Plastic is a necessary material to make items used for shopping, cleaning, working, and eating. Though widely used, it does not break down quickly when thrown in a landfill. As such, it’s important to recycle items that are made from it. Here, Pacific Integrated Manufacturing, a manufacturing company in Bonita, CA, sheds some light on the different types of plastic and how easily they can be reused. 

3 Popular Types of Plastic & Their Recyclability

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is one of the most popular types of plastic. Known for its strength and water resistance, a manufacturing company will use it to produce soda and salad dressing bottles, combs, and carpets. Luckily, this material is easy to recycle to make new items, such as clothing and storage containers.

2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Before 1990, PVC was used to produce water and soda bottles. However, it is now used to make pipes and window frames for residential and commercial construction projects. Due to its long biodegradation time, PVC should be recycled rather than thrown down a landfill. Recycling centers will approach the material with one of two methods: mechanical and feedback recycling. The first involves grinding the PVC into small pieces, then melting it. The second requires breaking the parts down to their chemical molecules

3. Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene, also known as styrofoam, is a well-known plastic in the United States. It is widely used to make packing materials, food containers, cups, and home insulation. Unfortunately, the recycling process is different from other varieties. Styrofoam cannot be reused to make new items that come into contact with food due to the threat of bacteria. In this case, it can be repurposed for use as packing materials. 

If you would like to learn more about how different types of plastics are made, contact the team at Pacific Integrated Manufacturing. With over 15 years of experience, this manufacturing company specializes in plastic injection molding and assembly packaging. To learn more about the services they provide, visit the website or speak with a representative by calling today at (760) 822-3341.