Did you ever wonder what the different recycling symbols meant on the bottom of the various plastic containers mean? Here is the answer:


PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate is a transparent plastic with good gas barrier properties. It is also relatively cheap and strong. This makes it especially suitable for producing soft drink bottles.




HDPE - High Density Polyethylene is another plastic commonly used for drink bottles. It is translucent and strong with a good resistance against chemicals. Pigments are used to add colour to HDPE bottles.




PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride is frequently used for drainage pipes because of its superior chemical resistance. It also a good insulator and is used for cable jacketing.




LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene is a tough and highly flexible plastic that is used for producing plastic bags, cable jacketing and bottles. Other applications include products that can be heat sealed.




PP - Polypropylene is a strong and light plastic. It has a relatively high melting point and is used in products exposed to high temperatures. These include yogurt and ice cream containers that are filled while hot.




PS - Polystyrene is rather stiff and rigid. In this form, it is used in disposable cutlery and CD jewel cases. Packing foam is also produced by blowing air bubbles into PS while it is still setting.




Other - This designation is used for plastic products that do not fall into any of the other catagories. Further sorting of these items is required at recycling centres. An example is melamine, which is often used in plastic plates an cups.