckets, rigidagricultural pipe, milk crates
FILM, BLOW MOULDED CONTAINERS Agricultural 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 FLOORING Pipe 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
|
OTHER : Includes all other resins and multi materials (laminates) acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), acrylic, nylon, polyurethane (PU) ,polycarbonates (PC) and phenolics
| Automotive, aircraft andboating, furniture, electrical and medical parts
| AGRICULTURAL PIPINGFurniture fittings, wheels and castors.
Fence posts, pallets, outdoor furniture and marine structures.
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