What is Plastic?

Plastics are polymers. Polymers are long chained molecules made up of many smaller units, repeated many times. These units are often a combination of carbon and hydrogen. Other elements like oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous and sulfur can also be added into the molecular makeup of polymers to change their properties.

Plastics are capable of being molded, extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments used as textile fibers. Plastics are strong, safe (because they are nearly unbreakable), lightweight (and so use less energy for transport), hygienic and can be recycled and reused.

There are many types of plastics. The most common plastics have a resin code which helps separate them into their different groups. Look at the following list of plastics, their resin codes and some of the products made from them.

Code 1  PET  polyethylene terephthalate
Soft drink and water bottles; condiment jars; salad dressing and oil bottles; oven-ready meal trays.

Code  2  HDPE  high density polyethylene
Milk and juice bottles; shampoo and detergent bottles; grocery bags; garbage can liners.

Code 3  PVC  polyvinyl chloride
Pipe and pipe fittings, floor tiles, cable insulation; some clear bottles and packaging sheets.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Sustain Ability

© All copyright including intellectual property remains the property of
Sustain Ability International Pty. Ltd.