Have you ever seen those little arrows forming a triangle with a number in the centre stamped on all kinds of plastic products?
These are globally recognised plastic recycling symbols, and they’re critical for helping you know how to sort your recycling effectively. They also serve as useful resin identifiers that help manufacturers and recyclers know what they’re working with.
But what are the recycling symbols and their meanings? Let’s take a look.
1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
This symbol is generally found on beverage bottles and also on certain types of food packaging. PET is lightweight, clear, and widely recycled in South Africa. Once processed, it can be turned into fibres for clothing or new containers. Collection rates for PET are relatively high due to its high resale value.
2: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Used in thicker packaging like milk bottles, detergent containers, and buckets, HDPE is also widely recyclable. It’s durable and resistant to moisture, making it suitable for reuse in non-food-grade applications like piping or garden products.
3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Compared to many other plastics, PVC is known for its exceptional durability and longevity. Most PVC products aren’t designed for single use; they are often found in long-lasting applications, like pipes, window frames, and electrical cables.
However, when PVC is used for single-use items, like some blister packs or cling film, it can be more challenging to recycle. This is because of its chlorine content, which requires a specialised recycling process to prevent the release of harmful substances.
At IPC, we are committed to sustainable formulation practices that reduce PVC’s environmental impact from the very beginning.
4: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is a very flexible and durable plastic known for its widespread use in packaging, like plastic bags, food wraps, and squeeze bottles. LDPE is ideal for these applications because it’s lightweight, tough, and resistant to moisture and chemicals.
While LDPE is technically recyclable, it’s often not accepted in curbside programmes because most curbside systems are designed for rigid plastics like bottles and containers, not flexible films or bags. These softer materials can jam the sorting machinery, causing delays and damage. That said, it is still recyclable through designated drop-off points.
5: Polypropylene (PP)
PP is commonly found in things like food tubs and bottle caps. Even some furniture is made from this polymer, which is valued for its heat resistance. It can be recycled into automotive parts, storage containers, and more if separated and processed properly.
6: Polystyrene (PS)
PS is a lightweight material that is used for foam packaging and disposable cups. Polystyrene recycling is limited, and so the material is often seen as problematic due to its low weight-to-volume ratio and tendency to break apart.
7: Other
This category includes multi-layered plastics, bioplastics, and anything that doesn’t fit into the first six. These are generally difficult to recycle, which means that their collection rates remain low.
If your business is navigating material choices and needs insight into safe, compliant PVC compounds aligned with the plastic recycling symbols, then contact IPC. We are a responsible manufacturer of sustainable PVC compounds.
