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RECYCLING ICONS AND WHAT THEY MEAN
February 22, 2022
PETE
PolyEthylene TerEphthalate (PETE) is a durable material with excellent gloss, clarity, and impact resistance desired for clear bottles. PETE containers are ideal for personal care, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products. When you want the appeal of glass, but want the safety, lightweight, and convenience of plastic, choose PETE.
HDPE
High Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) is the most widely used resin for extrusion blown plastic bottles. HDPE is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. It is compatible with a wide range of products including acid concentrates and some caustics, but is not compatible with solvents. HDPE is naturally translucent and flexible. The addition of color will make HDPE opaque although not glossy. HDPE offers good protection at below freezing temperatures, but must not be used with products filled at over 180°F or products requiring a hermetic seal.
PVC
PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) is naturally clear (can be hazy in thicker forms), has extremely good resistance to oils, and has very low oxygen transmission. It provides an excellent barrier to most gases and it's drop impact resistance is also very good. This semi-rigid material is also very chemically resistant, but it is vulnerable to solvents. Most PVC containers will start to melt at 160°F, making it incompatible with hot filled products. Since it provides a good oxygen barrier, PVC is an excellent choice for salad oil, mineral oil, and vinegar. It is also commonly used for shampoos and cosmetic products.
LDPE
Low Density PolyEthylene (LDPE) is very similar to HDPE in composition, but it is less rigid and is generally less chemically resistant. LDPE, however, is more translucent and flexible than HDPE. LDPE is ideal for use with products requiring flexible and squeezable packaging such as shampoo, conditioners, adhesives, and many others. LDPE bottles usually have a much glossier finish than comparable HDPE bottles.
PP
PolyPropylene (PP) is a naturally translucent material that provides an excellent moisture barrier. Polypropylene is very stable at high temperatures (up to 200°F), which allows it to preserve the freshness and flavor of dried foods, which makes it ideal for storing spices, dried fruit, or flour. Polypropylene is also autoclavable (can withstand a strong, pressurized, steam-heated vessel for the purpose of sterilization) and offers the potential for steam sterilization. PP has excellent chemical resistance, but provides poor impact resistance in cold temperatures.
PS
PolyStyrene (PS) provides the crystal appearance and stiffness of glass. It also works well as an oxygen barrier to preserve freshness. Polystyrene, however, provides poor to moderate resistance to impact, temperature, and UV exposure.