Plastic Comparisons

Below we provide a basic comparison of each plastic type as well as definitions and common uses. This information is supplied for use as a guideline only. Information may vary under certain conditions. It is the responsibility of the customer to test the compatibility of each bottle for its intended use.

	Polyethylene	Polyethylene	Polypropylene	Polyvinyl Chloride	Polyester
Plastic Type	HDPE	LDPE	PP	PVC	PET
Max hot fill	87.78degC	65.56degC	115.56degC	60degC	48.89degC
Min temperature	-73.34degC	-73.34degC	-17.78	-1.11degC	-40degC
Clarity	Opaque/transclucent	Opaque/transclucent	transclucent	clear	Very clear
Rigidity	3	2	4	4	4
Scuffable	1	1	1	3	5
H2O permeability	1	2	1	3	3
CO2 and O2 permeability	4	5	4	2	1
Acid Resistance	4	4	4	4	2
Alcohol Resistance	4	4	4	4	3
Alkali Resistance	4	4	5	4	2

High-density polyethelene (HDPE)

HPDE is made from hydrocarbons found in petroleum. HDPE is flexible yet more rigid, has a stronger intermolecular force and tensile strength than low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures: 120 ?C for short periods, 110 ?C continuously. HDPE has a good impact strength, a good resistance to stress crack, chemicals and vapors. However, HDPE is a poor gas barrier. Its natural colour is milky white and semi translucent depending on its density. Its SPI resin identification code number is 2.
Common uses: milk jugs, distilled water, large vinegar bottles, grocery bags, liquid laundry and dish detergent, fabric softener, motor oil, antifreeze, bleach and lotion

Low-density polyethelene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene. LDPE is made from hydrocarbons found in petroleum. Its tensile strength and density is lower, but its resilience is higher than high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE is very flexible and has a natural milky colour and is translucent. LDPE has high impact strength, a good chemical resistance, and acts as a good barrier for water and alcohol. LDPE, however, is a poor gas barrier. It can withstand temperatures of 80 ?C continuously and 95 ?C for a short time. It can be translucent or opaque, is flexible, tough, and almost unbreakable. Its SPI resin identification code number is 4.
Common uses: dry-cleaning bags, produce bags, trash can liners, food storage containers, bread bags, squeezable containers, six pack soda can rings, food storage

Polypropylene (PP)

PP is often used for food packaging. It's not as tough as HDPE, but it is less brittle. PP is less flexible than LDPE, somewhat stiffer than other plastics, reasonably economical, and can be translucent, opaque, or of any colour. PP has very good resistance to fatigue. PP has a melting point of 320 °F (160 °C). Food containers will not melt in the dishwasher nor during industrial hot filling processes. Its SPI resin identification code number is 5.
Common uses: bottle caps, drinking straws, hinged containers, battery cases, dairy tubs (e.g. sour cream, cottage cheese), cereal box liners

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Nearly 57% of PVC is chlorine, requiring less petroleum than other plastics. PVC is biologically and chemically resistant. It is the third most widely used plastic after PET and PP. PVC is ideal for storing shampoos, oils, and other chemicals. PVC plastic bottles are durable for long periods of time and can withtand various environmental demands. Its SPI resin identification code number is 3

Common uses: plastic pipes, outdoor furniture, shrink-wrap, water bottles, salad dressing containers, liquid detergent containers

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

PET or PETE (or the obsolete PETP or PET-P) is of the polyester family and is used in beverage, food and other liquid containers. PET can be semi-rigid to rigid and is very lightweight. It acts as a good barrier to alcohol (requires additional "Barrier" treatment) and solvents. It is strong, impact-resistant, and naturally colourless and transparent. Its SPI resin identification code number is 1
Common uses: soft drink bottles, cooking oil bottles, peanut butter jars, products containing essential oils, some fruit juices, alcohol beverage bottles, space blankets

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