There are seven types of plastic that are commonly referred to as the "seven types of plastic." These plastics are identified by the resin identification codes that are imprinted on plastic products and packaging. The seven types of plastic are:
These seven types of plastic have different properties and are used for different applications. For example, PET is often used to make bottles for drinks, while HDPE is used to make containers for milk and other dairy products. PVC is often used to make pipes, while LDPE is used to make bags and films. PP is used to make a variety of products, including ropes, automotive parts, and toys. PS is used to make a variety of products, including foam food containers and protective packaging materials. The category "other" includes a wide range of plastics that have unique properties and are used for specific applications.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a type of plastic that is commonly used to make bottles and containers for a variety of products, including food, beverages, household cleaners, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. PET is a strong, lightweight, and shatter-resistant plastic that is easy to mold and shape. It is also an excellent barrier to moisture, gases, and light, which makes it well-suited for packaging products that need to be protected from the environment.
In addition to packaging, PET is also used in the manufacture of a wide range of products, including textiles, films, sheets, and engineering resins. It is used in the production of fibers for clothing, carpeting, and home furnishings, and is also used in the production of films for packaging and other applications. PET is also used to make sheets and films for use in the construction, automotive, and electronics industries.
PET is considered to be a safe and environmentally friendly plastic, as it is easily recyclable and can be used to make a variety of new products. It is also widely used in the food and beverage industry, as it is considered to be a food-grade plastic that is safe for use in contact with food and beverages.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including bottles, containers, and pipes. HDPE is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, which makes it well-suited for a variety of applications.
Some common uses for HDPE include:
Packaging: HDPE is often used to make bottles and containers for a variety of products, including milk, juice, detergents, and household cleaners. It is also used to make containers for non-food items, such as shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care products.
Pipe: HDPE is commonly used to make pipes for water and sewage systems, as it is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high pressures.
Construction: HDPE is used to make a variety of construction materials, including pipes, roofing membranes, and geomembranes.
Industrial products: HDPE is used to make a variety of industrial products, including tanks, drums, and buckets.
Consumer goods: HDPE is used to make a variety of consumer goods, including toys, buckets, and trash cans.
HDPE is considered to be a safe and environmentally friendly plastic, as it is easily recyclable and can be used to make a variety of new products. It is also resistant to UV radiation, which makes it well-suited for outdoor applications.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including pipes, siding, flooring, and inflatable products. PVC is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, which makes it well-suited for a variety of applications.
Some common uses for PVC include:
Pipe: PVC is commonly used to make pipes for water and sewage systems, as it is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high pressures. In this case, an anti-microbial coating is used to ensure that liquids, such as drinking water, remain safe.
Siding: PVC is often used to make siding for houses, as it is low maintenance, durable, and resistant to moisture and insects.
Flooring: PVC is used to make a variety of flooring products, including tiles, sheets, and planks. It is water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable.
Inflatable products: PVC is used to make a variety of inflatable products, including rafts, pools, and toys. It is resistant to punctures and leaks, and can be easily sealed.
Other products: PVC is also used to make a variety of other products, including window frames, door frames, and electrical cable insulation.
Due to the types of uses PVC is used for, it is hard to recycle. The recycle rate of PVC globally is under 1%.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including films, bags, sheets, and containers. LDPE is known for its flexibility, strength, and transparency, which makes it well-suited for a variety of applications. LDPE is known as a soft plastic.
Some common uses for LDPE include:
Packaging: LDPE is often used to make films and bags for packaging a variety of products, including food, clothing, and household items. These are mainly known as polybags. You may be familiar with this bag, as it is often clear, shiny with a slippery feeling.
Containers: LDPE is used to make a variety of containers, including bottles and tubs for food, personal care, and household products. LDPE is a SOFT plastic. Therefore, the bottles LDPE is used for are squeeze bottles - such as classic ketchup and mustard bottles.
Films: LDPE is used to make a variety of films for use in packaging, construction, and other applications.
The recycling rate of LDPE is less than 5%.
Polypropylene (PP) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including ropes, automotive parts, and toys. PP is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, which makes it well-suited for a variety of applications.
PP is one the cheapest and most widely used plastics out of the 7 groups.
Some common uses for PP include:
Packaging: PP is often used to make containers for a variety of products, including food, beverages, and household cleaners.
Automotive parts: PP is used to make a variety of automotive parts, including bumpers, dashboards, and door panels. It is strong, durable, and resistant to heat and impact.
Toys: PP is used to make a variety of toys, including dolls, action figures, and building blocks. It is safe, durable, and easy to mold and shape.
Other products: PP is also used to make a variety of other products, including ropes, baskets, and outdoor furniture. PP is so well used, it can be found everywhere. Electronics, gym equipment, furniture, industrial parts and more.
Polypropylene (PP) is a strong and versatile type of plastic that is widely used in the production of a variety of products due to its durability, strength, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals.
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Polystyrene (PS) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including foam food containers, protective packaging materials, and disposable cutlery. PS is known for its lightweight, insulating, and shock-absorbing properties, which make it well-suited for a variety of applications.
There are 2 main types of PS - foam and hard. The foam is the most common and is often sold under the brand name - Styrofoam. Hard PS is very clear. However, hard PS is brittle which limits its uses.
Some common uses for PS include:
Packaging: PS is often used to make foam food containers, including cups, bowls, and clamshell containers. It is also used to make protective packaging materials, such as foam sheets and sheets with air pockets, to protect fragile items during shipping.
Disposable cutlery: PS is used to make a variety of disposable cutlery, including forks, spoons, and knives.
Other products: PS is also used to make a variety of other products, including toys, compact disc cases, and protective helmet liners (foam).
In conclusion, polystyrene (PS) is a versatile type of plastic with a wide range of uses due to its lightweight, insulating, and shock-absorbing properties. While it is commonly used in foam food containers, protective packaging materials, and disposable cutlery, it is also used to make a variety of other products such as toys, compact disc cases, and protective helmet liners. However, it is important to be mindful of the environmental impacts of using and disposing of products made of PS, as it is not easily recyclable and can contribute to plastic pollution.
The category "other" in the seven types of plastic refers to a wide range of plastics that do not fit into any of the other six categories. These plastics are identified by the resin identification code "7" and are often referred to as "number 7 plastics." Some examples of number 7 plastics include:
Acrylic: Acrylic is a clear, lightweight plastic that is often used in the production of a wide range of products, including windows, signs, and displays. It is also used in the production of medical and dental devices.
Nylon: Nylon is a strong, durable, and heat-resistant plastic that is often used in the production of a wide range of products, including clothing, automotive parts, and gears.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a VERY strong, transparent plastic that is often used in the production of a wide range of products, including safety glasses, DVDs, and electronic components. Polycarbonate is used for bulletproof ‘glass’.
Other: There are many other types of plastics that are included in the category "other" or number 7 plastics, including bioplastics, polyphenylene oxide, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.
