posted 05-06-2004 03:58 PM                       

Unfortunately, "polyester" conjures up visions of leisure suits like the ones Phil used to wear, and not just great films.

Another major user of polyester is the packaging industry (in the USA, plastic containers with the recycling symbol "1" in the triangle, or "PETE").

http://www.ultrapac.com/PETE%20Recycling.htm

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PETE recycling is a major industry
The recycling of PETE containers has become a major success story in the plastic industry. The use of PETE for containers has been nothing less than phenomenal, and the growth of recycling is equally impressive.
As impressive as the growth of recycling statistics are, the demand for recycled PETE and recycler capacity far exceed the supply of post-consumer containers.
About three-fourths of reclaimed PETE is used to make products such as fibers for carpet, fiberfill, apparel and geotextiles. Much of the remainder is extruded into sheet for thermoforming, stretch blow-molding or compounded for molding applications.

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Q: What type of plastic containers can be recycled?
A: The Stanford Recycling Center only accepts #1 PETE and #2 HDPE plastic containers. Look for the number inside three chasing arrows on the bottom of the container and lids. Please remember to remove plastic lids and place them in the garbage. Rinse and flatten container before putting in the recycling bin. All of other plastics should be reused or thrown in the garbage.

Back to CAQ
Q: What does PETE and HDPE stand for?
A: These names are acronyms for the type of plastic or resin they are made of. PETE stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate. It is commonly used in plastic soda bottles. HDPE stands for High Density Polyethylene. It is commonly used to make milk and juice jugs.

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