15 Common Plastics and Uses

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 - Detergent bottles and milk jugs.
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, fishing line, under-the-hood car engine moldings.
12. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - Electronic equipment cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe.
13. Polycarbonate (PC) - Compact discs, eyeglasses, riot shields, security windows, traffic lights, lenses.
14. 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.
15. 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 found in cars).