Plastic recycling symbols on packaging: what do PE-LD, PE-HD and PP mean?
Recycling codes tell you which plastic a pack is made of: 1 = PET, 2 = PE-HD, 3 = PVC, 4 = PE-LD, 5 = PP, 6 = PS, 7 = other plastics and composites. The code names the material; it is not a recycling rate and does not say whether the packaging is actually recycled.
As of: 17.10.2026 · Reviewed by: Editorial team Elke Plastic GmbH · Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice.
The seven recycling codes at a glance
| Code | Abbreviation | Plastic | Typical packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PET | Polyethylene terephthalate | Drinks bottles, films and outer layers of composites |
| 2 | PE-HD | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | T-shirt bags, bin bags, bottles and canisters |
| 3 | PVC | Polyvinyl chloride | Blisters and films (rare in food packaging) |
| 4 | PE-LD | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) | Flat bags, ziplock bags, tubular film, shrink film |
| 5 | PP | Polypropylene | PP and OPP bags, yoghurt pots, closures |
| 6 | PS | Polystyrene | Trays, cups, packing chips |
| 7 | O / Other | Other plastics and multilayer composites | Multilayer stand-up pouches, aluminium composites |
The table is an overview. The data sheet of the product shows which plastics a specific item contains.
What a recycling code does not tell you
The symbol with the three arrows looks like “is recycled”. In fact, the number in the triangle only names the material. Whether a pack is recycled in practice depends on whether it is single-material, whether sorting plants recognise it and whether a recycling route exists for the plastic.
That is why the material matters more than the symbol: packaging made of a single plastic (mono-material), for example pure polyethylene, has good prospects for mechanical recycling. Multilayer composites such as PET / aluminium / LDPE are considered hard to recycle in the standard sorting process.
How to read the code on a bag
- Find the number: The packaging shows a number from 1 to 7 in a triangle, often with the abbreviation underneath (for example “04 PE-LD”).
- Check the abbreviation: 02 and 04 are polyethylene (HD and LD), 05 is polypropylene. Two abbreviations or “07” point to a composite.
- Open the data sheet: For our items, material and evidence are in the data sheet archive.
Recycling codes and the PPWR
The EU packaging regulation PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40) introduces uniform labelling for material and disposal; the obligation applies from 12.08.2028 at the earliest. Performance grades A to C are planned for recyclability and become relevant from 2030 at the earliest. More on this: Recyclability under the PPWR: grades A to C and the PPWR overview.
Our bags and films by plastic
- PE-LD (04): Flat Bags, Ziplock Bags and Tubular film (depending on the item)
- PP (05): PP and OPP bags in the Flat Bags range
- Several materials or composite: Stand-up pouches (mono-PE or composite, depending on the item)
The alternative to the aluminium composite: Mono-PE instead of aluminium composite.
Frequently asked questions
Which recycling code applies to ziplock bags?
Most ziplock bags are made of LDPE and carry code 04 (PE-LD). Some items are made of PP (05). The data sheet of the individual item is decisive.
What does recycling code 7 mean?
The 7 stands for other plastics and for composites of several materials. It means the packaging cannot be clearly assigned to one of codes 1 to 6.
Does a recycling code mean the packaging is recycled?
No. The code only names the material. Whether the packaging is recycled depends on material purity, sorting and the recycling routes available.
What is the difference between PE-LD and PE-HD?
PE-LD (LDPE, code 4) is soft, stretchy and glossy and is the basis for flat bags, zip bags and tubular film. PE-HD (HDPE, code 2) is stiffer and more matt and is used for thin T-shirt bags and bin bags.