Maya Ellison
The three chasing arrows symbol, commonly found on plastic products, is often misunderstood to indicate recyclability. However, it simply identifies the type of plastic resin used, with a number in the centre indicating the specific resin code. This symbol is known as the universal symbol for recycling, but it does not guarantee that an item will be accepted by recycling facilities or that the necessary infrastructure exists to process it. The chasing arrows symbol is one of seven plastic recycling symbols, each representing a different type of plastic and distinct recycling instructions. Understanding these symbols and local recycling guidelines can help ensure that plastic waste is properly recycled and does not end up in landfills or harm marine life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Chasing arrows |
| Number of arrows | 3 |
| Shape | Circle |
| Number inside | Resin code |
| Recyclability | Does not indicate recyclability |
| Purpose | Indicates the type of plastic resin used in the product |
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What You'll Learn
The chasing arrows symbol
It is important for consumers to understand the recycling symbols and know what plastics are accepted for recycling in their local communities. Checking with local solid waste and recycling authorities, as well as consulting municipality websites, can provide accurate information on recyclability. By being aware of the limitations of the chasing arrows symbol and understanding the specific recycling requirements of different plastics, consumers can make more informed choices and contribute to more effective recycling practices.
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Plastic recycling
The four arrows on plastic packaging, also known as the "chasing arrows", indicate the type of plastic resin used in the product. This is known as a resin identification code. The number inside the symbol ranges from 1 to 6 and represents the type of plastic. For example, the number 6 inside the chasing arrows indicates expanded polystyrene, which is commonly used in to-go cups and containers.
The process of plastic recycling typically involves collecting and transporting waste to recycling centres, sorting the plastic waste by colour and polymer type, and then melting and reforming it into new items. Mechanical recycling, which involves melting and reforming, is the most common method. However, it can cause polymer degradation at the molecular level, and even the most efficient filtration systems cannot prevent the release of microplastics into wastewater.
Another method is feedstock recycling, where waste plastic is converted into its starting chemicals, which can then be used to create fresh plastic. This process involves higher energy and capital costs. Additionally, plastic can be burned in place of fossil fuels in energy recovery facilities or biochemically converted into other useful chemicals for industrial use.
Despite the challenges, there are ongoing efforts to improve plastic recycling technologies and increase the scope of recyclable plastic materials. Some supermarkets and retailers have started collecting a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, including soft plastics such as baby food pouches and delivery bags. Companies are also working towards using recycled plastics in their packaging, with some pledging to make 100% of their packaging recyclable.
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Plastic resin identification
The four arrows on plastic packaging are part of the Resin Identification Code (RIC). This is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used in the product. The RIC was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The purpose of the RIC was to provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics.
The RIC is often mistaken for the universal recycling symbol, which features a triangle of arrows without a number in the centre. This has led to ongoing consumer confusion about which plastic products are recyclable. The chasing arrows symbol with a number inside does not indicate that the plastic can be recycled but rather identifies the type of plastic resin used in the product. For example, the number 6 inside the chasing arrows identifies expanded polystyrene, a plastic resin that is not desirable to recycle and is therefore not accepted for recycling in most communities in the USA.
To determine whether a plastic product is recyclable, consumers can refer to the form of packaging ("bottles", "tubs", "lids", etc.) or look for the How2Recycle labelling, which is becoming more common on packaging and is usually an accurate guide for universally recyclable materials. Consumers can also check with their local solid waste and recycling authority to determine which plastics are accepted locally.
Recycling plastic is important, but it can be a challenging process. Only 9% of the plastic ever produced has been recycled, and this number has decreased in recent years. Plastic must be recycled separately, with other like materials, to preserve the value of the recycled material and enable its reuse in other products. Even when it is technically possible to recycle a particular plastic, it is often economically unfeasible to do so.
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Recyclability
The three chasing arrows symbol, also known as the Mobius symbol, is the universal symbol for "recycling". This symbol is usually accompanied by a number that identifies the type of plastic resin used in the product. For example, the number 1 plastic is one of the most commonly used plastics and is widely recyclable, whereas the number 3 plastic is rarely accepted by recycling facilities due to its toxic and chemical composition.
The chasing arrows symbol does not indicate recyclability. Many plastic items are still sent directly to landfills as they are unable to be processed for recycling. It is important to check with local recycling facilities to understand what they can accept. For example, plastics numbered 1 and 2 are commonly accepted for recycling at most Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
Recycling is the best step to take when one cannot reuse or avoid using an item to prevent it from ending up in landfills or harming marine life. However, recycling can be challenging due to the lack of awareness around the seven plastic recycling symbols and their distinct recycling instructions. Additionally, only a small percentage of plastic is recycled, with the majority ending up in our oceans and waterways.
To improve recyclability, one can swap out plastic products for reusable options, such as glass food storage containers and metal straws. Compostable products are also gaining popularity as an alternative to single-use plastics. Consumers can also pressure companies to change their packaging to something more sustainable or recyclable.
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Injection moulding plastics
Injection moulding is a manufacturing process used to create a wide range of products, from small components like buttons and combs to larger items such as chairs and tables. It is the most common modern method of manufacturing plastic parts and is ideal for producing high volumes of identical objects. The process involves using a ram or screw-type plunger to force molten plastic or rubber into a mould cavity, where it solidifies and takes on the shape of the mould.
The history of injection moulding dates back to the 19th century when John Wesley Hyatt and his brother Isaiah patented one of the first injection moulding machines in 1872. However, the industry progressed slowly, and it wasn't until the 1940s that injection moulding saw rapid expansion due to the demand for inexpensive, mass-produced products during World War II. In 1946, James Watson Hendry built the first screw injection machine, revolutionising the process by allowing better control over injection speed and quality. This machine also enabled the mixing of materials before injection, facilitating the use of coloured or recycled plastic.
Over the years, injection moulding has evolved to produce a diverse range of products for various industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, consumer goods, toys, plumbing, packaging, and construction. The development of gas-assisted injection moulding in the 1970s further enhanced design flexibility, improved part strength and finish, and reduced production time and costs. Additionally, the use of aluminium moulds, introduced in the 1990s, has contributed to cost-efficient tooling and faster manufacturing cycles.
Today, injection moulding machines have become highly advanced, and the range of materials available for injection moulding has expanded significantly. Designers can choose from a vast selection of polymers, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers, to create products with specific properties. Injection moulding is a versatile and widely used process that has transformed the manufacturing industry, enabling the production of complex plastic parts with precision and efficiency.
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