McDunnough Inc.

Plastic Identification Code Chart

The PIC was introduced by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. which provides a uniform system for the identification of different polymer types and helps plastic recycling companies to separate different plastics for reprocessing and recycling. Manufacturers of plastic products are required to use PIC labels in some countries/regions and can voluntarily mark their products with the PIC where there are no requirements. Consumers can identify the plastic types based on the codes usually found at the base or at the side of the plastic products, including plastic food/chemical packaging and containers.
Code Type Properties Common Applications

Recycled PET, PETE, PETG		 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET regrind, PETE regrind) Clarity, strength, toughness, the barrier to gas, and moisture. Soft drink, water, and salad dressing bottles; peanut butter and jam jars

Recycled PE-HD, HDPE		 High-Density Polyethylene ( such as HDPE regrind) Stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to moisture, permeability to gas. Milk, juice, and water bottles; trash and retail bags.

Recycled PVC		 Polyvinyl Chloride (such as PVC regrind) Versatility, clarity, ease of blending, strength, toughness. Juice bottles; cling films; PVC piping

Recycled PE-LD, LPDE		 Low-Density Polyethylene (such as LDPE film) Ease of processing, strength, toughness, flexibility, ease of sealing, moisture barrier. Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container lids.

Recycled PP		 Polypropylene Scrap (PP, copolymer polypropylene, homopolymer polypropylene) Strength, toughness, resistance to heat, chemicals, grease and oil, versatility, moisture barrier. Reusable microwavable ware; kitchenware; yogurt containers; margarine tubs; microwaveable disposable take-away containers; disposable cups and plates.

Recycled PS		 Polystyrene regrind (PS regrind) Versatility, clarity, easily formed Egg cartons; packing peanuts; disposable cups, plates, trays, and cutlery; disposable take-away containers;

Recycled O		 Other (often polycarbonate regrind, PCABS Regrind or ABS regrind)
– polycarbonate (PC)
– Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) (PCABS) (ABSPC)		 Dependent on polymers or combination or polymers Beverage bottles, automotive components, and electronic casing.