Plastic Recycling Codes 1–7: What They Mean for Packaging

Every plastic container, bottle, and bag carries a small number inside a triangle. That number is a resin identification code (RIC). It tells you what kind of plastic the item is made from. It does not tell you whether your local recycler accepts it. Understanding the difference matters a lot if you are a brand sourcing packaging today.

California SB 54 requires plastic packaging sold in the state to contain 15% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content by 2022, 25% by 2025, and 50% by 2030. Other states are moving in the same direction. Brands that understand resin codes are better positioned to source compliant PCR packaging and verify supplier claims.

Here is a complete breakdown of all seven resin codes.

Plastic Code 1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. It is used for water bottles, beverage containers, food jars, and personal care packaging. PET is clear, lightweight, and has excellent barrier properties against oxygen and moisture.

Recyclability is high. PET has a well-established collection and processing infrastructure in most US markets. Curbside programs in major cities accept it routinely.

PCR version: rPET (recycled PET). Propacks carries rPET bottles and containers. rPET is one of the most commercially mature PCR materials available. Brands using rPET bottles can meet SB 54 requirements with verified content percentages.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 1 (PET)

Plastic Code 2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is a rigid, opaque plastic used for milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and caps. It is stiff, impact-resistant, and compatible with a wide range of products.

Recyclability is high. HDPE is the second most recycled plastic behind PET. It has strong demand from recyclers because processed rHDPE holds its value.

PCR version: rHDPE (recycled HDPE). Propacks carries rHDPE options. rHDPE is commonly available in natural and pigmented grades. It is a strong choice for brands sourcing opaque PCR bottles for personal care, cleaning, and household products.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 2 (HDPE)

Plastic Code 3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is used for pipes, window frames, food wrap, blister packs, and some bottles. It is durable and chemical-resistant but contains chlorine and plasticizers that make recycling difficult.

Recyclability is low. Most curbside programs do not accept PVC. Even small amounts of PVC contamination can ruin a batch of recycled PET or HDPE. Brands moving toward PCR compliance typically phase out PVC packaging.

Propacks does not carry PCR PVC. We do not recommend PVC for brands pursuing sustainable packaging goals.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 3 (PVC)

Plastic Code 4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

LDPE is a flexible plastic used for bread bags, produce bags, squeezable bottles, and plastic film. It is softer and more flexible than HDPE.

Recyclability is limited for curbside but growing through drop-off programs. Many grocery stores and retailers now collect LDPE film for recycling. It is not widely accepted in curbside bins.

Propacks does not currently carry PCR LDPE packaging. We continue to monitor the availability of rLDPE as the flexible film recycling infrastructure develops.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 4 (LDPE)

Plastic Code 5: PP (Polypropylene)

PP is a semi-rigid plastic used for yogurt containers, deli containers, bottle caps, straws, and medical packaging. It has good chemical resistance and tolerates heat well. PP is also used in PETG formulations for packaging with enhanced clarity.

Recyclability is moderate and improving. More municipalities are adding PP to their accepted materials lists. Demand for rPP from brands with PCR commitments is growing fast.

PCR versions: rPP (recycled PP) and rPETG (recycled PETG). Propacks carries rPP and rPETG bottles and caps. These materials give brands compliant PCR options for a wide range of product categories including food, personal care, and household.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 5 (PP)

Plastic Code 6: PS (Polystyrene)

PS is used for foam cups, takeout containers, CD cases, and some rigid packaging. It is lightweight but brittle. Expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly called Styrofoam, is also Code 6.

Recyclability is very low. PS is rarely accepted in curbside programs. It is difficult to collect and process economically. Several US cities and states have banned expanded PS food containers.

Propacks does not carry PCR PS packaging. For brands seeking compliant sustainable packaging, we recommend transitioning away from PS to materials with stronger recycling infrastructure.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 6 (PS)

Plastic Code 7: Other

Code 7 covers everything that does not fit codes 1 through 6. This includes polycarbonate (PC), ABS, nylon, bioplastics like PLA, and multi-layer laminates. There is no single material identity for Code 7.

Recyclability varies widely. Most Code 7 materials are not accepted in standard recycling streams. Some bioplastics in this category require industrial composting, not recycling. Multi-layer laminates are generally not recyclable.

Propacks does not carry PCR Code 7 packaging. If you are evaluating bioplastics or specialty materials, contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Read the full guide to Plastic Code 7

SB 54 and PCR Packaging Requirements

California SB 54 sets escalating PCR content requirements for plastic packaging sold in the state. The schedule is: 15% PCR by 2022, 25% by 2025, and 50% by 2030. These requirements apply to rigid and flexible plastic packaging alike.

PCR content is calculated by weight. A bottle made from 25% rPET and 75% virgin PET qualifies at the 25% threshold. Brands need documentation from their suppliers verifying the PCR content percentage and the resin type. Propacks provides this documentation for all PCR products.

Resin codes matter for compliance because not all PCR is created equal. rPET, rHDPE, and rPP have established recycling streams and verifiable chain-of-custody documentation. Materials with weak recycling infrastructure are harder to source as genuine PCR and harder to document for compliance purposes.

Shop PCR Packaging at Propacks

Propacks carries rPET, rHDPE, rPP, and rPETG bottles, jars, and caps. All PCR products come with documentation for SB 54 compliance. Browse the full catalog at propacks.net/store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a resin code and a recyclability symbol?

The resin code tells you what the plastic is made from. It does not tell you whether it will be accepted by your local recycling program. Recyclability depends on local infrastructure, market demand for the material, and collection logistics.

Does a higher resin code mean more recyclable?

No. The numbers 1 through 7 are identifiers, not a ranking of recyclability. Code 1 (PET) and Code 2 (HDPE) happen to be the most widely recycled. Code 5 (PP) is improving. Codes 3, 6, and 7 are generally the hardest to recycle.

What does PCR mean in packaging?

PCR stands for post-consumer recycled. PCR plastic is made from material collected from consumers after use. It is different from post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, which comes from manufacturing scrap. SB 54 and most sustainability commitments specify PCR, not PIR.

Which resin codes does Propacks carry in PCR versions?

Propacks carries PCR versions of Code 1 (rPET), Code 2 (rHDPE), and Code 5 (rPP and rPETG). These are the materials with the strongest recycling infrastructure and the most reliable supply chains for verified PCR content.

Can I mix PCR and virgin resin to hit a content percentage?

Yes. Most PCR packaging is a blend of recycled and virgin material. The PCR percentage is calculated by weight. Your supplier should provide a certificate of analysis or equivalent documentation confirming the PCR content percentage for each product.