Sofia Martinez
The seven plastic codes refer to the seven different types of plastic that are used to make a wide variety of products. The plastic codes are represented by the chasing arrows symbol, also known as the Mobius loop, with a number from 1 to 7 inside. These codes, known as Resin Identification Codes (RIC), indicate the type of plastic a container is made from but do not necessarily indicate its recyclability. For example, RIC 6 is polystyrene (PS) or Styrofoam, which is difficult to recycle, while RIC 7 includes polycarbonate, nylon, and bioplastics, which are very challenging to recycle. Understanding these plastic codes is essential for making informed choices about the types of plastic we use and their potential impact on our health and the environment.
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What You'll Learn
- The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is the number inside the chasing arrows symbol
- RICs indicate the type of plastic, not whether it can be recycled
- Clear or natural plastic is the most valuable and easiest to recycle
- RIC 7 includes plastics that are very difficult to recycle, like nylon and polycarbonate
- RIC 1 plastics are the most widely recycled and should be selected over other plastics
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is the number inside the chasing arrows symbol
The chasing arrows symbol is similar to the recycling loop or Modius Loop, which is the universally recognised symbol for recycling. The recycling loop was also introduced in 1970 to raise consumer awareness of recycled paper. In 1988, the RIC was created with a similar design, leading to one of the most common misconceptions about recycling. Consumers often assume that anything with the arrows symbol is recyclable, but the onus of recycling falls on them to understand these numbers and properly sort their waste.
The RIC ranges from 1 to 7, with each number representing a different type of plastic. Plastics with RICs 1 and 2 are the most commonly recycled plastics. RIC 1, also known as PET or PETE, is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world and is used in many food containers. Clear PET has one of the highest recycling market values as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form, and the recycling process is simple. RIC 2, or HDPE, is accepted worldwide because it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle.
On the other hand, plastics with RICs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are generally tougher to recycle and are not always collected in local recycling programs. RIC 3, or PVC, is rarely recycled, and products made with it should be avoided, especially when microwaving food or beverages. RIC 4, or LDPE, is also rarely recycled, though it can be recycled back into similar types of products when it is. RIC 5 indicates polypropylene or PP, which has a high melting point and is often chosen for containers that hold hot liquids. RIC 6, or PS, is polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, and is difficult to recycle as it is lightweight and there is not much material to reclaim. RIC 7 includes polycarbonate (PC) and various other plastics that do not fit into the previous categories, and these plastics are almost never recycled.
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RICs indicate the type of plastic, not whether it can be recycled
Plastic products are labelled with a recycling symbol, which looks like a triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1 to 7 inside it. These are known as Resin Identification Codes (RICs). RICs were introduced in the 1980s, following the creation of the chasing arrows recycling symbol in 1970.
The RIC on a plastic product indicates the type of plastic the material is made from, but not whether it can be recycled. For example, RIC 6 stands for polystyrene, and RIC 7 includes nylon and polycarbonate. However, just because a product has a recycling symbol, it does not mean that it can be recycled. RIC 7 plastics, for instance, are almost never recycled because they are not one specific type of plastic, which makes them hard to source separate.
The shape of the container and other factors can also influence whether a product is recyclable. Some types of plastic are more widely recycled than others. For example, HDPE (RIC 2) is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle and is accepted worldwide. On the other hand, vinyl (RIC 3) is rarely recycled.
The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) was introduced in 2018 to reduce confusion and help consumers understand how to recycle products correctly. It is important for consumers to understand the potential harm caused by different types of plastics and to choose safer options for their health and the environment.
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Clear or natural plastic is the most valuable and easiest to recycle
The seven plastic codes refer to the seven different types of plastic used around the world. They are identified by the Resin Identification Code (RIC), which is a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in the chasing arrows recycling symbol. The RIC tells manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from but does not indicate whether the product is recyclable.
Clear or natural plastic is the most valuable and easiest type of plastic to recycle. This is because, once coloured, plastic cannot be returned to its original state. Products made from recycled materials are often dark or black because colour can be added, but it cannot be removed once bonded with the plastic. Clear plastic, such as PET, has one of the highest recycling market values as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form. It can be commonly recycled onshore and is widely recycled. PET can be recycled into products such as motor-vehicle parts, furniture, rugs, and food packaging.
HDPE is another plastic that is 100% recyclable and is accepted at most recycling centres globally. It is typically recycled by shredding, melting, and pelletization. Recycled HDPE can be used for non-food application bottles, such as detergent, motor oil, and household cleaners.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic is widely recyclable. For example, plastic bags are often not accepted in recycling bins as they can tangle in the machinery. Additionally, some plastics are incredibly hard to recycle, such as crisp packets, salad bags, and plastic wrap. These plastics often have multiple layers that are difficult to separate, making the recyclability costly and challenging.
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RIC 7 includes plastics that are very difficult to recycle, like nylon and polycarbonate
The seven different plastic codes, also known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), were introduced in the 1980s to inform plastic manufacturers about the type of plastic a container is made from. RIC 7, also known as #7 plastic, includes plastics that are very difficult to recycle, such as nylon and polycarbonate.
Nylon, a synthetic fibre made of polymers, is not biodegradable and does not break down easily. It takes 30 to 40 years for nylon to decompose in a landfill. Nylon is melted at a lower temperature than metals and glass, allowing some contaminants to survive, which is why all nylons must be thoroughly cleaned before the recycling process. The economics of recycling nylon are also not very appealing, as it is not a cheap material to recycle, and plastics are inexpensive to buy new.
Polycarbonate is a valuable polymer known for its resistance to the elements and extreme heat while maintaining its clarity. It is used in displays, fish tanks, bulletproof glass, windows, and utility meter housing. Although polycarbonate can be recycled, it is difficult to do so due to its unique composition. Specialized processing equipment and technologies are required, and not all recycling facilities are equipped to handle it.
#7 plastic is a catch-all category for plastics that do not fit into the other six categories, including bioplastics and items composed of different types of plastics. It is hard to recycle #7 plastic, and most factories do not accept it. Consumers should opt for recycling numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 instead, as they are safer classes of plastic.
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RIC 1 plastics are the most widely recycled and should be selected over other plastics
The seven plastic codes, also known as the Resin Identification Codes (RIC), were designed to help recycling workers identify different types of plastic and sort them accordingly. However, the presence of an RIC on a plastic product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable.
RIC 1 plastics, which include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and products made from recycled PET (rPET), are one of the most widely recycled plastic types in the world. PET can be turned into products of similar quality and form, and the recycling process is simple and commonly carried out onshore. This makes RIC 1 plastics a more sustainable choice compared to other plastics.
Clear PET, in particular, has one of the highest recycling market values. It can be recycled into products like motor vehicle parts, furniture, rugs, and even new food packaging. Some companies are also producing food-safe rPET packaging from recycled plastics, further reducing the environmental impact of RIC 1 plastics.
When compared to other plastics, RIC 1 plastics should be selected due to their higher recyclability. For instance, RIC 7 plastics are a catch-all category for plastics that don't fall into the other six categories, including bioplastics and polycarbonate (PC). These plastics are rarely recycled as they are not specific types, making it challenging to separate and process them.
Additionally, RIC 1 plastics like PET are preferred over other plastics like PVC, which is difficult to recycle due to its durability and resistance to harsh conditions. Similarly, LDPE, used in soft plastic products, is challenging to recycle because it is difficult to sort from other materials. Therefore, RIC 1 plastics are a more environmentally friendly option as they can be more easily recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
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