PP stands for polypropylene and according to PlasticsSA, it is one of the most widely recycled polymers in South Africa. It is non-toxic and in addition to having a wide range of beneficial uses once recycled, can also be reused at home as food storage containers or pet drinking bowls, for example.

Please recycle responsibly and always look for recycling code number 1 to distinguish PET from other plastics.

PET stands for Polyethylene Tetraphthalate and like PP, is widely recycled in South Africa and has many downstream uses for new products if recycled properly.

According to PETCO, a company leading Extended Producer Responsibility for PET bottles in South Africa, “PET packaging can be made from up to 100% recycled PET, recapturing both the material and the inherent energy of the original package. It can also be recycled multiple times.”

There is a well established circular economy for PET in South Africa making it one of the most sustainable polymers. Please follow the proper recycling guidelines and look out for recycling code number 5 to distinguish PP from other plastics.

Polyethylene or PE is a thermoplastic polymer used for a variety of functions depending on its structure and density. It is one of the most widely used plastics in the world.

Low-density polyethylene or LDPE is frequently used in food packaging and approved by the FDA as food safe. A thin, food grade LDPE lining is used to reinforce packaging like paper cups, salad bowls and ice cream bowls and to prevent leaking.

Some recycling plants are able to process LDPE, although it is not as commonly recycled as PET and PP. Please look out for recycling code number 4 and recycle responsibly.