Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere, but did you know that less than 10% of plastic waste generated worldwide has ever been recycled? Each plastic product is stamped with a number (1-7) inside a small triangle, which is a resin code. These numbers are key identification codes that help recycling plants sort materials, and they tell us what kind of plastic it is, how it should be processed, and whether it can be recycled. For example, Types 1 and 2 plastics may be tossed into standard recycling bins, but other types may not be permitted depending on your municipality's guidelines.
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET or PETE, is one of the most well-known thermoplastic polymer resins in the polyester family. It is a clear, strong, stiff synthetic fibre and resin with a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for food and drink packaging. It is also lightweight, which keeps shipping costs low.
PET is produced by the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Ethylene glycol is a colourless liquid obtained from ethylene, and terephthalic acid is a crystalline solid obtained from xylene. When heated together under the influence of chemical catalysts, they produce PET in the form of a molten, viscous mass that can be spun directly into fibres or solidified for later processing as plastic.
PET is used in a wide range of products, from water bottles and plastic soda bottles to shampoo, liquid soap, takeout food containers, baby wipes, clothing, bedding, and mattresses. It is also used in artificial silk, carpets, tennis balls, and certain textiles. In industrial applications, PET is used in automobile tire yarns, conveyor belts, drive belts, reinforcement for fire hoses, and garden hoses. It is also used in seat belts, replacing nylon in this application.
PET is recyclable, but it is not biodegradable. It can break down into tiny pieces called microplastics, which are pervasive in our oceans, lakes, and even drinking water. These microplastics are consumed by aquatic life and can build up in the food chain, eventually being consumed by humans when eating seafood.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is commonly used in the production of sturdy plastic bottles, such as milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent containers, and oil bottles. It is also used for corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, plastic lumber, and cell liners in landfills. One of the benefits of HDPE is its high malleability, making it suitable for cutting boards and other products that require impact resistance and a high melting point. It is also used in the pyrotechnics trade for mortars due to its durability and safety compared to steel or PVC tubes.
HDPE is easily recyclable and has the number "2" as its resin identification code. It can be recycled into many types of goods, such as trash bags, shopping bags, and carryout containers. Most curbside recycling programs accept HDPE, and it is considered one of the safest plastics to use. However, it is important to check with local municipalities about their specific recycling guidelines for HDPE containers.
The production of HDPE can be achieved through the Ziegler-Natta polymerization or the Phillips slurry process. The choice of method impacts the properties of the resulting HDPE, with the Phillips Slurry process resulting in more precise molecular weights and less branching, while the Ziegler process offers greater flexibility in the type of polyethylene produced.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. However, early attempts to use PVC in commercial products faced challenges due to its rigid and brittle nature. In 1926, Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticize PVC by blending it with additives, making it more flexible and easier to process.
PVC is commonly used in plumbing systems due to its corrosion resistance and strength. It has largely replaced cast iron for plumbing and drainage applications, including waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters, and downspouts. PVC is also used in electrical and electronic industries for cable insulation, LED spacers, and fuse covers, where it provides effective insulation and protects against electrical short circuits.
Additionally, PVC is used in the medical field for blood bags, medical tubing, and intravenous (IV) bags. However, it is important to note that PVC products, especially those containing phthalates, are known to leach toxins throughout their life cycle. This has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health, with studies linking PVC exposure to certain types of occupational cancers. As a result, the development of bio-based PVC formulations and resins is gaining momentum.
PVC is typically marked with a #7 plastic recycling symbol. However, most consumer recyclers do not accept PVC products for recycling. It is recommended to avoid reusing PVC, especially for food or children's products, due to the potential health risks associated with toxin leaching.
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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is commonly used for manufacturing plastic goods like cling wrap, juice containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic parts for computer components, and various moulded laboratory equipment. Its most common use is in plastic bags, which are stretchy and strong. LDPE is also used in shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, grocery bags, six-pack rings for soda, and other items. LDPE is flexible, corrosion-resistant, durable, and low-cost. It is also moisture-resistant and has high chemical resistance.
LDPE is recyclable, but it is not as commonly recycled as No. 1 (polyethylene terephthalate) or No. 2 plastics (high-density polyethylene). LDPE is defined by a density range of 917–930 kg/m3. The EPA estimates that 5.7% of LDPE is recycled in the United States. LDPE products are recyclable in most communities (recycle code 4). However, it will need to be sorted properly or specially processed at particular facilities, especially for softer, more flexible items. LDPE can be identified by the number four in a triangle, usually on the bottom or side of the item.
LDPE has some disadvantages. It has poor UV resistance and struggles to keep its shape, colour, and integrity when exposed to UV rays. It also has high gas permeability, meaning gases like carbon dioxide can easily pass through it. LDPE might crack or break when it has to hold heavier objects. It can handle pretty hot temperatures, but above 221 degrees Fahrenheit, it will start melting.
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Polypropylene (PP)
The properties of polypropylene depend on several factors, including molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, type and proportion of comonomer, and isotacticity. It has a high degree of crystallinity, with syndiotactic polypropylene being slightly less crystalline and atactic PP being amorphous. The crystalline modifications are categorized into α-, β-, and γ-modifications, as well as mesomorphic (smectic) forms. The α-modification is predominant in isotactic PP, with a higher melting point than the β-modification.
Polypropylene is produced by chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene. Its production involves subjecting the propylene monomer to heat and pressure in the presence of a catalyst system. The discovery of stereoselective polymerization to the isotactic form by Giulio Natta and Karl Rehn in 1954 led to large-scale commercial production by the Italian firm Montecatini from 1957 onwards.
Polypropylene is used in margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, cereal bags, and more. It is recyclable, although many recyclers still do not accept it. PP is considered safe for reuse. It is important to note that plastic recycling can be complex, and not all plastics are recyclable. The symbols on plastic packaging, known as resin identification codes, indicate the different types of plastic and their distinct recycling instructions.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers 1-7 are plastic resin identification codes, which help recycling plants identify the type of plastic and how it should be processed.
Plastic resin is the type of plastic used for a product. There are seven types of plastic resin, each with distinct recycling instructions.
The seven types of plastic resin are:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene
- Polycarbonate and polylactic acid (PLA)
Products made of plastic often have a resin code stamped on them, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows.
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