Code

Plastic resin type

Uses

  PET

Polyethylene terephthalate
Clear or coloured; bottles have a raised dot on the base.

Soft drinks & edible oil bottles; containers for toiletries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

  HDPE

High-density polyethylene
Translucent or opaque, does not crack when bent, slightly waxy.

Rigid containers, crinkly retail bags, milk and juice jugs, margarine tubs, detergent bottles, motor oil containers.

  PVC

Polyvinyl chloride
Clear, colourless, white creases, bottles have a seam on the base.

Shampoo bottles, mineral water bottles, household chemical containers, window frames.

 LDPE

Low-density polyethylene
Flexible, smooth, soft to the touch.

Carrier bags, rubbish bags, bubble, stretch, pallet & shrink wrap.

  PP

Polypropylene
Transparent, clear or opaque, smooth, semi-rigid.

Coating on milk cartons, shrink wrap, bottle caps, yoghurt and margarine tubs, labelling.

  PS 

Polystyrene
Stiff but flexible, snaps when bent.

Foam: meat trays, egg cartons, hot drink cups
Crystal: drinks cups, disposable utensils, drinking straws.

Mix of plastics

Squeezable ketchup bottles, condiments.