Plastic Packaging Resin Identification Codes
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Marking |
Material Information |
SPI Acronym |
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Polyethylene Terephthalate
PETE is the most the commonly used plastic. PETE is used in soft drink bottles, water containers, vegetable oil bottles, dish detergent bottles, peanut butter jars, and most other clear plastic waterproof packaging.
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PETE |
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High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) also very common, is used to make film containers, vitamin bottles, milk jugs and butter tubs. Most store bags are formed from this plastic. Since it has a crystalline structure, "clear" products made from HDPE are transparent but hazy.
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HDPE |
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Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
(V) is used in the manufacture of food wraps, vegetable oil bottles, blister packages and clear health and beauty bottles.
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V |
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Low Density Polyethylene
(LDPE) is used to make caps, plugs, netting, shrink wrap, garment bags and many other plastic bags. This plastic is similar in structure to HDPE but is less dense and more flexible. |
LDPE |
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Polypropylene
(PP) Some plastics made with PP are refrigerated containers, butter tubs, yogurt containers, some bags, bottle tops, carpets and some food wraps. |
PP |
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Polysturene
(PS) plastics include throwaway utensils, meat packing, protective packing, and some thick rigid colored plastic products. Plastics that have a wax coating over other coverings are also included in this category. |
PS |
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All Other Resins
The plastics included in this category are either layered, mixed plastics or thermosets. |
Other |
Want to know how to tell the different types of plastic? Click here to download a PDF flow chart which explains what properties each plastic has.
We have also included a pdf document which is from the Environmental Agency website regarding the different types of waste classes. Click Here to download it for yourself.
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