Alexei Volkov
The number 47 on a plastic container is not a direct indication of the type of plastic it is made from. However, the numbers on plastic containers usually refer to resin identification codes, which indicate the type of plastic and its recyclability. For example, plastics with the number 1 are made of PETE or PET, while plastics with the number 2 are HDPE. These two types of plastics are considered safe for food storage and are the most commonly recycled plastics. On the other hand, plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 are linked to potential health issues and are not as widely recycled.
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What You'll Learn
- Number 47 indicates plastic type #7, which covers a wide range of products
- #7 plastics include bisphenol A (BPA), a potential endocrine disruptor
- Plastic #7 is considered unsafe for food storage
- Plastic #7 is not universally recycled
- Plastic #7 is found in shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, medical equipment, and piping
Number 47 indicates plastic type #7, which covers a wide range of products
Plastic containers with the number 47 indicate that they are plastic type #7, which covers a wide range of products. This number is part of a resin identification code developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry to identify what materials/chemicals are in each plastic item, how biodegradable it is, the level of leaching, and for sorting purposes.
Type #7 plastics include products such as caps, yogurt containers, medicine bottles, straws, coffee cups, utensils, and takeout food containers. These products are trademarked as Styrofoam and are challenging and expensive to recycle due to their low density.
While plastics with the numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are considered generally safe for food storage, it is recommended to use glass whenever possible to minimise exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Plastic type #7 should be used minimally around food to limit potential health impacts, as the health effects depend on the chemical makeup of the product.
It is important to note that the recycling symbol on plastic products does not necessarily indicate that a product is recyclable or recycled. The symbol and number provide information about the type of plastic and the possibility of recycling, but it is still crucial to check with local waste recycling facilities as many of them do not recycle all types of plastics.
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#7 plastics include bisphenol A (BPA), a potential endocrine disruptor
The number 47 on a plastic container is likely to refer to the resin identification code, which indicates the type of plastic the container is made of. Number 7 plastics are a complex group that includes all plastic types except for numbers 1 to 6. This includes PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, and PVC. Number 7 plastics include a wide range of plastics with varying characteristics, such as polycarbonates, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, melamine, and nylon. These plastics are used in various everyday items, including baby bottles, plastic CDs, eyeglasses, car parts, and exterior lighting fixtures.
Number 7 plastics are challenging to recycle and are not typically accepted in curbside recycling bins. They encompass recyclable, non-recyclable, and biodegradable plastics, as well as multi-layer or mixed resin types. While some specialist recyclers may accept these plastics, it is generally recommended to reuse or repair items made from number 7 plastics instead of discarding them.
Number 7 plastics include bisphenol A (BPA), a potential endocrine disruptor. BPA is a xenoestrogen, which can leach into food or drink products packaged in polycarbonate containers. This is particularly hazardous in food storage or items that come into contact with food. Studies have shown that polycarbonate containers can release BPA, especially when heated, which can then migrate into the liquids or food. Therefore, it is recommended to minimise the use of number 7 plastics around food and to avoid heating food in plastic containers.
To summarise, number 7 plastics are a diverse group that includes bisphenol A (BPA). While these plastics have various applications, their recycling options are limited, and they may pose potential health risks, especially when used for food storage or heating. It is advisable to minimise their use around food and opt for alternative materials, such as glass or stainless steel, whenever possible.
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Plastic #7 is considered unsafe for food storage
The numbers on plastic containers indicate the type of plastic the material is made from and if it's recyclable. Plastic #7, also known as 'other', covers a wide range of materials, including polycarbonate plastics, bioplastics, and epoxy resins. While bioplastics are considered safe for food storage, polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins have been found to contain Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical that can seep into food and beverages.
According to a 2023 mouse study, BPA is a potential endocrine disruptor. Although the human body can metabolize and expel BPA, new studies have emerged claiming that it is more detrimental to health than previously believed. As a result, there are now formal petitions to restrict its use.
While the FDA continues to authorize the use of BPA, asserting that the levels at which people are usually exposed to it from food packaging are safe, some experts question the rigor behind the FDA's standards. This is because the agency relies on manufacturers to determine the safety of any chemicals used across the food system.
In addition to the potential health risks associated with BPA, Plastic #7 should be used minimally around food to limit potential health impacts. When plastic is heated, it can break down and leach unknown chemicals into food and drink. Oily foods are also thought to attract some plastic chemicals.
To minimize potential health risks, it is recommended to replace plastic items in the kitchen, such as storage containers, cups, and plates, with glass or metal alternatives.
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Plastic #7 is not universally recycled
Plastic products are often stamped with a number inside a triangle, which is known as a resin identification code. This number tells you what kind of plastic the product is made from and if it can be recycled. The presence of a resin code does not necessarily mean that the product can be recycled—it is the number inside the triangle that counts.
Plastics with the numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are considered generally safe for food storage and have no known health issues. These plastics are also the most commonly recycled plastics. However, it is still recommended to use glass instead of plastic whenever possible to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 should be used minimally around food to limit potential health impacts. Number 7 plastics cover a wide range of products, and the health effects depend on the chemical makeup of the product. Bisphenol A (BPA), a potential endocrine disruptor, is included in this category.
To recycle plastic #7, specialized handling is required. The plastic must be separated, cleaned, melted to remove contaminant molecules, and solidified. The recycled plastic can then be blended with virgin plastic and used to create new products. However, not all recycling facilities have the capacity to process plastic #7, so it is important to check with local guidelines before attempting to recycle this type of plastic.
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Plastic #7 is found in shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, medical equipment, and piping
The numbers on plastic items indicate the type of plastic the material is made from. Plastic #7, for instance, is a category for all plastic resins that do not fit into the other categories. It includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA).
Plastic #7 is found in a variety of products, including shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, medical equipment, and piping. Other common items made from plastic #7 include milk bottles, juice containers, laundry detergent bottles, motor oil bottles, garbage bags, sunglasses, iPod cases, computer cases, nylon, 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, water cooler bottles, and bulletproof materials.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is the type of plastic used in plastic #7, is one of the most toxic forms of plastic. It can release harmful chemicals when heated, so it is advised not to reuse PVC containers or cook with them. When burned, PVC releases dioxins, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Due to these health concerns, it is recommended to look for a "BPA Free" label when purchasing plastic #7 products.
While plastic #7 is recyclable, it is not easily recycled and is rarely accepted by local recycling programs. It is important to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept PVCs, as most do not. When not properly recycled, PVC can end up in landfills, where it can leach chemicals into the ground and cause pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The number 47 on a plastic container indicates that it is made from a combination of plastics numbered 4 and 7. Number 4 plastics are typically used for produce and grocery bags, while number 7 plastics cover a wide range of plastics that cannot be easily recycled.
Number 4 plastics are commonly used for produce and grocery bags. They are not to be put into recycling bins as they can get tangled in recycling equipment.
Number 7 plastics cover a wide range of plastics that cannot be easily recycled. They are often made from multiple types of plastics.
Number 4 plastics have no known health issues and are considered safe for food storage. Number 7 plastics, on the other hand, may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which is a potential endocrine disruptor. It is generally recommended to avoid using plastic containers with numbers 3, 6, and 7 around food to limit potential health impacts.
