Types of Plastic: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
7 out of 10 Indonesian consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly packaging (MOI 2023 data). It’s time for your business to make the switch! Amid demands for efficient operations and customer pressure on environmental issues, understanding plastic types is not just an option-it’s a survival strategy. This article will unpack seven key plastic types that can make your business cost-effective, upscale in the eyes of consumers, while reducing your footprint on nature.
| Icon | Plastic Type | Relative Cost | Resilience | Recycling | Main Application |
 | PETE/PET | Medium | High | Very Easy | Beverage Packaging |
 | HDPE | Medium-High | Very High | Easy | Industrial Container |
 | PVC | High | Very High | Difficult | Construction |
 | LDPE | Low | Medium | Medium | Flexible Packaging |
 | PP | Medium | High | Easy | Food Container |
 | PS | Low | Low | Difficult | Disposable Items |
 | OTHER | Varies | Varies | Very Difficult | Special Applications |
Why is it important to understand plastic types?
As a business owner, understanding the types of plastic can help you:
- Optimizing product packaging costs
- Meet safety and regulatory standards
- Support recycling initiatives
- Increase customer satisfaction that cares about the environment
7 Major Plastic Types
| Property | PETE | HDPE | PVC | LDPE | PP |
| Maximum Temperature (°C) | 70 | 120 | 80 | 80 | 140 |
| Clarity | High | Medium | High | Medium | Low |
| Impact Strength | Good | Very good | Good | Medium | Very good |
| O2 Barrier | Very good | Good | Good | Medium | Medium |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Very good | Very good | Good | Very good |
1. PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Characteristics:
- Transparent and lightweight
- Impact resistant
- Easy to recycle
- Good barrier against gas and moisture
Business Applications:
- Beverage packaging
- Disposable food containers
- Cosmetic packaging
- Textile fiber
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Characteristics:
- Strong and resistant to chemicals
- High temperature resistance
- Easy to recycle
- Not transparent
Business Applications:
- Cleaning bottle
- Shopping bag
- Cosmetic container
- Household care product packaging
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Characteristics:
- Long lasting
- Flexible
- Chemical resistant
- Difficult to recycle
Business Applications:
- Pipes
- Building materials
- Non-food packaging
- Construction material
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Characteristics:
- Flexible and malleable
- Water resistant
- Easy to process
- Low production cost
Business Applications:
- Plastic bag
- Food wrapping
- Plastic film
- Packaging cap
5. PP (Polypropylene)
Characteristics:
- Heat resistance
- Strong and lightweight
- Good barrier against moisture
- Chemical resistant
Business Applications:
- Microwaveable food containers
- Hot drink plastic cup
- Hot food packaging
- Medical equipment
- Automotive components
6. PS (Polystyrene)
Characteristics:
- Stiff or foamy
- Easy to mold
- Good insulator
- Relatively cheap
Business Applications:
- Disposable food containers
- Electronic packaging
- Insulation material
- Disposable tableware
7. OTHER
Characteristics:
- Varies according to type
- Usually a combination of various plastics
- Difficult to recycle
- Custom applications
Business Applications:
- Customized packaging
- Technical products
- Medical applications
- Industrial equipment
Tips for Choosing Plastic for Your Business
Key Considerations
- Product Safety
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Pay attention to the interaction with the product
- Consider shelf life
- Cost
- Calculate the cost per unit
- Consider minimum order volume
- Evaluation of transportation and storage costs
- Environmentally Friendly
- Choose recyclable materials
- Consider the carbon footprint
- Adjust to consumer expectations
Recommendations by Business Type
| Industry | Key Recommendations | Alternative | Special Considerations |
| F&B | PETE, PP | HDPE | Food-grade, Temperature Resistance |
| Retail | LDPE, HDPE | PP | Cost, Flexibility |
| Manufacturing | PP, HDPE | PVC | Durability, Technical Standards |
| Cosmetics | PETE, PP | HDPE | Aesthetics, Barrier Properties |
| Pharmacy | PP, HDPE | PETE | Sterilization, Regulation |
Food and Beverage Business:
- PETE for beverage packaging
- PP for hot food and drinks
- HDPE for sauces and condiments
Retail:
- LDPE for shopping bags
- HDPE for product packaging
- PP for product display
Manufacturing:
- PVC for technical components
- PP for parts and components
- HDPE for industrial packaging
Choosing the right type of plastic can be the difference in the success of your business. By understanding the characteristics and applications of each type, you can make better decisions for environmentally friendly business operations.
For more information on plastic codes and regulations, you can visit Wikipedia: Resin Identification Code.