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WHICH PLASTIC IS THAT?

Polypropylene

Lesson 5: PP

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Need to know about a different plastic?

Click on the IRC code to see the lesson!

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PP

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Colorful plastic drinking straws
Polypropylene

The International Resin Code for PP is

PP is tough and flexible. This, combined with its durability makes it especially useful for products that need to be repeatedly opened and closed - like the 'living hinges' you see on shampoo and other bottles.

As a fibre, PP is used for making ropes and mesh bags for produce.

PP plastic is 

  • Tough
  • Flexible
  • Translucent
  • And has a Waxy Feel

PP is used for

  • Bottle Caps & Closures

  • Drinking straws

  • Yogurt pots

  • Fibres (rope, carpets etc)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Hinged bottle caps like these

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Drinking straws

Colorful plastic drinking straws
Colorful plastic drinking straws

Mesh produce bags

Onions in red mesh Polypropylene bag

Woven sacks used for agriculture or construction

Textiles, carpets & rugs

woven sack made from polypropylene
woven sack made from polypropylene
Brown doormat made from PP plastic
A length of green polypropylene rope.

Rope

 > Insider's tip: In the medical world, PP is used by surgeons as a non-absorbable suture. This is one application of PP that is not recyclable.  

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Still have questions about plastic types, or what to collect?

Let us know - we can help!

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