503-241-7707
800-653-7707
503-241-7711 fax
sales@pacpkg.com

Recycling Codes

PETE Polyethylene Terephthalate
PET or PETE is a tough, clear plastic with good gas and moisture barrier properties. The plastic often used in carbonated beverage bottles, PET has a good chemical resistance to both concentrated and diluted acids, mineral oils, solvents, alcohols, and grease.
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
HDPE is a translucent plastic used to package milk, juice, and water, as well as many household and industrial chemicals. HDPE is the most widely used resin in extrusion blow molding. It is economical, impact resistant, flexible, and provides a good moisture barrier.
V Vinyl/Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC is a clear plastic with a good resistance to oils and grease, a barrier to most gases (with a very low oxygen transmission), and is very impact resistant. PVC has good chemical resistance and is naturally fire retardant. 
LDPE Low Density Polyethylene
Primarily used in squeeze applications, LDPE is a flexible, relatively transparent plastic. It is similar in many ways to HDPE, but is less rigid, and generally less chemical resistant. 
PP Polypropylene
Polypropylene has excellent chemical resistance and mositure barrier properties. Naturally translucent, polypropylene provides great contact clarity. It also has a very high melting point, making it an ideal resin for hot-fill liquids.
PS Polystyrene
Polystyrene has excellent clarity and rigidity, but has a low melting point and impact resistance. Although a versatile plastic, styrene does not exhibit good barrier properties.
Other Other
A package with this code indicates that it is made with a combination of resins, or a resin not listed in the above six.

Other resins used in the bottle industry
K-Resin® K-Resin®, a styrene derivative, is a clear and rigid plastic. It displays strong impact resistance.
Barex® Bottles made from Barex® provide excellent barrier protection and chemical resistance. 
PETG Glycol modified Polyethylene Terephthalate is "improved" PET, providing extreme impact resistance. It has excellent gloss and clarity.

Back to Bottle Basics

Conversion Charts | Decorating | Glossary | Liners | Neck Finishes
Pail Lid Accessories | Recycling Codes | Resin Comparisons
| Rounds