Are plastics that can be melted once and again, allowing them to be easily recycled. The reason why it is possible is that their chains are not tied one to each other.

• Properties: it is quite easy to manufacture objects with it and is tough enough for a lot of applications. It is also the easiest to recycle plastic, that is why is the most used one.

• Uses: all kind of bottles, bags, film…

• Properties: it is tougher than polyethylene but more expensive. It is used, for example, to manufacture objects that need to resist high temperatures and are going to be in contact with food.

• Uses: tupperware and other containers, bottle caps, adhesive tape, disposable cups…

• Properties: it is the toughest of all the thermoplastics and a very good thermal insulator. Its main problem is that it is seldom recycled because of its toxic components.

• Uses: plumbing elements (pipes and others), windows, electrical tape…

Are plastics that can not be recycled because they decompose when they are heated above a certain temperature. They are more resistant than thermoplastics

• Properties: very good thermal insulator and soft.

• Uses: heat insulation, matresses, chairs, sofas…

Are plastics with a high degree of elasticity because their chains behave like springs. Most of them are not recyclable but some of them are.

• Properties: elastic, strong and tough.

• Uses: tyres, erasers, gloves, balls, hoses…

• Properties: elastic and thermal insulator.

• Uses: wetsuits, inflatable boats…

• Properties: elastic and thermal insulator.

• Uses: thermal and water insulator (windows), cooking moulds, kitchenware…