At LeVic Plastics, we are a leader in Missouri plastic injection molding, EDM machining, CNC machining, and many other production methods. Most of our production runs involve using some sort of plastic, and the average person may not realize just how many types of plastic there are.
Our team at LeVic Plastics is considered one of the top Missouri plastic injection molding companies, so, we’re knowledgeable when it comes to plastics. We’ve decided to share some of that knowledge in this blog. We’ll identify the six most widely used plastics and give a quick rundown of how each is used. They are:
- Polypropylene (PP #5)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC #3)
- Polystyrene (PS #6)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET #1)
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE #4)
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2)
Polypropylene (PP #5)
If you ask most people was “polypropylene” is used for, they probably wouldn’t have a clue. However, it’s in many things we use every day. Things like straws, margarine containers, tupperware, plastic diapers, prescription bottles, and reusable plastic cups are all made using polypropylene.
As one of the leaders for plastic mold manufacturing in Missouri, our team at LeVic Plastics recommends throwing all PP#5 plastics in your recycling bin after use. That is, if your area offers recycling for this particular plastic.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC #3)
Our Missouri plastic injection experts know that polyvinyl chloride is the third most used plastic worldwide. You will see PVC #3 in the construction, healthcare, electronics, and plumbing industries because it is very resistant to corrosion.
Unfortunately, Polyvinyl Chloride is not readily accepted for recycling in many places. This is because chemicals are required to make it.
Polystyrene (PS #6)
You will often see polystyrene at places that offer one-time-use items like plastic cups, plates, and silverware. According to Missouri plastic injection molding companies, PS #6 is not well-liked by environmentally conscious people as it can take hundreds if not thousands of years to biodegrade.
Polystyrene also has a very low recyclability rate and is one of the most littered plastics globally.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET #1)
Bottled water, bottled soda, shampoo bottles, and cleaning sprays are all bottled in plastic that is made with polyethylene terephthalate. PET #1 is also used to bottle other popular products, like peanut butter, cooking spray, and salad dressing.
Plastic injection molding companies in Missouri prefer PET #1 because it is highly recyclable. Once you’re done with a PET #1 bottle or container, simply rinse it out and toss it in your recycling bin.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE #4)
Missouri plastic injection molding companies are safe plastics used for food packaging and storage. You can find LDPE #4 in items like cling wrap, squeeze bottles, produce bags, and sandwich bags.
Low-density polyethylene is not accepted in curbside recycling bins and should be thrown in the trash after use.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2)
Missouri plastic injection molding companies use high-density polyethylene quite frequently. In fact, it is the most frequently used plastic polymer worldwide. You’ll see HDPE #2 used for toys, milk jugs, milk crates, folding chairs, and many more commonly used items.
HDPE #2 is recyclable as long as the item has been cleaned thoroughly.
Contact LeVic Plastics for Plastic Injection Molding Services in Missouri
If you’re not sure what type of plastic you should be using for your next production run, contact our experts at LeVic Plastics today. You can reach us at (800) 231-1232, or you can go online and request a free quote on your project.
