Plastic Recycling

 

SPI_resin_identification_code_01

Type of plastic polymer:  Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE)
Properties:  Clarity, strength, toughness, barrier to gas and moisture
Common Applications:  Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles; peanut butter and jam jars

SPI_resin_identification_code_02

 

Type of plastic polymerHigh-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Properties: HDPE is somewhat harder and more opaque then PET and it can withstand rather higher temperatures (120° Celsius for short periods, 110° Celsius continuously).
Common Applications:  HDPE is resistant to many different solvents and has a wide variety of applications, including: Bottle caps, food storage containers, laundry detergent bottles, milk jugs, hard hats, natural gas and water pipe, plastic bags and storage sheds to name a few.

Shampoo_Bottle_2_sml
SPI_resin_identification_code_03

Type of plastic polymer:  Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or V)

Properties:  Versatility, clarity, ease of blending, strength, toughness, resistance to grease, oil and chemicals, good resistance to weather and good electrical resistance.
Common Applications:  Electrical boxes, rain gutters, plumbing pipe.

SPI_resin_identification_code_04
SPI_resin_identification_code_05
SPI_resin_identification_code_06
SPI_resin_identification_code_07
SPI_resin_identification_code_ABS

Type of plastic polymer:  Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

Properties:  Has strength, toughness, flexibility, ease of sealing, barrier to moisture. It is also easy to process.
Common Applications:  Light bags for bread and dry cleaning. Food bags. Flexible bottles for mustard and ketchup.

Type of plastic polymer:  Polypropylene (PP)
Properties:  Strength, toughness, resistance to heat, chemicals, grease and oil, versatile, barrier to moisture.
Common Applications:  Catsup bottles, yogurt containers and margarine tubs, medicine bottles

Cool_whip_5_sml
Corner_Packaging_5_sml

Type of plastic polymer:  Polystyrene (PS)
Properties:  Easily formed, versatility, insulation, clarity

Common Applications:  Compact disc jackets, food service applications, grocery store meat trays, egg cartons,
aspirin bottles, cups, plates, cutlery.

Type of plastic polymer:  Other plastics, including acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, and
polylactic acid (a bioplastic), and multilayer combinations of different plastics (OTHER or O)

Properties:  Dependent on resin or combination of resins used
Common Applications:  3-5 gallon containers, bottles, plastic lumber applications.

Dry_Food_7_sml

Type of plastic polymer:   Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Properties:  Good for indoor and outdoor applications.

Common Applications:  The pipes have a foam core, and the edge of each piece of pipe needs to be glued less than 1 inch for it to maintain resistance against high pressure.