Plastic Bottle Material Code System
Material Codes
The following symbols can be found on the bottom of most plastic bottles and containers. The symbols represent the particular type of plastic or resin used to make the bottle or container. The system allows for easy identification of plastics for the purpose of recycling and purchasing.
Descriptions of Plastic Resins
| Polyethylene Terephthalate |
This type of plastic is used for strength,
impact resistance, clarity and barrier resistance to things such as
moisture, oxygen and many chemicals. PETE is typically produced in
clear, but can also be done in colors such as green and amber.
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| High Density Polyethylene |
The natural state of HDPE is a cloudy, slightly
translucent color. It has good chemical resistance, does not absorb
moisture and provides a good water vapor barrier. HDPE is one of the
most popular plastics for molding bottles and containers.
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| Polyvinyl Chloride |
Typically clear in appearance when used for containers,
PVC has outstanding resistance to water, alcohols, concentrated acids
and alkalines. PVC can be produced to yield superior flexibility.
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| Low Density Polyethylene |
Translucent in color with a tough, waxy texture,
LDPE is a very flexible plastic with good barrier properties.
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| Polypropylene |
It is best known for flexibility and versatility.
It can be molded into many applications, the most popular use in packaging
is for closures. PP is very tough and has good chemical resistance.
Although normally translucent in appearance, PP can be made a variety
of colors.
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| Polystyrene |
A very clear, rigid plastic. PS has good chemical
resistance, but no moisture or oxygen barrier properties. PS tends
to be brittle, so cracks and breaks easily.
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| Other |
Can be any combination of plastics. Usually one
of the above plastics mixed with an additive or barrier plastic to
enhance the properties of the final container.
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Conversion Tables
U.S. AND METRIC EQUIVALENTS
| Weight |
Liquid Capacity |
U.S. Liquid Capacity |
Volume |
Length |
| 1 oz. = 28.35 gr |
1 fl. oz. = 29.57 ml |
1 cup = 8 oz. |
1 oz. = 29.57 cc |
1 inch = 25mm |
| 8 oz. = 227 gr |
8 fl. oz. = 236.6 ml |
1 pint = 16 oz. |
8 oz. = 236.60 cc |
1 foot = 30 cm |
| 16 oz. = 454 gr |
16 fl. oz. = 473.2 ml |
1 quart = 32 oz. |
16 oz. = 473.2 cc |
1 meter = 3.3 feet |
| 32 oz. = 908 gr |
32 fl. oz. = 946.4 ml |
1/2 gallon = 64 oz. |
32 oz. = 946.40 cc |
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1 U.S. gallon = 3785ml |
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1 oz. = 8 dr |
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CONVERSION FROM METRIC MEASURES
| Symbol |
When You Know |
Multiply By |
To Find |
Symbol |
| DR |
drams |
0.125 |
ounces |
oz. |
| cc |
cubic centimeters |
0.034 |
ounces |
oz. |
| ml |
milliliters |
0.034 |
ounces |
oz. |
| l |
liters |
2.100 |
pints |
pt. |
| gr |
grams |
0.035 |
ounces |
oz. |
| kg |
kilograms |
2.200 |
pounds |
lbs. |
| mm |
millimeters |
0.039 |
inches |
in. |
CONVERSION TO METRIC MEASURES
| Symbol |
When You Know |
Multiply By |
To Find |
Symbol |
| oz. |
ounces |
8.00 |
drams |
DR |
| oz. |
ounces |
29.57 |
cubic centimeters |
cc |
| oz. |
ounces |
29.57 |
milliliters |
ml |
| pt. |
pints |
0.47 |
liters |
l |
| oz. |
ounces |
28.35 |
grams |
gr |
| lbs. |
pounds |
0.45 |
kilograms |
kg |
| in. |
inches |
25.40 |
millimeters |
mm |
Neck Finish Information
S.P.I. Specifications
- "T" Dimension - The outside diameter of the thread.
- "E" Dimension - The outside diameter of the neck finish.
- "I" Dimension - The inner diameter of the bottle neck.
- "H" Dimension - The height of the neck finish.
- "S" Dimension - Measured from the top of the finish to the top edge of the first thread.
Finish Types
Liner Specifications
Standard Liners
| Abbreviation |
Name |
Descriptions |
| PW |
Pulp Waxed |
Pulpboard with .001 to .002 wax coating on one side. |
| PS |
Pressure Sensitive |
A polystyrene foam with a pressure sensitive coating. |
| P/SF |
Pulp and Saran Film |
75-gauge Saran film laminated to white paper and bonded to pulpboard. |
| P/PE |
Pulp and Polyethylene Coated Paper |
.0015 polyethylene coated white paper laminated to pulpboard. |
| P/VAF |
Pulp and Vinyl Coated Aluminum Foil |
White pigmented vinyl coating on .00035 aluminum foil laminated to pulpboard. |
| F-217®** |
F-217® (Foam) |
Coextrusion of low-density polyethylene/foamed polyethylene/low-density polyethylene. |
| P/RVTLF |
Pulp and Polyvinyl Lubricant Film |
Vinyl coating applied to high-density polyethylene coated white paper laminated to pulpboard, with LF over vinyl. |
HS
FS
SG |
Heat Seal or Foil Seal |
Coated polyester film bonded to aluminum foil, wax bonded to 0.025" white lined pulp board. |
| P/SAF |
Pulp, Saran and Aluminum Foil |
White pigmented Saran coating applied to .00035 aluminum foil with white paper backing, laminated to pulpboard. |
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