| High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | Translucent, moderate hardness, easily dyed | $ | 1,170 MPa | 71 °C / 160° F | Agricultural tanks, industrial drums, carrying cases, automotive fluid bottles, shampoo bottles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) | Translucent, soft-to-moderate hardness, easily dyed | $$ | 275 MPa | 60 °C / 140° F | Squeeze bottles, boat fenders, blown film for plastic bags |
| Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Clear, fairly hard, easily dyed, strong moisture barrier | $$ | 3,400 MPa | 79 °C / 175° F | Soft drink and water bottles, plastic jars |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Translucent (but some blends can be almost clear), Moderate-to-hard hardness, easily dyed, autoclavable | $ | 1,030 MPa | 77 °C / 170° F | Tubes for automotive and appliances, food containers, plastic storage totes |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Clear (but easily dyed to opacity), high variability in hardness, durable | $$ | 2,300 MPa | 79 °C / 175° F | Bellows, traffic cones, pipes, fittings |
| Nylon (polyamide, PA) | Translucent, moderate hardness, strong, impact resistant | $$$$ | 2,900 MPa | 169 °C / 336 ° F | Automotive tubes and reservoirs |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Clear, fairly hard, easily dyed, very tough, impact-resistant | $$$ | 2,350 MPa | 143 °C / 290 ° F | Large water bottles, food storage containers, syringes |
| Cyclin olefin copolymer (COC) | Clear, hard, autoclavable, strong moisture barrier | $$$$ | 2,480 MPa | 77 °C / 170° F | Blown film, shrinkwrap, syringes, medical storage (alternative to glass) |
| Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | Opaque, hard, tough, impact-resistant | $$$ | 2,680 MPa | 88°C / 190 ° F | Housings for electronics, car bumpers, carrying cases, pipes and hoses |
| Material | Use |
|---|---|
| HDPE | Milk bottles, containers |
| PET | Water/soda bottles |
| PP | Food containers, caps |
| PVC | Chemical containers |
| PC | Safety glasses, clear containers |
| Multilayer (EVOH/PA) | Fuel tanks, medical packaging |