The following table illustrates the most common types of plastics used, their applications and the symbol which is often used to identify them on forms of plastic packaging.

Polymer Types	Examples of applications	Symbol
Polyethylene Terephthalate	Fizzy drink and water bottles. Salad trays.	null
High Density Polyethylene	Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most shampoo bottles.	null
Polyvinyl Chloride	Pipes, fittings, window and door frames (rigid PVC). Thermal insulation (PVC foam) and automotive parts.	null
Low Density Polyethylene	Carrier bags, bin liners and packaging films.	null
Polypropylene	Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays, also produced as fibres and filaments for carpets, wall coverings and vehicle upholstery.	null
Polystyrene	Yoghurt pots, foam hamburger boxes and egg cartons, plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic goods and toys. Insulating material in the building and construction industry.	null
Unallocated References	Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above categories – for example polycarbonate which is often used in glazing for the aircraft industry	null