Uses of plastic
1. Polyester (PES) – Fibers, textiles.
2. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – Carbonated drinks bottles, peanut
butter jars, plastic film, microwavable packaging.
3. Polyethylene (PE) – Wide range of inexpensive uses including
supermarket bags, plastic bottles.
4. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – Detergent bottles, milk jugs, and
molded plastic cases.
5. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower
curtains, window frames, flooring.
6. Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) (Saran) – Food packaging.
7. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – Outdoor furniture, siding, floor
tiles, shower curtains, clamshell packaging.
8. Polypropylene (PP) – Bottle caps, drinking straws, yogurt
containers, appliances, car fenders (bumpers), plastic pressure pipe systems.
9. Polystyrene (PS) – Packaging foam/"peanuts", food
containers, plastic tableware, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and
cassette boxes.
10. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) -: Refrigerator liners, food
packaging, vending cups.
11. Polyamides (PA) (Nylons) – Fibers, toothbrush bristles, tubing,
fishing line, low strength machine parts: under-the-hood car engine parts or
gun frames.
12. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) – Electronic equipment
cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe.
13. Polyethylene/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS) – A
slippery blend of PE and ABS used in low-duty dry bearings.
14. Polycarbonate (PC) – Compact discs, eyeglasses, riot shields,
security windows, traffic lights, lenses.
15. Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) – A blend
of PC and ABS that creates a stronger plastic. Used in car interior and
exterior parts, and mobile phone bodies.
16. Polyurethanes (PU) – Cushioning foams, thermal insulation foams,
surface coatings, printing rollers (Currently 6th or 7th most commonly used
plastic material, for instance the most commonly used plastic in cars).