Maya Ellison
Plastic products often bear a triangle with a number inside, ranging from one to seven. These symbols, collectively called the Resin Identification Code (RIC), indicate the types of plastics used in products and their recyclability. For example, a triangle with the number one indicates that the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), commonly used in water bottles, while a triangle with the number two indicates high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often found in milk jugs. Understanding these codes is essential for consumers to make informed choices and recycle plastics appropriately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the code | Resin Identification Code (RIC) |
| What it looks like | A triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside |
| What it means | The number identifies the type of plastic used for the product |
| Recyclability | Not all plastics are recyclable or reusable |
| Number 1 | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). Common in water bottles and food packaging |
| Number 2 | High-density polyethylene (HDPE). Found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, etc. |
| Number 3 | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Used in vegetable oil bottles, pipes, etc. Not widely recycled |
| Number 4 | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Used in condiment bottles, container lids, etc. Not always recyclable |
| Number 5 | Polypropylene (PP). Tough, lightweight, and heat-resistant. Found in food packaging |
| Number 6 | Polystyrene (PS) or Styrofoam. Difficult to recycle |
| Number 7 | Mixed plastics, including nylon and polycarbonate. Rarely recycled |
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What You'll Learn
Resin identification codes (RIC)
The triangle symbols on plastic products are called Resin Identification Codes (RIC). Each RIC has a number inside the triangle, ranging from 1 to 7, which indicates the type of plastic used for the product. These codes were developed in 1988 by the organisation now known as the Plastics Industry Association and are currently administered by ASTM International.
The presence of a RIC on a plastic product does not necessarily mean that it can be recycled. However, understanding the different resin codes can help consumers identify which plastics can be placed in their recycling bins, as not all plastics are commonly accepted by recycling programs.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): This plastic is marked with resin code 1 and is commonly used for plastic soft drink, water, and juice bottles, as well as some packaging. It can be recycled into new containers, pallet straps, panelling, carpet, and clothing fibres.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is indicated by resin code 2 and is commonly found in milk and water jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags. It is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is the most commonly recycled plastic. Recycled HDPE can be used to create plastic lumber, drainage pipes, and other durable products.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is marked with resin code 3 and is used in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, wire coating, detergent bottles, and clear food wrap. It is considered dangerous and is not widely accepted by recycling centres. However, it can be recycled into decking and building materials.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is identified by resin code 4 and is used in condiment bottles, shrink wrap, container lids, trash bags, and plastic grocery bags. LDPE products are reusable but may not always be recyclable, depending on the local collection service.
- Polypropylene (PP): This plastic is tough, lightweight, and heat-resistant. It is commonly used in disposable diapers, plastic bottle tops, yogurt containers, potato chip bags, straws, and rope. PP is marked with resin code 5 and is considered microwave-safe, but it is recommended to substitute PP containers with glass due to potential health concerns.
- Polystyrene (PS): PS, also known as Styrofoam, is marked with resin code 6 and is found in disposable cups and plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays. It is generally considered difficult to recycle and has been banned in some areas.
- Other plastics: Any plastic that does not fall under the first six types is marked with resin code 7. These plastics include nylon and polycarbonate and are found in certain food containers, electronic devices, DVDs, sunglasses, and bulletproof materials. Plastics with code 7 are rarely recycled but can be transformed into plastic lumber or custom-made products.
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Recycling symbols
Plastic products often feature a triangle with a number inside, known as a resin identification code (RIC) or resin code. These symbols were introduced in 1988 by the organisation now known as the Plastics Industry Association and are currently administered by ASTM International. The numbers within the triangles range from one to seven and indicate the type of plastic used for the product. However, it is important to note that the presence of a recycling symbol does not necessarily mean that a particular plastic will be accepted at your local recycling centre.
- Polyethylene terephthalate plastic, commonly known as PET or PETE, is marked with resin code 1. It is typically used for plastic soft drink, water, and juice bottles and is widely accepted by recycling programs. Recycled PET can be used for new packaging or in textiles and carpeting.
- High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is identified by resin code 2. It is commonly found in milk and water jugs and is frequently accepted by recycling centres. Recycled HDPE has a variety of uses, including plastic lumber, drainage pipes, and bottles.
- Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is marked with resin code 3. It is used in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, wire coating, and detergent bottles. PVC is not commonly accepted by recycling centres but can be recycled into decking and building materials by some manufacturers.
- Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is identified by resin code 4. It is used in condiment bottles, shrink wrap, container lids, and trash bags. LDPE is not always accepted by recycling programs but can be recycled into composite lumber and compost bins.
- Polypropylene, or PP, is a tough and lightweight plastic with excellent heat-resistance qualities. It is used as a barrier against moisture, grease, and chemicals. PP is marked with resin code 5 and is not commonly recycled, although some factories do recycle this plastic.
- Polystyrene, or PS, is marked with resin code 6. It is commonly found in disposable cups, plates, carry-out containers, egg cartons, and meat trays. PS is difficult to recycle and has been banned in some municipalities in the US. However, it can be recycled into packaging, containers, and insulation.
- Any plastic that does not fall under the first six types is marked with resin code 7. These plastics include nylon and polycarbonate and are found in certain food containers, electronic devices, DVDs, and sunglasses. Plastics with resin code 7 are almost never recycled but can be transformed into plastic lumber and certain custom-made products.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
PET is widely used in packaging, fabrics, and the textile industry. It is also used in films to mould parts for automotive, electronics, and many other applications. In the context of textiles, PET is commonly referred to as polyester. It is used to make artificial fibres for textiles, commonly found in clothing tags. Fibres made from PET have excellent wear resistance, low moisture absorption, and are very durable. Textile applications include blankets, bed sheets, comforters, carpets, cushioning in pillows, upholstery padding, and upholstered furniture.
PET is also used in the production of carbonated beverage bottles due to its high strength and toughness, good abrasion and heat resistance, low creep at elevated temperatures, good chemical resistance, and excellent dimensional stability. It is the fourth-most-produced polymer after polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
In 3D printing, PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) has become a popular material for high-end applications in various sectors, including surgical, automotive, and aeronautical. PETG can be coloured during processing and is known for its good mechanical properties, improved chemical and thermal behaviours, and ease of use.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
The triangles on plastic products are called resin identification codes, or resin codes, and they indicate the types of plastics used in the products. Products made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) bear the number "2" as their resin identification code.
HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is sometimes called "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for HDPE pipes. Industrial production of HDPE from ethylene happens through either the Ziegler-Natta polymerization method or the Phillips slurry process. The Ziegler-Natta method uses a combination of catalysts, including titanium tetrachloride, in contact with gaseous ethylene to precipitate high-density polyethylene. The Phillips slurry process, on the other hand, uses silica-based catalysts in contact with a fast-moving hydrocarbon and polyethylene slurry to achieve the same result. The Phillips Slurry process results in HDPE with less branching and more precise molecular weights than the Ziegler process, but the latter provides greater flexibility in the type of polyethylene produced.
With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in a wide variety of applications. It is commonly used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, plastic lumber, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, cutting boards, and more. HDPE is also used for cell liners in United States subtitle D sanitary landfills, where large sheets of HDPE are welded together to form a homogeneous chemical-resistant barrier to prevent the pollution of soil and groundwater by liquid waste. Additionally, HDPE is often chosen over steel or PVC tubes in the pyrotechnics trade for mortars due to its durability and safety. When there is a malfunction, HDPE tends to rip or tear instead of shattering and becoming shrapnel like other materials.
HDPE is known for its high tensile strength, impact resistance, and melting point. It is also harder and more opaque than other plastics, withstanding temperatures up to 120 °C/248 °F for short periods. It is resistant to many different solvents and is challenging to glue; joints are typically made by welding. The physical properties of HDPE can vary depending on the molding process used during manufacturing. For example, in rotational molding, the notched constant tensile load test (NCTL) is used to identify the environmental stress crack resistance of a sample.
HDPE is easily recyclable, helping to reduce plastic production and keep non-biodegradable waste out of landfills. It is considered one of the safest forms of plastic.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
The plastic triangle symbol, also known as the resin identification code or resin code, indicates the type of plastic used in a product. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), denoted by the number 3 inside the triangle, is a type of plastic that is strong and elastic due to the presence of softening chemicals like phthalates. PVC is commonly found in vegetable oil bottles, plumbing pipes, wire coating, detergent bottles, and food packaging. It is also used in commercial applications such as signage, vehicle wraps, and advertising.
PVC was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. However, early attempts to use PVC commercially 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. PVC can be modified through chlorination, resulting in chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), which has increased chlorine content.
While PVC is widely used, it is important to note that it is not commonly accepted by recycling programs and is considered one of the least recyclable plastics. It can be toxic when heated and may contain harmful chemicals that can affect children's development and increase the risk of cancer. Some recycling centers may repurpose PVC for speed bumps, roadway gutters, and cables. However, it is essential to properly identify and dispose of PVC to reduce potential health and environmental risks.
PVC has been associated with health concerns due to the presence of lead compounds and the release of chemical gases. Lead-based stabilizers, which were once commonly added to PVC to improve workability and stability, have been linked to leaching into drinking water from PVC pipes. Additionally, studies have associated certain types of occupational cancers with exposure to vinyl chloride in PVC workers. As a result, the use of lead-based stabilizers has been discontinued in Europe.
Overall, while PVC offers advantages in terms of durability and versatility, it is important to be aware of its potential health and environmental impacts. Proper disposal and recycling methods are crucial to minimize risks associated with this type of plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
The triangles on plastic are recycling symbols that indicate the type of plastic used for the product. They are called resin identification codes (RIC) or resin codes.
The numbers inside the triangles, ranging from 1 to 7, represent different types of plastics. For example, a 1 indicates that the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), while a 2 indicates high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
No, the presence of a triangle or recycling symbol does not necessarily mean that a plastic item can be recycled. It is important to check with local recycling programs as certain types of plastics may not be accepted.
