Plastic Resins Identification System - Buy plastics, sell plastics, recycle plastics with Malvern Plastics Group

Plastic Resins Identification System

There is no doubt the world is becoming more aware of the plastic products we use and dispose of. The phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is becoming a common household goal, and plastics recycling especially are becoming more prominent when it is possible. Recycling can help offset household, commercial and industrial costs and help decrease the waste distributed to landfills and our environment.

The Plastics Resins Identification System was created to assist companies and individuals in their attempts to recycle. The Plastics Resins Identification System also aids plastics recycling companies like Malvern Plastics Group in determining the path a recycled material will travel. Malvern Plastics Group has compiled the following guide to the Plastics Resins Identification System, where you can learn more about each recycling number and its plastic properties.

The number one (#1) recycling symbol is comprised of the plastic resin PETE, which is short for polyethylene. PETE is actually the most widely used resin in plastic bottles. This is a commonly used plastic resin due to its toughness, barrier to moisture and gas and heat resistance. PETE is a generally lightweight plastic, used to make an extensive variety of products.

Product Examples: Soft drink bottles, water bottles, salad dressing bottles, vegetable oil bottles,

Products Made with Recycled PETE: spinning carpet yarns, tote bags, athletic shoes, fiberfill

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle PETE, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!

HDPE is also known as High Density Polyethylene. It is the second most widely used resin in the manufacture of plastic bottles. Combined with PETE, these resins comprise about 95% of plastic bottles made today. HDPE is known for its toughness, stiffness, resistance to moisture and permeability to gas.

Product Examples: Water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, grocery and retail plastic bags, cereal box liners

Products Made with Recycled HDPE: Oil bottles, picnic tables and benches, pens

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle HDPE, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!

The third plastic resin code is PVC, also known as Polyvinylchloride. The V in the symbol actually stands for vinyl, but the plastic resin in these products generally is referred to as PVC. PVC is known for its strength, versatility, good chemical resistance, and its stable electrical and physical properties. PVC is also relatively easy to process and blend.

Product Examples: Cooking oil bottles, medical tubing, piping, cling films, shampoo bottles

Products Made with Recycled PVC: Decks, mud flaps, flooring, mats

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle PVC, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!

LDPE is short for Low Density Polyethylene. This plastic resin is similar to HDPE, although LDPE has more molecular branching and a lower density. LDPE is known for its toughness, ease to process, flexibility and ease of sealing.

Product Examples: Frozen food bags, squeezable bottles, bread bags, clothing

Products Made with Recycled LDPE: Garbage can liners, garbage cans, lumber, furniture, landscaping lumber

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle LDPE, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!

Recycling symbol number five (#5), PP, is short for Polypropylene. This plastic resin has a high melting point and therefore is great for plastic products that hold hot foods and beverages. Polypropylene is known for its strength, heat resistance, moisture resistance and resistance to grease and oil.

Product Examples: Yogurt containers, reusable microwave containers, margarine tubs, to-go containers, disposable cups and plates

Products Made with Recycled PP: Brooms, bicycle racks, ice scrapers, signal lights

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle PP, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!

Recycling symbol number 6 (#6) is PS, or Polystyrene. Products made out of Polystyrene generally are not reusable and should only be used once and then recycled. PS common qualities include low heat transfer, ease to form, versatility and clarity.

Product Examples: Packing “peanuts”, egg cartons, disposable cutlery, disposable food storage containers, meat trays, compact disc cases, aspirin bottles

Products Made with Recycled PS: Light switch plates, egg cartons, carryout containers, rulers, insulation

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle PS, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!

The recycling code number seven (#7) is used for all other forms of recyclable plastic “other” than those listed above. They could also be a combination of the above 1-6 resins. The properties of the plastics in this category will vary due to the resins they are comprised of. Some plastics found in this category include Polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, and fiberglass. Many plastics that fall in this category should be used once and then recycled.

Product Examples: 3 and 5 gallon water bottles, beverage bottles, baby bottles, electronic casing

Products made with Recycled “Other” Plastics: Lumber and other custom products

If you are looking to buy, sell or recycle OTHER plastics, click here to Contact Malvern Plastics Group!