Facts About Two Commonly Recycled Thermoform Plastics
While there are many different types of plastic, this material can be broken into two main categories. This includes thermoset plastics and thermoform plastic. They sound similar, but thermoset plastics are those that really cannot be recycled and most of the thermoform plastics can be recycled. The two most commonly recycled thermoplastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
When you buy a plastic water bottle or any type of thermoplastic container, these usually have a special code on them known as the resin identification code. Sometimes these are called recycling codes, and they indicate which type of plastic has been used to create a package or bottle. Grab a water bottle and look for the number inside the triangle formed by arrows, and that number is the resin id code. Of all of the codes you will find, the codes 1 and 2, which identify PET and HDPE, these two are almost universally allowed at recycling centers and in your curbside recycling bin.
When it comes to polyethylene terephthalate, it's far easier to just call this thermoplastic PETE or perhaps PET. Used for thermoplastic packaging and items such as thermoplastic water bottles, you should be able to find a code of 1 on all PETE or PET items. PET is accepted worldwide at the vast majority of recycling facilities, and it can be melted down and recycled into a host of helpful consumer products including carpeting and even polyester apparel.
PET has existed since the early 1940s and was developed and patented by John Rex Whinfield and his partner James Tennant Dickson, both of who were notable British chemists. PET is a polymer which is formed when you combine the monomers of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Monomers are single molecules that can bond with other types of molecules to form polymers. Among its characteristics, this thermoplastic is known for its strength and well as its very light weight.
High-density polyethylene, which typically is just called HDPE, is also quite versatile and accepted by virtually all recycling centers. This type of thermoplastic actually is made during the process of refining petroleum. Many types of thermoplastic packaging can be created from HDPE. Thermoplastic milk jugs are perhaps one of the most common items create using HDPE, but it's also used to make thermoplastic packaging such as reusable food containers and bottles that hold laundry detergent, fabric softener and shampoo.
If you are interested in having a custom thermoplastic packaging created to house your product, contact a professional thermoforming company. They will be able to create thermoplastic packaging and much more using HDPE, PET or perhaps another type of thermoplastic. It all depends on the type of product that you have and your overall packaging budget.
When you buy a plastic water bottle or any type of thermoplastic container, these usually have a special code on them known as the resin identification code. Sometimes these are called recycling codes, and they indicate which type of plastic has been used to create a package or bottle. Grab a water bottle and look for the number inside the triangle formed by arrows, and that number is the resin id code. Of all of the codes you will find, the codes 1 and 2, which identify PET and HDPE, these two are almost universally allowed at recycling centers and in your curbside recycling bin.
When it comes to polyethylene terephthalate, it's far easier to just call this thermoplastic PETE or perhaps PET. Used for thermoplastic packaging and items such as thermoplastic water bottles, you should be able to find a code of 1 on all PETE or PET items. PET is accepted worldwide at the vast majority of recycling facilities, and it can be melted down and recycled into a host of helpful consumer products including carpeting and even polyester apparel.
PET has existed since the early 1940s and was developed and patented by John Rex Whinfield and his partner James Tennant Dickson, both of who were notable British chemists. PET is a polymer which is formed when you combine the monomers of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Monomers are single molecules that can bond with other types of molecules to form polymers. Among its characteristics, this thermoplastic is known for its strength and well as its very light weight.
High-density polyethylene, which typically is just called HDPE, is also quite versatile and accepted by virtually all recycling centers. This type of thermoplastic actually is made during the process of refining petroleum. Many types of thermoplastic packaging can be created from HDPE. Thermoplastic milk jugs are perhaps one of the most common items create using HDPE, but it's also used to make thermoplastic packaging such as reusable food containers and bottles that hold laundry detergent, fabric softener and shampoo.
If you are interested in having a custom thermoplastic packaging created to house your product, contact a professional thermoforming company. They will be able to create thermoplastic packaging and much more using HDPE, PET or perhaps another type of thermoplastic. It all depends on the type of product that you have and your overall packaging budget.
About the Author:
Lenna Stockwell enjoys blogging about how stuff is made. For further details about custom thermoforming or to find out more about thermoform plastics, please go to the Indepak site today.
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