Material Abbreviations:
LDPE: Polyethylene, mainly of the Linear Low Density Polyethylene LDPE
PP: Polypropylene; can be either Homopolymer, Random Copolymer or Impact Copolymer
PP-TLDPE: PP Thermoplastic Elastomer
PC: Polycarbonate Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic, epoxy resins and other
products.
PA: Polyamide
Raw Material Symbols:
LDPETE: Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene, used for soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleaner and peanut butter containers.
HDLDPE: High-density polyethylene, used in opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles and some plastic bags.
PVC or V: Polyvinyl chloride, used for cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles.
LDLDPE: Low density polyethylene, used in grocery store bags, most plastic wraps and some bottles.
PP: Polypropylene, used in most deli soup, syrup and yogurt containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers, including baby bottles.
PS: Polystyrene, used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carryout containers and opaque plastic cutlery.
Other: Usually polycarbonate, used in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, "sport" water bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic "sippy" cups and some clear plastic cutlery. New bio-based plastics may also be labeled #7.A Surprise To Me
I always thought these symbols implied that an item is recyclable, but that is not the case. The symbol simply identifies the plastic resin contained in the product. Whether it is recyclable is up to the center we take it to.
Sources
Test Valley Borough Council
This article was composed by
Donna Loudon
Tupperware Director
Visit her Tupperware Website
Permission is granted to use this information as long as all names and links are left in tact.
