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. Consistent with the waste
hierarchy, single and mixed materials can be recycled into a range of new products or converted into energy.
PROPERTIES APPLICATIONS:
TYPE OF PLASTIC Incl. Specific Gravity & APPLICATIONS: Recycled grades
Heat Distortion Temp. Virgin Grades MAJOR USE / minor use
Clear, tough, solvent
Polyethylene resistant. Used for rigids, Carbonated soft drink BEVERAGE BOTTLES
Terephthalate sheets and fibres. bottles, fruit juice bottles,
PET pillow and sleeping bag Clothing, geo-textiles, bottles for
Softens: 55° C detergents etc., laminated sheets,
SG = 1.38 filling, textile fibres
clear packaging film, carpet fibres

High Density Hard to semi-flexible, Crinkly shopping bags, FILM, BLOW MOULDED
Polyethylene waxy surface, opaque. freezer bags, milk bottles, CONTAINERS
HDPE bleach bottles, buckets, rigid
Softens: 60° C agricultural pipe, milk crates Agricultural pipes, pallets, bins for
compost and kerbside collections,
SG = 0.96 extruded sheet, moulded products,
crates, garden edging, household
bags, oil containers, pallets.
Hard rigid, can be clear,
Unplasticised can be solvent welded Electrical conduit, plumbing PIPE, FLOORING
Polyvinyl Softens: 70° C pipes and fittings, blister
Chloride packs, clear cordial and fruit Pipe and hose fittings, garden hose,
SG = 1.40 electrical conduit, shoes, road cone
UPVC juice bottles
bases, drainage pipes, electrical
Flexible, clear, elastic, conduit and ducting, detergent bottles
Plasticised can be solvent welded Garden hose, shoe soles,
Polyvinyl Softens: 70° C cable sheathing, blood bags
Chloride SG = 1.35 and tubing, watch straps,
PPVC rain wear
Soft, flexible, waxy
Low Density surface translucent, Garbage bags, squeeze FILMS: BUILDERS, CONCRETE
Polyethylene withstands solvents bottles, black irrigation tube, LINING and BAGS
LDPE Softens: 40° C stretch and shrink films,
silage and mulch films, Agricultural pipe, nursery & other films
Linear: LLDPE SG = 0.92
garbage bins

Semi-crystalline, wide
Polypropylene property and application Film, carpet fibre, appliance CRATES, BOXES, PLANT POTS
PP range. Translucent (can parts, crates, automotive
applications, toys, pails, Compost bins, garden edging,
be transparent), hard, irrigation fittings, building panels
flexible, good chemical housewares / kitchenwares,
resistance, low SG. bottles, caps and closures,
Softens: 80° C furniture, plant pots.
SG = 0.90
Clear, glassy, rigid,
Polystyrene brittle, opaque semi- Refrigerator bins & crispers, INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, COAT
PS tough, melts at 95°C. air conditioner, office HANGERS, CONCRETE
Affected by fats and accessories, coat hangers, REINFORCING CHAIRS
solvents. medical disposables. Meat &
poultry trays, yoghurt & dairy Moulded products, coat hangers,
Softens: 85° C office accessories, spools, rulers,
PS = 1.06 containers, vending cups
video cases and printer cartridges
Foamed, light weight,
Expanded energy absorbing, heat Drinking cups, meat trays, PRODUCE BOXES
Polystyrene insulating clamshells, panel insulation,
EPS produce boxes, protective Waffle pods for buildings, building and
Softens: 85° C picture frame mouldings
SG = 0. 92 packaging for fragile items

OTHER : Includes all other resins and multi Automotive, aircraft and AGRICULTURAL PIPING
materials (eg laminates). Eg acrylonitrile boating, furniture, electrical Furniture fittings, wheels and castors.
butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, nylon, and medical Fence posts, pallets, outdoor furniture
polyurethane (PU), polycarbonates (PC) and and marine structures
phenolics.

PLASTICS: A VALUABLE RESOURCE – EVERY TIME

The complete Plastics Identification Code of Practice is available from PACIA: www.pacia.org.au
© Copyright PACIA November 2005.
pic