Plastic Recycling

PET or PETE means polyethylene terephthalate.  It is commonly used in commercial sold water bottles, soft drink bottles, sports drink bottles, and condiment bottles.  A PET plastic bottle has many potential after life uses and its status as one of the most used plastic packaging materials in the world is due to its performance qualities and its highly recyclable nature.  The #1 symbol identifies this polymer type. 

HDPE means high-density polyethylene.  It is often used in the manufacture of bottles - particularly for milk and fruit juices.  It is also popularly used for pipes, cans, crates, pallets, wheelie bins, and other plastic objects that may spend some time outside.  It is a tough, hard-wearing plastic with high tensile strength that resists tearing or bursting.  The #2 symbol identifies this polymer type.

PVC means polyvinyl chloride.  PVC is a powder that is mixed with plasticizer to make it flexible.  The dry blend obtained is then extruded into the desired shape.  Other additives are added to give it the extrudability and final properties of the desired product.  It is mostly used in construction for windows and pipes, it is also found in the automotive industry, door industry, and many everyday products like packing, coating textiles, tarpaulin, etc.  The #3 symbol identifies this polymer type.

LDPE means low-density polyethylene.  Rigid and soft LDPE plastics are normally separated before recycling.  As the name suggests, LDPE differs from HDPE as it has a lower density.  It's not as strong but is thinner, more malleable, has greater transparency, and has a lower melting point.  It can be recycled into various products such as bubble wrap, film plastic, bin liners, compost bins, floor tiles, etc.  The #4 symbol identifies this polymer type.

PP means polypropylene.  It is a thermoplastic polymer which is widely used for many applications.  It's also used by many industries, including automotive, medical, agricultural, and retail to create many types of products because of its melting point and strong bearing.  It is rugged and unaffected by different chemical solvents, acids, and bases.  It is one of the most popular plastic packaging materials used. The #5 symbol identifies this polymer type.

PS means polystyrene.   It is one of the most widely used plastics in the world, but it is also one of the most difficult to recycle.  It can be recycled, but the process is complicated and expensive, and it is only sometimes economically feasible.  It comes in rigid form and foam form.  We only accept this polymer if it is densified.  The #6 symbol identifies this polymer type.