Commodity Thermoplastic

A common name for the least expensive thermoplastics that make up the majority of total plastic production, such as polypropylene and certain grades of polyethylenes.

The more commonly used thermoplastic materials are known as commodity plastics as they are traded and used in great quantities. Examples are polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

Typical applications for commodity plastics are high production volume products such as ‘polythene’ bags (made from polyethylene), vacuum-formed food packaging (low density polyethylene), disposable drinking cups (high-impact polystyrene) and window frames/wire insulation (PVC).