Plastics identification code

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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 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 SG = 0.96	Crinkly shopping bags, freezer bags, milk bottles, bleach bottles, buckets, rigid agricultural 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 welded Softens: 70 - 100° C SG = 1.40	Electrical conduit, plumbing pipes and fittings, blister packs, clear cordial and fruit juice 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 welded ,Softens: 70 - 100° C SG = 1.35	Garden hose, shoe soles, cable sheathing, blood bags and tubing, watch straps, rain wear
	Low Density Polyethylene LDPE Linear: LLDPE	Soft, flexible, waxy surface translucent, withstands solvents Softens: 115° C SG = 0.92	Garbage bags, squeeze bottles, black irrigation tube silage and mulch films, garbage bins	FILMS: BUILDERS, CONCRETE LINING and BAGS Agricultural pipe, nursery & other films
	Polypropylene PP	Hard, flexible, translucent (can be transparent). Wide property range for many applications, good chemical 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 POTS Compost bins, garden edging, irrigation fittings, building panels
	Polystyrene PS	Clear, glassy, rigid, brittle, opaque semitough, melts at 95°C. Affected by fats and solvents.Softens: 90° C SG = 1.06	Refrigerator bins & crispers, stationery accessories, coat hangers, medical disposables. Meat & poultry trays, yoghurt & dairy containers, vending cups	INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, COAT HANGERS, CONCRETE REINFORCING CHAIRS Moulded products, coat hangers, office accessories, spools, rulers, video cases and printer cartridges
	Expanded Polystyrene EPS	Foamed, light weight, energy absorbing, heat insulating Softens: 90° C SG = 0. 90 – 0.93	Drinking cups, meat trays, clamshells, panel insulation, produce boxes, protective packaging for fragile items	SYNTHETIC TIMBER Picture 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 and boating, furniture, electrical and medical parts	AGRICULTURAL PIPING Furniture fittings, wheels and castors. Fence posts, pallets, outdoor furniture and marine structures.