Plastics are a form of resin that is readily molded and is frequently used as a low-cost, long-lasting packaging material. HDPE and LDPE granules suppliers India mainly provide six primary types of plastics that are often used. Certain plastic goods are composed of a blend of various resins. HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is a tough plastic material that is used to make jugs and bottles for temporary storage. To establish whether a container is made of HDPE, check for a number 2 inside the recycling sign with three arrows.
Plastic Containers Are Divided Into Seven Types
Containers made of plastic are number-tagged to indicate the type of resin they contain. There are six distinct forms of plastic, plus a seventh category for composite plastics composed of many different resins. Plastic containers are labeled with a number from 1 to 7 to indicate the material from which they are constructed. To recycle plastic containers, they must be categorized according to their unique identification number.
Six Different Types of Plastics
PET or PETE, which is short for polyethylene terephthalate, is the plastic with the number one code.
- The transparent containers of the number 1 series are frequently used to package water, salad dressings, ketchup, and soda.
- These bottles are frequently recycled to create fleece products and carpets. HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene and is the second most often used material.
- It is more durable than number 1 plastic and comes in a variety of colors and textures. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is the third kind of plastic.
- PVC-containing products such as hoses, shower curtains, and vinyl flooring are often not recyclable. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a kind of plastic that is used to produce food wrap and diapers and is not commonly recyclable.
- Polypropylene is a strong plastic that is used in long-term food storage containers. It is designated as number 5.
- Additionally, it is utilized to manufacture plumbing pipes. The final kind of plastic is polystyrene (number 6). This non-recyclable foam-like substance is utilized in egg cartons and throwaway coffee cups.
High-Density Polyethylene
HDPE is the second most often used material. It is durable and is frequently used in milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and bleach bottles. Its hardness prevents it from tearing and aids in its resistance to bursting. It is available in transparent or opaque varieties. Colored HDPE containers are often stronger than see-through HDPE bottles and jugs. The translucent, colored plastic is resistant to breaking and corrosion, making it an excellent container for detergents and household cleaners. It is a food-grade plastic that is safe to store perishable items such as milk, but unsuitable for long-term food preservation. Odors and residues are difficult to remove from high-density polyethylene. HDPE is a reasonably affordable material to manufacture and is easily recyclable. Numerous goods are made from recycled HDPE plastic, including toys, soda bottles, garbage cans, traffic cones, and plastic “timber” for decks and outdoor furniture.
Plastic made of polyethylene
HDPE is a form of polyethylene that is produced using ethane from natural gas. The molecules of ethane disintegrate when heated to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Ethylene is one of the new molecules created. Ethylene is a gas that polymerizes to form a resin. A polymer is a continuous chain of molecules formed as a result of chemical processes involving catalysts and pressure. When ethylene molecules are polymerized, polyethylene is formed. Polyethylene – and other forms of plastic – can be changed to improve desirable properties such as flexibility, strength, or resistance to a certain material. Polyethylene is available in two forms of plastics: low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, and polyethylene terephthalate, or PET or PETE.