What is Plastic Resin?
Plastic resins are made by heating hydrocarbons in what is known as the “cracking process.” The goal here is to break down the larger molecules into ethylene, propylene, and other types of hydrocarbons. The amount of ethylene produced depends on the cracking temperature. Once the cracking process has been completed, the compounds are formed into chains that are known as polymers. Different polymers are combined to make plastic resins that have the characteristics needed for different applications. Once the plastic resins have been formed, they are used to make many different kinds of products. The appropriate type of plastic resin is selected to make the particular type of product needed. Some plastics are filled with products that are hot when packaged, such as those used in some food plants. Others are used for chemical products, and would need to have different properties. One type of plastic resin, known as polyethylene terephthalate, is used to make products like soft drink bottle
