- How many types of plastic bags are there?
Broadly speaking there are two types of plastic bags materials - polyethylene and polypropylene. Based on the types of resins used to develop different types of plastic bags, the former type can further be classified as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the strongest type of plastic material. HDPE is a Type 2 plastic generally used for making
bottles, jugs, and milk containers for short-term storage. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resins are normally used in making plastic bags for food packaging and in the manufacturing of utility bags. Symbols of HDPE and LDPE are shown in the figure. The symbols depicted on the material indicate the type of plastic used to manufacture it. Some types of plastic are recyclable while others are not. The difference depends upon their process of manufacturing. HDPE plastic can be recycled easily which can, then, be used to make bottles, pens, plastic fencing, garden tables, etc. and according to FDA, they fall under the safe category for food contact. LDPE plastics are, however, difficult to be recycled. Some recycling programs do accept LDPE plastics which after recycling are used to make garbage cans, furniture, bubble wrap, etc.
HDPE LDPE