Table of Contents
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 30/2026
Key takeaways:
- Detailed analysis of identifying characteristics for the most common plastic bottle types: PE (HDPE/LDPE), PET, and PP.
- A visual comparison table of heat resistance and practical applications for each bottle type.
1. Why it matters to tell plastic bottles apart
In everyday life and industry we encounter many different types of plastic bottles. Knowing which plastic is which not only helps sort waste correctly but also ensures hygiene and safety in use, especially for food and beverages. Each plastic type has different heat-resistance and recyclability characteristics:
- Recycling: Misclassification (for example, dropping PVC into a PET stream) can ruin an entire recycling batch.
- Safety: Plastics with poor heat resistance (such as PVC) may release chemicals when filled with hot liquids, affecting health.
2. Common methods for identifying plastic bottles
There are three main methods for distinguishing PE bottles from other bottle types (PET, PP, PVC, PS).
Method 1: Resin code and symbol identification
This is the most accurate and straightforward method. All plastic products are marked with a triangle-arrow symbol containing a number in the center (the resin code), usually found on the bottom of the bottle.
- PET plastic (Code 1): PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a transparent, rigid plastic typically used for water and soft-drink bottles.
- HDPE plastic (Code 2): HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a type of PE plastic, is usually an opaque white bottle - strong and used for milk jugs, shampoo, and chemical containers.
- PVC plastic (Code 3): PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is flexible and impact-resistant, common in industrial use; not recommended for food contact.
- LDPE plastic (Code 4): LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), another PE type, is very flexible and used for bags and wrapping film.
- PP plastic (Code 5): PP (Polypropylene) has good heat resistance and is typically used for microwaveable food containers.
- PS plastic (Code 6): PS (Polystyrene) is brittle and used for foam boxes and trays.
- Other plastics (Code 7): Includes mixed and specialty plastics.
Method 2: Visual and tactile identification
| Characteristic | PE bottle (HDPE/LDPE) | PET bottle | PP bottle |
| Rigidity | Moderate, slightly flexible | Rigid, transparent, no elasticity | Rigid, good resilience, more elastic than PET |
| Transparency | HDPE - opaque; LDPE - semi-transparent | Highly transparent, glass-like | Semi-transparent to opaque |
| Surface feel | Slightly waxy or smooth | Smooth, glass-like | Smooth, slightly harder than PE |
| Squeeze test | Dents but bounces back slowly | Crunches and may crack if squeezed hard | Flexible, bounces back quickly |
Method 3: Water float test
This method uses the density of each plastic type relative to water (density 1.0 g/cm3):
- PE plastic (HDPE/LDPE): Density 0.91-0.97 g/cm3 - floats in water. This is the key distinguishing feature.
- PET plastic: Density 1.38-1.40 g/cm3 - sinks in water.
- PP plastic: Density 0.90-0.91 g/cm3 - also floats, but generally lighter than PE.
- PVC plastic: Density 1.16-1.58 g/cm3 - sinks in water.
Quick identification: If it floats, it is PE or PP. If it sinks, it is PET or PVC.
3. Heat resistance comparison table
| Plastic type | Resin code | Max safe temperature | Microwave safe? | Dishwasher safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE (PE) | 2 | 120 degrees C | No (warp risk) | Yes (top rack) |
| LDPE (PE) | 4 | 80-90 degrees C | No | No |
| PET | 1 | 70-75 degrees C | No | No |
| PP | 5 | 130-170 degrees C | Yes (labeled) | Yes |
| PVC | 3 | 60-70 degrees C | No | No |
4. Practical identification summary for each plastic type
PE bottle (Code 2 or 4):
- Floats in water
- HDPE is opaque white, LDPE is semi-transparent and very flexible
- Slightly waxy surface texture
- Does not crack easily when squeezed
PET bottle (Code 1):
- Sinks in water
- Crystal clear, glass-like transparency
- Makes a crisp crinkle sound when squeezed
- Typically used for carbonated beverages and mineral water
PP bottle (Code 5):
- Floats in water (slightly lighter than PE)
- Semi-transparent, cloudy appearance
- Best heat resistance among common plastics
- Preferred for hot-fill applications
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I quickly tell PE and PET apart without any tools?
The simplest method: drop the bottle in water. PE floats; PET sinks. Also check the resin code on the bottom: PE is codes 2 (HDPE) or 4 (LDPE), while PET is code 1.
2. Is it safe to refill a PET bottle multiple times?
No. PET bottles are designed for single use. Repeated washing and refilling can cause the material to degrade and potentially release harmful compounds. Use HDPE (code 2) or PP (code 5) bottles for repeated use.
3. Why should PVC bottles not be used for food?
PVC can contain plasticizers (phthalates) that may migrate into food, especially when heated or with fatty foods. For food contact, always use bottles coded 1, 2, 4, or 5.
References
- Wikipedia: Polyethylene (PE) - Properties and Uses
- Wikipedia: PET Plastic - Identification and Recycling
5. PE vs PET: side-by-side identification guide
PE and PET are the two plastics most often confused because both are common in clear or whitish bottles. The fastest reliable check is the resin code: PE is marked 2 (HDPE) or 4 (LDPE), while PET is always marked 1. When the code is worn off, the sensory and physical cues below tell them apart in seconds.
| Feature | PE bottle (HDPE/LDPE) | PET bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Opaque or milky white (HDPE); semi-clear (LDPE) | Crystal clear, glass-like |
| Rigidity | Moderate, slightly flexible, waxy surface | Rigid, smooth, no elasticity |
| Squeeze sound | Dull, dents and recovers slowly | Crisp crinkle, springs back instantly |
| Resin code | 2 (HDPE) or 4 (LDPE) | 1 |
| Water float test | Floats (density 0.91-0.97 g/cm3) | Sinks (density 1.38-1.40 g/cm3) |
| Burn test | Blue flame, paraffin/candle smell, drips | Black smoke, faint sweet odor |
| Typical bottles | Milk jugs, shampoo, detergent, chemical containers | Water, carbonated soft drinks, cooking oil |
One distinction matters most for reuse: PE (codes 2 and 4) tolerates repeated washing and is safe to refill, while PET (code 1) is designed for single use. For reusable food-grade storage, plastic crates and containers are a sturdier choice than thin bottles - see the range of plastic crates for stackable, washable options. For sourcing, contact ICD Vietnam at 0983 797 186.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which plastic bottle is safest for food?
Virgin PE bottles (HDPE, LDPE) and PP (Polypropylene) are considered the safest for food contact because they are BPA-free and FDA-approved. PP is the best option when you need to hold hot food or liquids.
2. Can PET bottles be used for hot water?
No. PET bottles have a low deformation temperature, so hot water can soften and warp the bottle and risk leaching chemicals into the liquid. Use PP (code 5) for hot-fill applications instead.
3. What plastic is a milky-white bottle usually made of?
Milky-white opaque bottles are almost always HDPE (code 2). The opacity helps block UV light, giving better protection to sensitive products such as milk or bleach.
