Common plastics and uses

Common plastics uses:

- Polypropylene (PP): Food containers, appliances, car fenders (bumpers)
- Polystyrene (PS): Packaging foam, food containers, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes.
- High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS): Fridge liners, food packaging, vending cups.

- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): Electronic equipment cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe.

- Polyetylene terephthlate (PET): Carbonated drinks bottles, jars, plastic film, microwavable packaging.

- Polyester (PES): Fibers, textiles.

- Polyamides (PA) (Nylons): Fibers, toothbrush bristle, fishing line, under the hood car engine mouldings.

- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower curtains, window frames, flooring.

- 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.)

- Polycarbonate (PC): Compact discs, eyeglases, riot shields, security windows, traffic lights, lenses.

- Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) (Saran): Food packaging

- Polyethylene (PE): Wide range of inexpensive uses including supermarket bags, plastic bootles.

- Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS): A blend or PC and ABS that creates a stronger plastic. Car interior and exterior parts.