Alexei Volkov
SPI stands for the Society of the Plastics Industry, which was founded in 1937 and rebranded in 2010 as the Plastics Industry Association, or PLASTICS. The SPI was responsible for introducing the Resin Identification Code (RIC) in 1988, which is a technical standard that uses symbols to identify the plastic resin used in a product. The RIC system was designed to make it easier for recyclers to sort and separate plastic items according to their resin type. The SPI also developed SPI codes, which segment different plastics based on their materials and how they should be recycled.
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What You'll Learn
- SPI stands for the Society of the Plastics Industry, founded in 1937
- SPI codes help identify the type of plastic resin used in a product
- SPI codes also indicate how the plastic should be recycled
- SPI has been rebranded as the Plastics Industry Association, or PLASTICS
- SPI has helped to fund research into making plastic recycling more accessible
SPI stands for the Society of the Plastics Industry, founded in 1937
The SPI was responsible for developing the Resin Identification Code (RIC) in 1988. The RIC is a technical standard featuring a set of symbols that appear on plastic products, identifying the type of plastic resin used in their production. The SPI code was designed to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling".
The SPI has been involved in various initiatives to promote sustainability and improve recycling processes within the plastics industry. For example, they have funded research collaborations to improve the recyclability of plastic packaging, such as thin plastic bags and wrapping materials, through the Materials Recovery for the Future (MRFF) program.
Additionally, the SPI has supported projects to increase recycling in hospitals, with a focus on non-infectious plastics from clinical areas. They have also collaborated with organisations like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition to measure the availability of recycling programs in the United States.
Through these efforts, the SPI, now known as PLASTICS, strives to shape the future of the plastics industry, promoting sustainability, and driving innovation in recycling technologies.
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SPI codes help identify the type of plastic resin used in a product
The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association, created the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988. The SPI codes, also known as the RICs, are a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used to manufacture them.
The RIC system was developed to provide a consistent national program to help sorting line workers identify post-consumer packaging types using the six basic packaging resin classes. The SPI stated that one purpose of the original SPI code was to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics." This means that plastics must be recycled separately and with other like materials to preserve the value of the recycled material and enable its reuse. For example, Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) is the common plastic material used for water bottles of all sizes and jars for common kitchen goods such as peanut butter. When recycled, PETE is used to make textiles and fabrics such as tote bags and carpets.
Another example is Polypropylene (PP), which is the plastic material that makes up Tupperware, stadium cups, and prescription bottles. While it is infrequently accepted for recycling compared to materials such as HDPE or PETE, it can be used for durable items such as rakes or ice scrapers. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) is another type of plastic resin that cannot be recycled efficiently. Recycling Styrofoam requires a lot of energy, but when the process is undertaken, recycled Styrofoam can be used to create insulation and objects such as license plate frames and rulers.
The SPI codes help identify the type of plastic resin used in a product, which is important for recycling and manufacturing processes. The codes allow for the differentiation of plastic resins, which is crucial for sorting and separating items during the recycling process. The RIC system has been updated over the years to address consumer confusion, with the arrows in the original symbol being replaced by a solid triangle to clarify that the presence of an RIC on a product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable.
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SPI codes also indicate how the plastic should be recycled
SPI stands for the Society of the Plastics Industry, which was founded in 1937 and rebranded in 2010 as the Plastics Industry Association, or PLASTICS. The SPI introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system in 1988 to standardize the materials used in different plastic products and make it easier for workers to sort and separate items according to their resin type.
The SPI code segments the different plastics on the market based on their materials and how they should be recycled. Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a commonly recycled plastic used for water bottles and jars for kitchen goods. When recycled, PETE is used to make textiles and fabrics such as tote bags and carpets. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic is considered safe as it does not give off harmful chemicals and is commonly used for containers for shampoo, detergents, and motor oil. When recycled, it can be used for plastic lumber, fencing, or bathroom partitions. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is mostly used for pipes and tiles and can be recycled into products such as traffic cones, garden hoses, and floor mats.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a durable and flexible plastic that is safe for food storage and used for plastic bags. LDPE is not commonly recyclable but can be reused for other purposes such as garbage cans, furniture, and other household items. Polypropylene (PP) is the plastic used for Tupperware, stadium cups, and prescription bottles. It is infrequently accepted for recycling but can be reused to make durable items such as rakes or ice scrapers. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) is difficult to recycle efficiently as it requires a lot of energy. When recycled, Styrofoam can be used to create insulation and objects such as license plate frames and rulers.
SPI codes help indicate how plastic should be recycled by classifying different types of plastics based on their materials. This allows for proper sorting and separation during the recycling process, ensuring that like materials are recycled together to preserve the value and reusability of the recycled material.
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SPI has been rebranded as the Plastics Industry Association, or PLASTICS
The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) was founded in 1937 and was first rebranded in 2010. On 17 October 2023, it was rebranded once again, this time as the Plastics Industry Association, or PLASTICS.
The decision to rebrand was made to evolve the purpose-driven organisation and shape the future of the industry. The new name is simple and straightforward, and defines the association as forward-thinking and believing in the ability of plastics to improve people's lives.
PLASTICS aims to make it easier to recycle all types of plastic packaging. It helps fund the Materials Recovery for the Future (MRFF) program, a research collaborative working to make all flexible plastic film (thin plastic bags and wrapping material) recyclable in residential recycling programs. The association also supports the technology that enables plastic pouches, bags, and film to be put in curbside blue bins.
PLASTICS has also helped fund an effort led by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition to measure the availability of recycling in the U.S. It is involved in educating companies on how they can turn their waste into valuable resources or eliminate waste altogether. The association has unveiled a new logo that represents the six facets of the plastics industry supply chain, including brand owners, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, moldmakers, processors, and recyclers.
The organisation is looking to grow and support sustainability and find ways to make recycling easier. It has also added a new tagline: "Better Industry. Better World."
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SPI has helped to fund research into making plastic recycling more accessible
SPI stands for the Society of the Plastics Industry, which was founded in 1937 and rebranded in 2010 as the Plastics Industry Association, or PLASTICS. The association has a new tagline: "Better Industry. Better World." This reflects its commitment to growing and supporting sustainability and finding ways to make recycling easier.
The SPI has played a significant role in making plastic recycling more accessible. Notably, it introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) in 1988 as the "Voluntary Plastic Container Coding System." The RIC is a technical standard that uses symbols to identify the plastic resin used in a product. This system helps recyclers sort and separate items according to their resin type, which is crucial for preserving the value of recycled materials and enabling their reuse.
In addition to the RIC, the SPI has also developed SPI Codes, which segment different plastics based on their materials and appropriate recycling methods. These codes provide guidance on how various plastics should be recycled, promoting consistent and effective recycling practices.
Furthermore, the SPI has been instrumental in funding research and innovation to enhance plastic recycling. The U.S. Department of Energy, through its Strategy for Plastics Innovation (SPI), has committed significant resources to this effort. The initiative aims to position the United States as a global leader in advanced plastics recycling technologies and the design of new plastics that are recyclable by nature.
As part of this strategy, the Department of Energy announced $27 million in funding for plastics recycling research and development. Various universities and institutions received funding for projects under the Plastics Innovation Challenge, including the University of California, San Diego, the University of Akron, IBM Almaden Research Center, Case Western Reserve University, LanzaTech, Inc., and the University of Delaware. These projects focus on designing highly recyclable or biodegradable plastics, developing novel methods for deconstructing and upcycling existing plastics, and creating a circular economy for plastics.
The SPI has also set quantitative objectives and metrics to ensure that funding opportunities are cost-effective and aligned with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, carbon efficiency, and material retention. By supporting these research initiatives, the SPI is actively contributing to making plastic recycling more accessible and environmentally sustainable.
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Frequently asked questions
SPI stands for the Society of the Plastics Industry.
The SPI code, also known as the Resin Identification Code (RIC), is a technical standard with a set of symbols that appear on plastic products to identify the type of plastic resin used to make the product.
The SPI code was introduced to provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling. It helps recyclers identify different types of plastics and how they should be recycled.
