Each type of plastic in the plastics family has a number of unique properties. Each can be used to meet the needs of thousands upon thousands of different products.
Did you know:
PE + PP + PET accounts for more than 75% of household waste
By focusing product sourcing, manufacturing and recycling on these three types of plastics it is be possible to clean up the plastic recycling streams. This idea is supported by the Danish and European plastic industries.
Plastic types
There are many different types of plastics. When it comes to different types of plastic materials, we often speak of fossil -based or bio-based plastic. When it comes to plastic properties, there are two major categories of plastics: thermoplastics and thermoset.
Thermoplastics: can be remelted back into a liquid or made soft/or hard depending on the temperature
Thermoset: Will not soften or melt once it has hardened/set
PP (polypropylene)
Light-weight thermoplastic polymer often used for food packaging, medical supplies and clothing. One of the most used types of plastic.
Resistant to high temperatures, which means it can be sterilized (up to 120 c)
Examples: cups, glasses, containers
Raw material: Crude oil
Recyclable: Yes, with plastic recycling (SPI code 5)
PE (Polyethylene)
Includes HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
A plastic made from hydrocarbon with high elasticity for temperatures. PE is also resistant to chemicals and can be used in water. During production, no chemicals are added or disposed of. Often used for plastic bags, bottles, caps and films.
Raw Material: Oil
Recyclable: yes, with plastic recycling (SPI code 2 and 4)
PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Low-weight transparent materials often used for packaging materials, bottles and food containers.
Includes several different variants A-PET (Amort PET), R-PET (recycled PET) and C-PET (Crystalline PET)
Examples: glasses, containers
Raw material: Oil
Recyclable: Yes, 100% with plastic recycling (SPI code 1)
PS (EPS) Polystyrene or styrofoam
A common thermoplastic that includes a clear, crystallized (translucent) PS and the stronger, un-crystallized PS.
Examples: convenience food wrapping, cups (vending cups, drinking cup) glasses, cutlery, cup lids, pates, containers
Raw material: Oil
Recyclable: Yes (SPI code 6)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Dense, hard, clear plastic used for everything from building products, packaging to piping and medical products. Generally comes in two forms, rigid and flexible.
Through the use of additives, features such as strength, color and transparency can be adjusted.
Raw material: crude oil/gas and salt (natrium chloride)
Recyclable: Yes - hard PVC is (SPI code 3)
With all this talk of plastic, many are turning to alternative materials. But what are some of the options when it comes to alternative and sustainable materials?
