Plastics Identification Code

The Plastics Identification Code identifies the type of plastic resin a product is made from. The code makes it easier for re-processors to identify
and separate used plastics for a range of new applications. Single and mixed materials can be recycled into new products, and used plastics
can also be converted into liquid fuel or other energy.

APPLICATIONS:
PROPERTIES APPLICATIONS:
TYPE OF PLASTIC Recycled grades
Incl. Specific Gravity Virgin Grades
MAJOR USE / minor use
Clear, tough, solvent
Carbonated soft drink BEVERAGE BOTTLES
Polyethylene resistant. Used for rigids,
bottles, fruit juice bottles, Clothing, geo-textiles, bottles for
Terephthalate sheets and fibres.
pillow and sleeping bag detergents etc., laminated sheets,
PET Softens: 85 C
filling, textile fibres clear packaging film, carpet fibres
SG = 1.38

FILM, BLOW MOULDED

Hard to semi-flexible, Crinkly shopping bags, CONTAINERS
High Density
waxy surface, opaque. freezer bags, milk bottles, Agricultural pipes, pallets, bins for
Polyethylene
Softens: 135° C bleach bottles, buckets, rigid compost and kerbside collections,
HDPE
SG = 0.96 agricultural pipe, milk crates extruded sheet, crates, garden edging,
household bags, oil containers, pallets

Unplasticised Hard rigid, can be clear, Electrical conduit, plumbing

Polyvinyl can be solvent welded pipes and fittings, blister
Chloride Softens: 70 - 100° C packs, clear cordial and fruit PIPE, FLOORING
UPVC SG = 1.40 juice bottles Pipe and hose fittings, garden hose,
electrical conduit, shoes, road cone
Plasticised Flexible, clear, elastic, Garden hose, shoe soles, bases, drainage pipes, electrical conduit
Polyvinyl can be solvent welded cable sheathing, blood bags and ducting, detergent bottles
Chloride Softens: 70 - 100° C and tubing, watch straps,
PPVC SG = 1.35 rain wear

Low Density Soft, flexible, waxy

Garbage bags, squeeze
Polyethylene surface translucent, FILMS: BUILDERS, CONCRETE
bottles, black irrigation tube,
LDPE withstands solvents LINING and BAGS
silage and mulch films,
Softens: 115° C Agricultural pipe, nursery & other films
garbage bins
Linear: LLDPE SG = 0.92

Hard, flexible, translucent

(can be transparent). Film, carpet fibre,
Wide property range for appliances, automotive, toys, CRATES, BOXES, PLANT POTS
Polypropylene
many applications, good housewares, crates, pails, Compost bins, garden edging,
PP
chemical resistance. bottles, caps and closures, irrigation fittings, building panels
Softens: 165° C furniture, rigid packaging
SG = 0.90
Clear, glassy, rigid,
INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, COAT
brittle, opaque semitough, Refrigerator bins & crispers,
HANGERS, CONCRETE
melts at 95°C. stationery accessories, coat
Polystyrene REINFORCING CHAIRS
Affected by fats and hangers, medical disposables.
PS Moulded products, coat hangers,
solvents. Meat & poultry trays, yoghurt &
office accessories, spools, rulers,
Softens: 90° C dairy containers, vending cups
video cases and printer cartridges
SG = 1.06

Foamed, light weight,

Drinking cups, meat trays,
Expanded energy absorbing, heat SYNTHETIC TIMBER
clamshells, panel insulation,
Polystyrene insulating Picture frame mouldings,
produce boxes, protective
EPS Softens: 90° C under slab void pods for buildings
packaging for fragile items
SG = 0. 90 – 0.93

OTHER : Includes all other resins and multi AGRICULTURAL PIPING

Automotive, aircraft and
materials (laminates) acrylonitrile butadiene Furniture fittings, wheels and castors.
boating, furniture, electrical
styrene (ABS), acrylic, nylon, polyurethane Fence posts, pallets, outdoor furniture
and medical parts
(PU), polycarbonates (PC) and phenolics and marine structures.