Packing Materials

Recycling Mark

Type of Plastic Polymer

Properties

Common Packaging Applications

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE)

Clarity, strength, toughness, barrier to gas and moisture

Soft drink, water and salad dressing bottles ; peanut butter and jam jars

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Stiness, strength, toughness, resistance to moisture, permeability to gas

Milk, juice and water bottles ; trash and retail bags

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Versatility, clarity, ease o blending, strength and toughness

Juice bottles ; cling films ; PVC piping

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Ease of processing strength, toughness, flexibility, ease of sealing, barrier to moisture

Frozen food bags ; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard ; cling films ; flexible container lids.

Polypropylene (PP)

Strength, toughness, resistance to heat, chemical, grease and oil, versatile, barrier to moisture

Reusable microwavable ware ; kitchenware ; yogurt containers ; margarine tubs ; microwavable disposable take-away container ; disposable cups and plates

Polystyrene (PS)

Versatility, clarity, easily formed.

Egg cartons ; packing peanuts ; "Styrofoam" ; disposable cups, plates, trays and cutlery ; disposable take-away container.