Plastic can come in all shapes in sizes—literally. From children’s toys to military equipment, plastic has become one of the most ubiquitous materials on the market. However, while we usually lump all plastic together under one category, there are actually many different types of plastics that are used in the world.
Here we discuss the most common types of plastics and what they’re used for in our day-to-day lives:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Perhaps the most commonly used plastic on the market, PET is found in everything from soft drinks to frozen meals to first-aid blankets. Its versatility is thanks to its molecular construction, which makes it resistant to weather, chemicals, and impact.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
While not as versatile or flexible as PET, HDPE is also commonly used in many of our day-to-day products. It’s an incredibly sturdy material, able to withstand extreme temperatures and strong chemicals. This is why it’s used for many heavy-duty products such as insulation, fuel tanks, protective helmets, and more.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a type of plastic that we at Piper Plastics use often. That’s because it’s commonly used for dip molding and dip coating. It can be molded into practically any shape, and its cost-effectiveness ensures that manufacturing prices are kept to a minimum.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Compared to other types of plastic, LDPE is soft and flexible, but not quite as durable. Nevertheless, it can withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees Celsius, and it is also an excellent insulator for electrical products. LDPE is often used stretch wraps, sandwich bags, garbage bags, grocery bags, and other applications that require flexibility.
Polypropylene (PP)
Finally there’s polypropylene, or PP. A lightweight material that is highly resistant to corrosion and moisture, PP is excellent when dealing with food. This includes microwave meal trays, ice cream tubs, potato chip bags, and more.
To learn more about PVC or other kinds of plastic, contact Piper Plastics today!
