Sofia Martinez
Plastic containers are ubiquitous in modern life, and many of them are marked with symbols or codes that indicate when they were manufactured and what type of plastic they are made of. These codes are important because they can help consumers choose plastics that are safer for their health and the environment. The chasing arrows symbol, for example, was designed to inform consumers that a product was recyclable, but it does not necessarily mean that it can be reprocessed. The number inside the triangle of arrows, ranging from 1 to 7, is known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC) and indicates the type of plastic used in the product. For instance, #2 plastics can be easily recycled up to 10 times, while #3 plastics, or PVC, are hard to recycle and known to contain harmful phthalates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. |
| Type of plastic | Numbers 1 through 7 indicate the type of plastic used in the product. |
| Manufacturing date | The upper dial gives the year, the middle one gives the month, and the bottom indicator could be a mold identifier or a shift indicator. |
| Resin | The recycle symbol provides data about the used resin. |
| Recycle Possibility | The code does not mean the item can be reprocessed, but shows the information about the recycling possibility. |
| Durability | HDPE is a durable plastic that is hard-wearing and does not break down under sunlight or extreme temperatures. |
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What You'll Learn
The type of plastic used
The codes on the bottom of plastic containers indicate the type of plastic used in the product. Known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), the number inside the chasing arrows symbol tells manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from.
- PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products and is found in most water and pop bottles, and some food packaging. It is intended for single-use applications as repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. Clear PET has one of the highest recycling market values as it can be turned into products of similar quality and form.
- HDPE is a stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. It is one of the most commonly recycled plastics and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is hard-wearing and does not break down under exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- PVC is a durable plastic that is not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or harsh conditions. It is commonly used in construction, plumbing, and transport. However, it is known to contain phthalates that may cause health problems and is not easily recyclable.
- LDPE is low-density polyethylene. Because products with this resin are difficult to recycle, not many facilities have services to recycle them.
- PP or Polypropylene is considered one of the most widely used plastics in the world and is typically recyclable in most major cities and facilities.
- PS or Polystyrene comes in a solid or foamed form like Styrofoam.
- Polycarbonate plastic food containers are often marked with the letters "PC" by the recycling label #7. They may also be labelled as "non-leaching", but there is still a possibility that trace amounts of BPA will migrate from these containers, particularly if used to heat liquids. Compostable plastics made from bio-based polymers like corn starch are also included in this category and are marked with the initials "PLA".
It is important to note that the RIC does not address the recyclability of the product, and not all plastics are safe for human use. Consumers should understand the potential harm caused by the elements of different plastics to make informed choices.
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Recyclability
The recycling symbol, with its distinctive chasing arrows, has been a familiar sight since its introduction in 1970 as an indicator that a product could be recycled. However, the plastic industry has perpetuated the misconception that the presence of this symbol guarantees recyclability. In fact, the chasing arrows symbol, when accompanied by a number from 1 to 7, is known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), and it simply indicates the type of plastic resin used in the product.
The RIC is a useful tool for consumers to assess the safety and recyclability of a product. For example, plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are safer choices and do not contain BPA. #2 plastics can be easily and efficiently recycled up to 10 times, and #1 plastics can also be widely recycled. On the other hand, #3 plastics, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are dangerous and difficult to recycle. #7 plastics should also be avoided, especially for children's food, as they may contain BPA.
While the RIC is informative, it does not indicate whether an item can be recycled. This depends on various factors, such as the availability of recycling services and facilities. For instance, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is challenging to recycle, so not many facilities offer this service, although an increasing number of plants are starting to accept it. Similarly, polystyrene (PS) is a very common plastic, but it is not widely recycled.
To reduce plastic waste, consumers can opt for compostable alternatives, such as PLA and fiber packaging. These materials are beneficial both during manufacturing and as a waste stream. Composting is being promoted as the future of waste reduction, offering a viable alternative to disposable plastic.
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Manufacturing date
The clock-like symbols at the bottom of plastic containers indicate the date the item was manufactured. The upper dial gives the year, the middle one the month, and the bottom indicator could be a mould identifier. In some cases, the bottom dial could be the mould number.
These "clock" symbols usually indicate the mould used to form the part. The quality department at the factory can then quickly identify which mould may need maintenance if a faulty product is noticed.
The recycling symbol, on the other hand, is known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). It tells plastic manufacturers what type of plastic a container is made from but does not address the recyclability of the product. Consumers often assume that anything with the arrows symbol is recyclable, creating a common misconception about recycling.
The RIC can help consumers decipher if a product is recyclable and make better choices between different packaging options. For example, water bottles that display a three or a five cannot be recycled in most jurisdictions in the US. A three indicates that the water bottle has been made from polyvinyl chloride, and a five means it has been made of polypropylene—two materials not accepted by most public recycling centres.
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Health and safety
Plastic containers typically have a code embossed on the bottom, which is known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC). This code is inside a triangle of chasing pointers and indicates the type of plastic the container is made from. The RIC ranges from 1 to 7, with each number representing a different type of plastic. For example, plastic #1 or PET is one of the most commonly recycled plastics globally and is used in food containers, bottles, and some packaging. It can be recycled onshore and turned into products of similar quality. HDPE or plastic #2 is another widely recycled plastic that can be recycled up to 10 times. It is used in milk jugs, detergent bottles, toys, and some plastic bags.
On the other hand, certain plastic codes are associated with health and safety concerns. For instance, plastic #3 or PVC is considered dangerous and challenging to recycle. It contains phthalates, which can cause health issues if humans are exposed to them. These chemicals can affect the hormonal system and have been linked to problems in children's development, the immune system, and the endocrine system. They have also been associated with cancer. Due to these health risks, it is recommended to avoid plastics with the recycling label #3.
Another plastic code to be cautious about is #7, often found in baby bottles, sippy cups, and food containers. These plastics may contain BPA, which could potentially migrate into the liquids or foods stored in them, especially if used for heating. While some #7 plastics are compostable, made from bio-based polymers, it is important to look for the "PLA" or "Compostable" coding to ensure they are safe for reuse.
It is worth noting that the RIC does not indicate the recyclability of a product. Just because a plastic container has the chasing arrows symbol does not mean it is recyclable. The code merely provides information about the type of plastic and the possibility of recycling. Therefore, it is essential to understand the potential harm associated with different types of plastics to make informed choices. Consumers should also be aware of alternative packaging options, such as compostable PLA and fiber packaging, to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.
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Durability and reusability
Plastic containers with recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 are considered safer choices and do not contain BPA. #2 plastics, for instance, can be easily and efficiently recycled up to 10 times. Clear containers with #2 HDPE plastic are recycled back into new containers. Coloured HDPE 2 is turned into pipes, lumber, toys, lawn, pens, and floor tiles. HDPE is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is very hard-wearing. It does not break down under exposure to sunlight or extremes of heating or freezing. It is also used for products that require durability and weather-resistance, such as picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins, park benches, and bed liners for trucks.
On the other hand, plastics with recycling labels #3 and #6 should be avoided. #3 plastics, also known as PVC, are very dangerous and one of the least recyclable plastics. They are known to contain phthalates, which may cause health problems if humans are exposed. PVC is, however, a durable plastic that is not easily impacted by sunlight, water, or other harsh conditions. Due to this durability, it is commonly used across different industries, including construction, plumbing, and transport.
#7 plastics are also best avoided, especially for children's food items. They are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles, and car parts. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers, often marked on the bottom with the letters "PC" by the recycling label #7. A new generation of compostable plastics, made from bio-based polymers like corn starch, is being developed to replace polycarbonates. These compostable plastics are also included in category #7, which can be confusing for consumers. These plastics are marked with the initials "PLA" near the recycling symbol and can be reused.
It is important to note that the plastic recycle code on an object does not necessarily indicate that it can be recycled. It just shows the information about the recycling possibility.
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Frequently asked questions
These symbols indicate when the item was manufactured. The upper dial gives the year, the middle one the month, and the bottom indicator could be a mould identifier.
These numbers indicate the type of plastic used in the product. They are known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC).
Plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are considered the safest. Number 2 plastic, or HDPE, is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world and is considered one of the safest forms.
Numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 should be avoided. Number 3 plastic, or PVC, is known to contain phthalates that may cause health problems. Number 7 plastics are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups and contain BPA.
No, the chasing arrows symbol was originally designed to indicate that a product was recyclable. However, it does not mean that the item can be reprocessed. The plastic recycle code simply shows the information about the recycling possibility.
