Maya Ellison
Plastic is a versatile material used for packaging and containers, including bottles, lids, drums, and totes. However, not all plastics are created equal, and some are safer and more reusable than others. This introduction will explore the different materials used for reusable plastic containers, their benefits, drawbacks, and potential health concerns. With the variety of plastics available, it is essential to understand which types are safe for reuse and the potential risks associated with certain materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene, Polyester, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Durability | Varies; some plastics are designed for single-use, while others are more durable and can be reused |
| Safety | Some plastics are considered unsafe due to the potential leaching of hazardous chemicals, especially when exposed to heat or oily foods |
| Recyclability | Varies; some plastics are easily recyclable, while others require more sophisticated processes or cannot be recycled at all |
| Identification | Resin Identifying Code (RIC) or Resin Identification Code (numbers 1-7) usually found at the bottom of the container |
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What You'll Learn
Polypropylene (PP)
While PP is considered a safer option for food and drink use, it is not without its drawbacks. It is not entirely recyclable, and exposure to heat can cause it to break down, potentially leaching unknown chemicals into food and drinks. This can happen when PP products are used in the microwave or dishwasher, or when they come into contact with oily foods. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using PP products with fatty or oily foods and to wash them thoroughly after each use to prevent bacterial growth.
The identification code for PP is usually "5", and it can be found on the bottom of plastic products. This code helps users identify the type of plastic and determine whether it is safe for reuse or recycling. It is important to check with local recycling centres to understand which types of plastic they accept, as not all centres recycle PP.
When choosing reusable containers, it is worth considering alternatives to PP, such as reusable stainless steel or glass bottles and containers. These options are easier to clean, more durable, and do not pose the same risks of chemical leaching as PP products. However, PP remains a popular choice for the food industry due to its heat resistance and stiffness, making it suitable for hot food applications.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE plastic is identified by a ""2" label and is considered a sturdy and durable material. It is often used for detergent bottles, soap bottles, gallon-sized liquid containers, and milk jugs. Most recycling centers can process HDPE, and it has a relatively high recycling rate compared to other plastics.
The versatility of HDPE makes it a popular choice for various industries. In the food industry, for example, HDPE containers are used for storing and packaging food products, ensuring safety and maintaining freshness. HDPE is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for storing and transporting medications and other medical supplies.
While HDPE is a commonly used plastic, it is important to note that not all plastics are created equal. Some plastics may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food or drinks, especially when exposed to heat or oily substances. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper usage guidelines and avoid using certain plastics for food storage if they are not intended for that purpose.
To promote environmental sustainability, it is recommended to choose products made from recycled materials, reduce plastic usage, and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. Glass or stainless-steel containers are often suggested as safer alternatives to plastic for storing food and beverages.
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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE has more branching than HDPE (on about 2% of carbon atoms), so its intermolecular forces (instantaneous-dipole induced-dipole attraction) are weaker, its tensile strength is lower, and its resilience is higher. The side branches mean that its molecules are less tightly packed and less crystalline, and therefore its density is lower. LDPE is flexible, even in very cold temperatures, and has low crystallinity. It is also moisture-resistant and chemically resistant.
LDPE is commonly used for manufacturing various containers, including juice and milk cartons, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, and plastic parts for computer components. It is often used in plastic bags and juice containers because it is corrosion-resistant, flexible, durable, and low-cost. LDPE is identified by the number four in a triangle, usually on the bottom or side of the item.
LDPE is recyclable, but not every product made from it can be recycled in standard home or business recycling containers. It needs to be sorted properly or processed at particular facilities, especially for softer, more flexible items. LDPE is not UV-resistant and struggles to maintain its shape, colour, and integrity when exposed to UV rays. It also has a maximum temperature resistance; above 221 degrees Fahrenheit, it will start melting.
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is a popular choice for containers in the beverage and spice industries. It is a semi-rigid, lightweight plastic that is used for beverage bottles, spice jars, and honey bottles. PET is also used for some food containers, especially those meant for reuse.
PET is a type of thermoplastic, which means it can be melted and remoulded into new materials. This makes it a potentially recyclable material. The recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, which is relatively high compared to the overall recycling rate of plastic, which was 8.7% in the same year.
However, it is important to note that not all recycling centres accept all types of plastic. It is recommended to check with your local recycling centre to ensure that they can process PET before placing it in your recycling bin.
When it comes to food safety, there are some concerns about using plastic containers, including those made of PET. Researchers are unsure about the extent of chemical exposure from food packaging and storage containers. When exposed to heat, for example, in the microwave or dishwasher, PET can break down, potentially leaching unknown chemicals into food and drinks. Oily foods are also thought to attract some plastic chemicals.
To reduce the risk of chemical exposure, it is recommended to cut down on the use of plastic containers, especially for storing fatty or oily foods. Reusable alternatives, such as glass or stainless steel containers, are often recommended as they are easier to clean and do not pose the same risks of chemical leaching.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is formed in flat sheets in a variety of thicknesses and colours. These sheets can be expanded to create voids in the interior, providing additional thickness without adding weight or cost. PVC is used in the building and construction industry, replacing traditional materials such as wood, metal, and concrete. It is used for pipes, siding, fascia, gutters, and drainage systems.
In the healthcare sector, PVC is used for blood bags, tubing, and medical devices. It also has applications in electronics, automobiles, and packaging. Clear PVC is used for tamper-resistant medication packaging and shrink wrap, while rigid PVC is used for blister and clamshell packaging.
PVC is produced by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). It can be modified by chlorination to increase its chlorine content, creating chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). Flexible PVC is made by adding plasticizers, while rigid PVC is unplasticized and is known for its stiffness and durability.
While PVC has many useful properties, there have been concerns about the health and environmental impacts of some of its chemical components. Lead compounds, for example, were previously added to PVC but have been discontinued in Europe due to their ability to leach into drinking water. Vinyl chloride has also been linked to occupational cancers in workers exposed to it.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common materials used for reusable plastic containers are low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). LDPE is great for personal care, pharmaceutical and food industries, whereas PP is widely used for hot food containers.
Polypropylene (PP) is considered a safer plastic option for food and drink use. It is a good material for baby milk bottles, as long as it is made of food-grade plastic and identified as "BPA-free".
LDPE is labelled with a "4" and PP with a "5". These numbers are usually found at the bottom of the container.
Alternatives to plastic containers include glass, stainless steel, beeswax wrap, and acrylic, polyester, non-BPA epoxies or olefin polymers.
