One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is to identify and correctly recycle the different types of plastics used in packaging and production. With global concern over plastic pollution growing, businesses are under increasing pressure to manage plastic waste more responsibly.
At Greenbank Recycling Solutions, we’re committed to helping businesses across industries improve their sustainability through efficient plastic recycling solutions, starting with plastic balers designed to handle a wide range of materials.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common types of recyclable plastics, their typical uses, and how Greenbank can help you process them in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way.
Understanding the Types of Recyclable Plastics
Most plastic packaging contains an identification code, a small number inside a triangle, often found at the base or back of the item. These codes help identify the type of plastic, which is essential for proper recycling.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Code 1
Common Uses: Soft drink bottles, water bottles, food containers
Recyclability: Widely recyclable
How Greenbank Helps: PET bottles are one of the most commonly processed materials in our plastic balers. Our equipment compacts large volumes into neat, manageable bales, making transport and recycling more efficient.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Code 2
Common Uses: Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers
Recyclability: Easily recyclable and highly valuable
How Greenbank Helps: Our balers are ideal for processing rigid HDPE plastics, reducing storage needs and cutting disposal costs.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Code 3
Common Uses: Pipes, shrink wrap
Recyclability: More difficult to recycle but still manageable with the right equipment
How Greenbank Helps: We offer solutions for recycling PVC shrink wrap, especially in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
EPE (Expanded Polystyrene/Low-Density Polyethylene) – Code 4
Common Uses: Packaging and sports equipment applications, such as flexible bottles and water sports floatation.
Recyclability: Recyclable, but often overlooked
How Greenbank Helps: As many businesses shift from EPS to EPP, a lightweight, flexible, and shock-absorbent foam widely used in protective packaging, our polystyrene compactors can effectively process the material, provided a pre-crusher is installed
EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) – Code 5
Common Uses: Electronics and Automotive Packaging
Recyclability: Growing infrastructure for recycling
How Greenbank Helps: EPP is a durable, lightweight, and highly versatile foam used across industries from automotive to construction, offering superior impact resistance and thermal performance compared to EPS, and with a pre-crusher installed, our polystyrene compactors can efficiently process this material.
EPS (Polystyrene) – Code 6
Common Uses: Disposable plates, cups, takeaway containers
Recyclability: Technically recyclable but less widely accepted
How Greenbank Helps: A rigid, closed-cell foam made from solid polystyrene beads commonly used in white goods and fish packaging. Our balers are ideal for handling high volumes of EPE, efficiently converting loose material into compact, manageable bales for easier transport and recycling.
If your business processes and recycles polystyrene instead of traditional plastics, we offer a complete range of polystyrene compactors to support your recycling needs.
Explore our full range of machines designed for efficient and sustainable polystyrene recycling
Why Use a Plastic Baler?
Plastic balers are the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to manage industrial plastic. Greenbank’s balers are built to reduce manual handling, compact materials, and lower storage and transport costs, all while helping you reach your sustainability targets.
Alongside sustainability targets, the recycling of plastic can get a rebate.
Key Benefits:
- Efficiently manage high volumes of plastic
- Create compact bales for easy transport and recycling
- Free up valuable floor space in your facility
- Reduce landfill costs and carbon footprint
- Meet environmental compliance and CSR goals
Whether you’re managing PET bottles, HDPE containers, or PVC shrink wrap, our balers simplify your recycling process from start to finish.
Find the Right Baler for Your Business
At Greenbank, we offer a full range of plastic balers tailored to different business needs:
- Vertical balers – Ideal for smaller volumes and tight spaces
- Horizontal balers – Available in fully automatic and semi-automatic models to suit various operational needs.
- Semi-automatic balers – A balance of power and convenience
- Fully automatic balers – Best for large-scale operations
- Mill-Sized balers – best for the largest of operations, produces 500kg bales
All our machines are built to last, easy to operate, and supported by our expert team.
Let’s Make Plastic Recycling Work for You
If you’re unsure what types of plastics your business produces or how best to process them, we’re here to help. At Greenbank Recycling Solutions, we bring over 25 years of expertise in recycling solutions and equipment to every project.
Contact us today to speak with a specialist about your recycling goals.
Browse our full range of plastic balers to find the perfect fit for your operation.
