5951-1741-1 15-March-2017

Plastic Part Marking Algorithm

Owner Victor Yeo

Responsible Group Central Direct Procurement Services
Document Identifier EX-EN729-02 (5951-1741-1)
Revision and Date K, 15-Mar-2017
Last Revalidation Date 15-Mar-2017
This document provides a standard for the marking of HP's plastic
Abstract parts and products, to be used for subsequent decision-making
during recycling, reuse, or disposal.
The requirements of this standard apply to all plastic parts and
products specified by or purchased for HP that are manufactured
Applicability after 01-Jan-2005. Management of these requirements is
mandatory for persons specifying plastic parts and products for use
by HP.
Status APPROVED

© Copyright 2016 HP Development Company, L.P.

This is an uncontrolled copy when in printed form.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Scope
3 Marking requirements
3.1 Part weight
3.2 Character size
3.3 Marking legibility
3.4 Marking method
3.5 Marking location
4 Marking identification symbols
4.1 Material identification for basic polymers
4.1.1 Polymer blends
4.1.2 Laminates
4.2 Ignition-resistant (flame retardant) materials
4.3 Filler and Reinforced Composition Marking
4.3.1 Marking for Additional materials
4.4 Plasticizers
4.4.1 Supplemental Requirements for plasticizers

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4.5 Recycled Content

5 Supplemental Identification
5.1 Commercial blends
5.2 Indication of special characteristics
6 References

1 Introduction
This document provides the requirements for marking HP's plastic parts and products. This marking
will be used during subsequent recycling, reuse, or disposal.

2 Scope
The requirements of this standard apply to all molded plastic parts used in products specified by or
purchased for HP that are manufactured after 01-Jan-2005. This standard does not apply to plastic
packaging materials.
This standard specifies uniform requirements for physically marking products and parts made of
polymeric (plastic) materials according to internationally recognized standards:
 HP plastic parts and products are to be physically marked in accordance with this standard so
they can be identified, separated, and processed for recycling.
 The abbreviated terms included in this standard are consistent with the ISO/DIS 11469 Plastics
- Generic Identification and Marking of Plastic Products and ISO-1043-1 through ISO-1043-4
Plastics - Symbols standards and specify the requirements for generic marking of polymers.

3 Marking requirements
If the part size, geometry, and cosmetic and effective function allow, all plastic parts and products
must be physically marked with the appropriate symbols or codes (identified in the tables within this
standard) to designate the following:
 Basic polymer in the part (Section 4.1)
 Flame retardant material used (Section 4.2)
 Filler or reinforcement used to fabricate the part (Section 4.3)
 Plasticizer used (Section 4.4)
 Recycled content (Section 4.5)
Section 5.0 identifies additional coding and information.
The requirements to be followed used when marking plastic parts and products are included in the
following subsections.

3.1 Part weight

All parts that weigh 25 grams or more must be physically marked, if adequate space is available and
the functionality of the part is not compromised. If adequate space is not available, all suppliers,
including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contract manufacturers (CMs), and original design

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manufacturers (ODMs), must notify HP in writing to determine the recycling impact of the unmarked
part.
All manufacturers, including OEMs, CMs, and ODMs, are strongly encouraged to include physical
marking, where practical, on all parts weighting less than 25 grams. Where physical marking on parts
weighing less than 25 grams is required, this requirement will be noted on applicable drawings or
procurement documents.

3.2 Character size

The physical marking code location, size, and process must be specified on the applicable part drawing.
The marking process must be compatible with the recycling process. Marking should be placed where it
is readily visible to product disassemblers. The preferred character size is 3mm to 5 mm high and with
a profile depth of approximately 0.2 mm. On smaller parts where 3mm to 5 mm text is not possible,
smaller text can be used. The materials identification text must be no smaller than the part number or
identifier that is engraved on the part. If a part number or identifier is present on the part, there should
also be adequate room for the plastic (polymer) identification symbols.

3.3 Marking legibility

Physical marking of plastic parts and products must remain legible during the entire part life. On
molded plastic parts and products, integrally molded-in marking is preferred, with the provision for
future revisions. Production Change Orders should include instructions for updating the marking code
whenever material is changed.

3.4 Marking method

The physical marking must be by injection molding, embossing melt imprint, or other legible marking in
the surface of the polymer.

3.5 Marking location

Plastic products must be physically marked on an interior surface with the appropriate abbreviated
terms.

4 Marking identification symbols

The material identification is to be marked between two angle brackets, as follows:
>Material ID<
For example: >ABS<
Only capital letters must be used for symbols and abbreviated terms.

4.1 Material identification for basic polymers

The symbols identified in Tables 1 and 2 are the material identification abbreviations for physically
identifying plastic pasts.

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Table 1: Symbol for homopolymeric, copolymers and natural polymers

Symbol Material Symbol Material
AB acrylonitrile-butadiene EVAC ethylene-(vinyl acetate)
ABAK acrylonitrile-butadiene- EVOH ethylene-(vinyl alcohol)
acrylate
ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene- FEP perfluoro(ethylene-propylene)
styrene
ACS acrylonitrile-(chlorinated FF furan-formaldehyde
polyethylene)-styrene
AEPDS acrylonitrile-(ethylene- HBV poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-
propylene-diene)-styrene hydroxyvalerate)
AMMA acrylonitrile-(methyl LCP liquid-crystal polymer
methacrylate)
ASA acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate MABS (methyl methacrylate)-
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
CA cellulose acetate MBS (methyl methacrylate)-butadiene-
styrene
CAB cellulose acetate butyrate MC methyl cellulose
CAP cellulose acetate propionate MF melamine-formaldehyde
CEF cellulose formaldehyde MP melamine-phenol
CF cresol-formaldehyde MSAN α-methylstyrene-acrylonitrile
CMC carboxymethyl cellulose PA polyamide
CN cellulose nitrate PAA poly(acrylic acid)
COC cycloolefin copolymer PAEK polyaryletherketone
CP cellulose propionate PAI polyamidimide
CTA cellulose triacetate PAK polyacrylate
EAA ethylene-(acrylic acid) PAN polyacrylonitrile
EBAK ethylene-(butyl acrylate) PAR polyarylate
EC ethyl cellulose PARA polyarylamide
EEAK ethylene-(ethyl acrylate) PB polybutene
EMA ethylene-(methacrylic acid) PBAK poly(butyl acrylate)
EP epoxide PBD 1,2-polybutadiene

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Table 1: Symbol for homopolymeric, copolymers and natural polymers

Symbol Material Symbol Material
E/P ethylene-propylene PBN poly(butylene naphthalate)
PBS poly(butylene succinate) PEN poly(ethylene naphthalate)
PBSA poly(butylene succinate PEOX poly(ethylene oxide)
adipate)
PBT poly(butylene terephthalate) PES poly(ethylene succinate)
PC polycarbonate PESTUR polyesterurethane
PCCE poly(cyclohexylene PESU polyethersulfone
dimethylene
cyclohexanedicarboxylate)
PCO polycycloolefin PET poly(ethylene terephthalate)
PCL polycaprolactone PEUR polyetherurethane
PCT poly(cyclohexylene PF phenol-formaldehyde resin
dimethylene terephthalate)
PCTFE polychlorotrifluoroethylene PFA perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether)-
tetrafluoroethylene
PDAP poly(diallyl phthalate) PHA polyhydroxyalkanoate
PDCPD polydicyclopentadiene PHB poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
PE polyethylene PI polyimide
PE-C polyethylene, chlorinated PIB polyisobutylene
PE-HD polyethylene, high density PIR polyisocyanurate
PE-LD polyethylene, low density PK polyketone
PE-LLD polyethylene, linear low PLA poly(lactic acid)
density
PE-MD polyethylene, medium density PMI polymethacrylimide
PE-UHMWPE polyethylene, ultra high PMMA poly(methyl methacrylate)
molecular weight
PE-VLD polyethylene, very low density PMMI poly(N-methylmethacrylimide)
PEC polyestercarbonate PMP poly(4-methylpent-1-ene)
PEEK polyetheretherketone PMS -methylstyrene)
PEEST polyetherester POM polyoxymethylene; polyacetal;
polyformaldehyde
PEI polyetherimide PP polypropylene

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Table 1: Symbol for homopolymeric, copolymers and natural polymers

Symbol Material Symbol Material
PEK polyetherketone PP-E polypropylene, expandable;
PP-HI polypropylene, high impact; PVF poly(vinyl fluoride)

PPE poly(phenylene ether) PVFM poly(vinyl formal)

PPOX poly(propylene oxide) PVK poly(N-vinylcarbazole)

PPS poly(phenylene sulfide) PVP poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)

PPSU poly(phenylene sulfone) SAN styrene-acrylonitrile

PS polystyrene SB styrene-butadiene

PS-E polystyrene, expandable SI silicone

PS-HI polystyrene, high impact SMAH styrene-(maleic anhydride)

PS-S polystyrene, sulfonated SMS styrene-α-methylstyrene

PSU polysulfone UF urea-formaldehyde resin

PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene UP unsaturated polyester

PTT poly(trimethylene VCE (vinyl chloride)-ethylene

terephthalate)
PUR polyurethane VCEMAK (vinyl chloride)-ethylene-(methyl
acrylate)
PVAC poly(vinyl acetate) VCEVAC (vinyl chloride)-ethylene-(vinyl
acetate)
PVAL poly(vinyl alcohol) VCMAK (vinyl chloride)-(methyl acrylate)

PVB poly(vinyl butyral) VCMMA (vinyl chloride)-(methyl

methacrylate)
PVC poly(vinyl chloride) VCOAK (vinyl chloride)-(octyl acrylate)

PVC-C poly(vinyl chloride), VCVAC (vinyl chloride)-(vinyl acetate)

chlorinated;
PVC-U poly(vinyl chloride), VCVDC (vinyl chloride)-(vinylidene chloride)
unplasticized
PVDC poly(vinylidene chloride) VE vinyl ester

PVDF poly(vinylidene fluoride)

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4.1.1 Polymer blends

Polymer blends or alloys must be labeled with the appropriate abbreviated terms for the component
polymers, with the main component in first place followed by the other components in descending
order of their mass fractions, separated by a plus (+) sign. There should be no spaces before or after
the plus sign.
For example: >PC+ABS< or >PVC+ABS+SAN<
Section 6.1 identifies codes to be used to identify commercial blends.
4.1.2 Laminates
Laminates must be physically marked with the appropriate abbreviated terms for the component
polymers, separated by a comma. The primary visible material is identified first and the main
component, by weight, is identified with an underline.
For example: >PVC,PUR,ABS<

4.2 Ignition-resistant (flame retardant) materials

The flame retardant code must be included after the polymeric abbreviation. The term FR, in capital
letters without spaces, is also followed by a two-digit code number that states the type of FR material
used. The two-digit code must be enclosed in parentheses.
For example: >PA66-(GF20+MD15)FR(52)<
All plastics containing flame retardants that have been intentionally added or that exceed 1% by
weight must include the flame-retardant code.
Table 3 identifies flame retardant codes.

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Table 3: Code numbers for flame retardants

Code numbers are grouped according to the chemical composition of the flame retardant.
HALOGONATED COMPOUNDS
10 aliphatic/alicyclic chlorinated compounds
11 aliphatic/alicyclic chlorinated compounds in combination with antimony
compounds
12 aromatic chlorinated compounds
13 aromatic chlorinated compounds in combination with antimony compounds
14 aliphatic/alicyclic brominated compounds
15 aliphatic/alicyclic brominated compounds in combination with antimony
compounds
16 aromatic brominated compounds (excluding brominated diphenyl ether and
biphenyls)
17 aromatic brominated compounds (excluding brominated diphenyl ether and
biphenyls)
in combination with antimony compounds
18 polybrominated diphenyl ether
19 polybrominated diphenyl ether in combination with antimony compounds
20 polybrominated biphenyls
21 polybrominated biphenyls in combination with antimony compounds
22 aliphatic/alicyclic chlorinated and brominated compounds
23, 24 not allocated
25 aliphatic fluorinated compounds
26 to 29 not allocated
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
30 nitrogen compounds (confined to melamine, melamine cyanurate, urea)
31 to 39 not allocated
ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
40 Halogen-free organic phosphorus compounds
41 Chlorinated organic phosphorus compounds
42 Brominated organic phosphorus compounds
43 to 49 Not allocated
INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
50 ammonium orthophosphates
51 ammonium polyphosphates
52 red phosphorus
53 to 59 not allocated
METAL OXIDES, METAL HYDROXIDES, METAL SALTS
60 aluminum hydroxide
61 magnesium hydroxide

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Table 3: Code numbers for flame retardants

62 antimony (III) oxide
63 alkali-metal antimonate
64 magnesium/calcium carbonate hydrate
65 to 69 not allocated
BORON AND ZINC COMPOUNDS
70 inorganic boron compounds
71 organic boron compounds
72 zinc borate
73 organic zinc borate
74 not allocated
SILICA COMPOUNDS
75 inorganic silica compounds
76 organic silica compounds
77 to 79 not allocated
OTHERS
80 graphite
81 to 89 not allocated
90 to 99 not allocated

4.3 Filler and reinforced composition marking

Additional information on filled or reinforced compositions must be marked. The algorithm for marking
filler and reinforced composition is indicated in the following sections.
Compositions with a single filler or reinforcing material must include the abbreviated term for the
polymer followed by a dash, then the material symbol followed by the form/structure symbol of the
additive, followed by the filler’s percentage by mass.
For example1: a polycarbonate containing 20% glass fiber is indicated as follows: >PC-GF20<
For example2: a high impact polystyrene containing 10% glass fiber is indicated as follows:
>PS-HI-GF10<
Compositions with a mixture of fillers or reinforcing materials must include the filler’s indicator and
percentage within parentheses (curved brackets).
For example3, a polyamide 66 containing a mixture of 15% mineral powder and 20% glass fiber is
indicated as follows: >PA66-(GF20+MD15)< or >PA66-(GF+MD)35<
For example4, a poly(oxymethylene) containing a mixture of 20% glass fiber and 15%
Polytetrafluorouethylene is indicated as follows: >POM-(GF20+PTFE15)< or >POM-(GF+PTFE)35<

There must be no space before or after the plus (+) sign.

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Symbols for fillers and reinforcing materials are identified in Table 4.

Table 4: Symbols for Fillers And Reinforcing Materials

Symbol Material (1) Symbol Form/Structure
A aramid B beads, spheres, balls
B boron C chips, cuttings
C carbon CM chopped-strand mat
D alumina trihydrate D fines, powders
E clay EM continuous (endless) strand mat
G glass F fibre
K calcium carbonate G ground
L cellulose H whisker
M mineral K knitted fabric
ME metal (2) L layer
N natural organic (cotton, sisal: hemp: flax: LF long fibres
and so forth.)
P mica M mat (thick)
Q silica N non-woven (fabric, thin)
S synthetic organic (finely divided PTFE: NF nanofibres
polyimides or thermoset resins) (3)
T talcum NT nanotubes
W wood P paper
X not specified R roving
Z others (not included in this list) S flake
T twisted or braided fabric, cord, tube
V veneer
W woven fabric
X not specified
Y yarn
Z others, not included on this list

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[1] The materials may be further defined; for example by their chemical symbols or by additional
symbols defined in the relevant International Standard.
[2] In the case of metals (ME), the type(s) of metal must be indicated by its chemical symbol.
[3] A specific material may be further defined

4.3.1 Marking for additional materials

Additional information combining more data, such as flame retardants, fillers, and resin characteristics,
must be supplied, based upon the appropriate current material specification.
For example, >PA11-MD30< describes a material composition of PA= Polyamide, 11= a specific nylon
11 as outlined in Table 1, and MD30, which is mineral powder at 30%.
For example, A nylon 6, 30% glass fiber with red phosphorus flame retardant would be marked as:
>PA6-GF30 FR(52)<

4.4 Plasticizers
Compositions containing plasticizers must be physically marked with the abbreviated term for the
polymer, followed by a hyphen, then the symbol "P" followed by the abbreviated term of the plasticizer
in parentheses, as described in ISO 1043-3.
For example, a PVC containing dibutyl phthalate is marked: >PVC-P(DBP)<
Supplemental requirements for plasticizers are shown in Table 5.
4.4.1 Supplemental requirements for plasticizers
Table 5 provides uniform symbols for components relating to plasticizers, to form abbreviated terms.
It includes typical abbreviated terms that have come into established use.
Requirements:
1. The first appearance of an abbreviated term in a text must be enclosed in parentheses and shall be
preceded by the chemical name written in full. For example, Alkysulfonic acid ester (ASE).
2. Only capital letters shall be used for the symbols.
3. Mixtures of plasticizers are not considered.
4. Unless otherwise indicated, the alkyl groups are n-alkyl groups and phthalates are esters of o-
phthalic acid.
5. No symbol is used in the abbreviated terms to indicate normal (n-) linear alcohols. For branched
(iso) alcohols, the additional symbol l is used with one exception: in view of the worldwide usage of
the symbol O for 2-ethylhexyl (for example in DOA and DOP), this practice is observed in this part of
ISO 1043 and the n-octyl group is designated NO (as in DNOP). Because of this dual usage, the
application of the rule specified in Requirement 1 is most important.
6. The symbol l designates iso-branched groups (for example, DIOP). However, DTDP is sometimes
used instead of DITDP because di-n-tridecyl phthalate is not a plasticizer: when DTDP is used, the
application of the rule specified in 1 (one) is most important.
7. For plasticizers based on di-esters of the same alcohol, the first symbol of the abbreviated term is
D.
8. The letter P may be used in place of F for "phosphate" in abbreviated terms for plasticizers.

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9. Several plasticizers having "iso" names indicating branched groups may consist of several isomers.
For this reason, no single IUPAC name can describe the detailed chemical composition of each of
these plasticizers.
10. Some plasticizers consisting of esters of more than one alcohol are known by the combined
number and letter code, for example, 711A is an alternative common name for heptyl nonyl
undecyl adipate (HNUA). The first digit represents the number of carbon atoms in the shortest alkyl
group and the second and third digits represent that of the longest alkyl group in the plasticizer:
thus 7 denotes heptyl and 11 denotes undecyl. The letter at the end of the code is either A, which
denotes adipate, or P, which denotes phthalate.

Table 5: Plasticizers
Abbreviated Term Common name IUPAC* equivalent CAS-RN**
ASE Alkysulfonic acid ester Alkysulfonates or not known
Alkyl alkanesulfonates
ATBC (or TBAC) tributyl o-acetylcitrate(or tributyl o-acetylcitrate 77-90-7
acetyl tributylcitrate)
ATEC (or TEAC) triethyl o-acetylcitrate(or triethyl o-acetylcitrate 77-89-4
acetyl triethyl citrate)
ATEHC actyltri-(2-ethylhexyl) tris(2-ethylhexyl)2- 144-15-0
citrate actyloxypropane-
1,2,3-tricarboxylate
BAR butylo-acetylricinoleate Butyl ®-12- 140-04-5
acetoxyoleate
BBP Benzyl butyl phthalate same 85-68-7
BCHP Butyl cyclohexl phthalat same 84-64-0
BNP Butyl nonyl phthalate same not known
BOA Benzyl octyladipate benzyl2-ethyhexyl 3089-55-2
adipate
BOP Butyl octyl phthalate butyl2-ethylhexyl 85-69-8
phthalate
BST Butyl stearate same 123-95-5
DBA Dibutyl adipate same 105-99-7
BEP di-(2-butoxyethyl) bis(2-butoxyethyl) 117-83-9
phthalate phthalate
DBF dibutyl fumarate same 105-75-9
DBM dibutyl maleate same 105-76-0

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Table 5: Plasticizers
Abbreviated Term Common name IUPAC* equivalent CAS-RN**
DBP dibutyl phthalate same 84-74-2
DBS dibutyl sebacate same 109-43-3
DBZ dibutyl azelate same 2917-73-9
DCHP dicyclohexyl phthalate same 84-61-7
DCP dicapryl phthalate bis(1-methylheptyl) 131-15-7
phthalate
DDP didecyl phthalate same 84-77-5
DEGDB diethylene glycol oxydiethylene 120-55-8
dibenzoate dibenzoate
DEP diethyl phthalate same 84-66-2
DHP diheptyl phthalate same 3648-21-3
DHXP dihexyl phthalate same 84-75-3
DIBA diisobutyl adipate same 141-04-8
DIBM diisobutyl maleate same 14234-82-3
DIBP diisobutyl phthalate same 84-69-5
DIDA diisobutyl adipate see 8 27178-16-1
DIDP diisodecyl phthalate see 8 26761-40-0
DIHP diisoheptyl phthalate as above 41451-28-9
DIHXP diisohexyl phthalate same 71850-09-4
DINA diisononyl adipate see 8 33703-08-1
DINCH diisononyl diisononyl 166412-78-8
cyclohexanedicarboxylate cyclohexane-1,2-
dicarboxylate
DINP diisononyl phthalate see 8 28553-12-0
DIOA diisooctyl adipate see 8 1330-86-5
DIOM diisooctyl maleate see 8 1330-76-3
DIOP diisooctyl phthalate see 8 27554-26-3
DIOS diisooctyl sebacate see 8 27214-90-0
DIOZ diisooctyl azelate see 8 26544-17-2
DIPP diisooctyl phthalate same 605-50-5

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Table 5: Plasticizers
Abbreviated Term Common name IUPAC* equivalent CAS-RN**
DMEP di-(2-methyloxyethyl) bis(2-methoxyethyl) 117-82-8
phthalate phthalate
DMP dimethyl phthalate same 131-11-3
DMS dimethyl sebacate same 106-79-6
DNF dinonyl fumarate same 2787-63-5
DMN dinonyl maleate same 2787-64-6
DNOP di-n-octyl phthalate dioctyl phthalate 117-84-0
DNP dinonyl phthalate same 14103-61-8
DNS dinonyl sebacate same 4121-16-8
DOA dioctyl3) adipate bis(2-ethylhexyl)3) 103-23-1
adipate
DOIP dioctyl isophthalate bis(2-ethylhexyl) 137-89-3
isophthalate
DOP dioctyl phthalate bis(2-ethylhexyl) 117-81-7
phthalate
DOS dioctyl sebacate bis(2-ethylhexyl) 122-62-3
sebacate
DOTP (or DEHT) dioctyl terephthalate bis(2-ethylhexyl) 6422-86-2
terephthalate
DOZ dioctyl azelate bis(2-ethylhexyl) 2064-80-4
azelate
DPCF (or DPCF) diphenyl cresyl phosphate diphenyl x-tolyl 26444-49-5
orthophosphate where
x demotes o, m, p or
mixture
DPGDB di-x--propylene glycol not possible not known
dibenzoate
DPHP di-(2-propylheptyl) bis(2-propylheptyl) 53306-54-0
phthalate benzene-1,2-
dicarboxylate
DPOP (or DPOF) diphenyl octyl phosphate 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl 1241-94-7
orthophosphate or
octyl diphenyl
orthophosphate
DPP diphenyl phthalate same 84-62-8

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Table 5: Plasticizers
Abbreviated Term Common name IUPAC* equivalent CAS-RN**
DTDP diisotridecyl phthalate (see see 8 27253-26-5
note X)
DUP diundecyl phthalate same 3648-20-2
ELO epoxidized linseed oil not possible 8016-11-3
ESBO epoxidized soya bean oil not possible 8013-07-8
GTA glycerol triacetate same 102-76-1
HNUA heptyl nonyl undecyl not possible Not known
adipate (=711A)
HNUP heptyl nonyl undecyl not possible 68515-42-4
phthalate (=711P)
HXODA heptyl octyl decyl adipate not possible not known
(=610A)
HXODP heptyl octyl decyl phthalate not possible 68515-51-5
(=610P)
NUA nonyl undecyl adipate not possible not known
(=911A)
NUP nonyl undecyl phthalate not possible not known
(=911P)
ODA octyl decyl adipate decyl octyl adipate 110-29-2
ODP octyl decyl phthalate decyl octyl phthalate 68515-52-6
ODTM n-octyl decyl trimellitate decyl octyl hydrogen not known
Benzene1,2,4-
tricarboxylate
PO paraffin oil not possible 8012-95-1
PPA poly(propylene adipate) same not known
PPS poly(propylene sebacate) not possible not known
SOA sucrose octa-acetate sucrose octaacetate 126-14-7
TBAC (or ATBC) tributyl o-acetylcitrate same 77-90-7
TBEP tri-(2-butoxyethyl) tris(2-butoxyethyl) 78-51-3
phosphate orthophosphate
TBP tributyl phosphate tributyl 126-73-8
orthophosphate
TCEP (or TCEF) trichloroethyl phosphate tris(2-chloroethyl) 6145-73-9

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Table 5: Plasticizers
Abbreviated Term Common name IUPAC* equivalent CAS-RN**
orthophosphate
TCP (or TCF) tricresyl phosphate tri-x-tolyl 1330-78-5
orthophosphate where
x denotes o, m, p or
mixture
TDBPP tri-(2,3-dibromopropyl) tris(2,3- 126-72-7
phosphate dibromopropyl)
orthophosphate
TDCPP tri-(2,3-dichloropropyl) tris(2,3- 78-43-3
phosphate dichloropropyl)
orthophosphate
TEAC (or ATEC) triethyl o-acetylcitrate same 77-89-4
THFO tetrahydrofurfuryl oleate same 5420-17-7
THTM triheptyl trimellitate triheptyl benzene- 1528-48-9
1,2,4-tricarboxylate
TIOTM triisooctyl trimellitate tris(6-methylheptyl) 27251-75-8
Benzene-1,2,4-
tricarboxylate
TOP (or TOF) trioctyl phosphate tris(2-ethylhexyl) 78-42-2
orthophosphate
TOPM tetraoctyl pyromellitate tetrakis(2-ethylhexyl) 3126-80-5
benzene-1,2,45-
tetracarboxylate
TOTM trioctyl trimelliate tris(2-ethylhexyl) 89-04-3
benzene-1,2,45-
tetracarboxylate
TPP triphenyl phosphate triphenyl 115-86-6
orthophosphate
TXP (or TXF) trixylyl phosphate tri-x,y-xylyl 25155-23-1
orthophosphate,
where x and y denotes
o, m, p or mixture
* IUPAC is the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemicals.
** CAS-RN identifies the Chemical Abstracts Service - Registry Number

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4.5 Recycled Content

The symbol “(REC)” is an option (according to ISO 14021:1999) that may be used in addition to the
abbreviated term for the basic polymer and the symbols for the indication of special characteristics.
The symbol “(REC)” for plastic recyclate shall always be at the last position of the abbreviated term and
symbols used for the plastic.
If the percentage recycled content is available and a specific claim of recycling content has to be
declared, the capital letters REC may be followed by a number indicating the minimum percentage by
mass of the recycling content and the whole enclosed in parentheses, e.g. “(REC85)”.
For examples1, HIPS with recycled content of 85% post consumable content,
>PS-HI< When the specific claim regarding recyclate is not intended to be declared
>PS-HI(REC)< When the specific claim regarding recyclate is intended to be declared without specifying
amount.
>PS-HI(REC85)< When the specific claim regarding recyclate is intended to be declared with specific
amount.
For examples2, ABS with recycled content of 85% post consumable content, >ABS(REC85)<
For examples3, PC containing 20% Glass fiber with recycled content of 50% post consumable content,
>PC-GF20(REC50)<

5 Supplemental identification
Additional identification marking, such as date code, country of origin, part model name, part version,
ISO supplemental part marking, and so forth, may be included on the part, upon Divisional discretion.
However, no additional information may replace the universal material marking code defined in this
standard.

5.1 Commercial blends

Table 6 includes marking information for commercial blends
Table 6: Commercial Blends Quick Reference
Symbol Material
ABS+PA Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+polyamide
ABS+PC Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+polycarbonate
ABS+PPSU Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+polyphenylenesulfone
ABS+PTFE Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+polytetrafluoroethylene
ABS+PVC Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+poly(vinylchloride)
ABS+SMA Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+styrenemaleicanhydride
ABS+TPU Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene+thermoplasticpolyurethane

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Table 6: Commercial Blends Quick Reference

Symbol Material
ASA+PC Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate+polycarbonate
ASA+PMMA Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate+poly(methylmethacrylate)
ASA+PVC Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate+poly(vinylchloride)
PA Polyamide(amorphous)blend
PA+EMA Polyamide+ethylenemethacrylicacid(ionomer)
PA+PE Polyamide+polyethylene
PA+PPE Polyamide+poly(phenyleneether)
PA+RBR Polyamide+rubber
PA+SAN Polyamide+styrene-acrylonitrile
PBT+PET Poly(butyleneterephthalate)+poly(ethyleneterephthalate)
PBT+PPE Poly(butyleneterephthalate)+poly(phenyleneether)
PBT+RBR Poly(butyleneterephthalate)+rubber
PC+PBT Polycarbonate+Poly(butyleneterephthalate)
PC+PE Polycarbonate+polyethylene
PC+PET Polycarbonate+poly(ethyleneterephthalate)
PC+SMA Polycarbonate+styrenemaleicanhydride
PC+TPU Polycarbonate+thermoplasticpolyurethane
PET+PMMA Poly(ethyleneterephthalate)+poly(methylmethacrylate)
PET+PPSU Poly(ethyleneterephthalate)+polyphenylenesulfone
PET+RBR Poly(ethyleneterephthalate)+rubber
POM+PTFE Polyoxymethylene+polytetrafluoroethylene
POM+RBR Polyoxymethylene+rubber
PPE+IPS Poly(phenyleneether)+highimpactpolystyrene
PPS+PTFE Poly(phenylenesulfide)+polytetrafluoroethylene
PUR+PIR Polyurethane+polyisocyanurate
PVC+CPE Poly(vinylchloride)+chlorinatedpolyethylene
PVC+NBR Poly(vinylchloride)+nitrile-butadienerubber
PVC+PMMA Poly(vinylchloride)+poly(methylmethacrylate)
PVC+PUR Poly(vinylchloride)+polyurethane

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Table 6: Commercial Blends Quick Reference

Symbol Material
PVC+PU Poly(vinylchloride)+polyurethane
SMA+IPS Styrenemaleicanhydride+highimpactpolystyrene

5.2 Indication of special characteristics

The abbreviated terms from ISO 1043-1:1997(E) for basic polymers may be supplemented by up to
four symbols (identified in Table 7) to differentiate between or among modifications of the polymer, if
desired. The supplementary symbols shall be placed after the abbreviated term of the basic polymer,
separated by a hyphen, with no spacing before or after the hyphen. No symbol shall be placed in front
of the abbreviated term of the basic polymer.
For example, Polypropylene, block co polymer: >PP-B<

Table 7: Symbols for indication of special characteristics

Symbol Meaning Symbol Meaning
A acid (modified) L low
A adipate M medium
A amorphous; atactic M molecular
B biaxial N normal
B block N novolak
B brominated O oriented
C chlorinated P plasticized
C crystalline; isotatic P thermoplastic
D density R raised
E epoxidized R random
E expanded, expandable R resol
F flexible R rigid
F fluid S saturated
F fluorinated S sulfonated
G glycol S syndiotactic
H high S thermosetting
I impact T temperature (resistance)

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L linear T toughened
U ultra V very
U unplasticized W weight
U unsaturated X crosslinked; crosslinkable

6 References
ASTM D1600, Standard Terminology Relating to Abbreviations and Codes for Terms
Related to Plastics.
ASTM D1972, Standard Practice for Generic Marking of Plastic Products
ISO 1043-1:2011(E) Plastics - Symbols. Part 1: Basic polymers and their special
characteristics.
ISO 1043-2:2011(E) Plastics- Symbols Part 2: Fillers and Reinforcing Materials.
ISO 1043-3:2016(E) Plastics-Symbols and abbreviated terms Part 3 Plasticizers
ISO 1043-4:1998 (E) Plastics-Symbols Part 4 Flame retardants.
ISO 11469-2016 (E). Plastics - Generic Identification and Marking of Plastic Products.
SAE J1344. Marking of Plastics Parts.

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Revision History:
Revision, Brief Description of change
Date,
Change Number
Rev F Added Organic phosphorus compounds to Table 4.
26-Aug-2003
Rev G Changed threshold guideline for marking from 3 grams to 25 grams.
03-Aug-2004
Rev H Reformatted to new template. Text was re-ordered and edited for clarity.
21-Feb-2005 Examples were added where needed.
Rev J Correction in section 4.2 to change “1000 PPM (0.1%)” to “1% by weight.”
21-Mar-2005
DCN 02752
Rev J1 Minor revision change to correct Table 3, “Not Allocated” numbers for Organic
29-Mar-2005 Phosphorus Compounds.
DCN 02754
01-Aug-2008 Ownership change. No revision change needed.
03-Jan-2012 Ownership change. No revision change needed.
24–June-2015 Company name and ownership change. No revision change needed.
Rev K Updates including:
15-March-2017 1) The additional of an option to include plastic recyclate and its content.
2) New symbol for polymers, fillers, reinforcing material, plasticizers and
special characters.
3) Correction of engraving code examples in previous revision
4) Correction of internal HP standards website

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