Alexei Volkov
Plastic products are often stamped with a number, which is known as a resin code. This number, usually between one and seven, indicates the type of plastic the product is made from and how/where it can be disposed of. Polyethylene, or polythene, is a common plastic with the resin code #2. It is also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is used in a wide range of products, from milk jugs to shampoo bottles and electrical insulation. It is lightweight, durable, and relatively easy to recycle.
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is plastic number 1
Plastic products are labelled with a Resin Identification Code (RIC), which is a number inside a small triangle made of arrows. The presence of a resin code doesn't necessarily mean that the product can be recycled; the number inside the triangle is what matters, as each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is plastic number 1.
PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products and is lightweight, smooth, and shatter-resistant. It is often used for single-use products like water and beverage bottles, food jars and containers, salad dressing and oil bottles, mouthwash bottles, and clothes fibres. It is also one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world, with about 25% of PET bottles in the US being recycled. However, it is important to note that PET plastic should be recycled but not reused, as it is difficult to decontaminate and can leach carcinogens.
The recycling process for PET involves crushing and shredding the plastic into small flakes, which are then reprocessed to make new PET bottles or spun into polyester fibre. This recycled fibre is used to create textiles such as fleece garments, carpets, stuffing for pillows and life jackets, and similar products. Recycling PET helps keep it out of landfills, saves energy, and reduces the need for extracting virgin materials.
It is worth mentioning that not all plastics can be recycled in the same way or at all. Understanding the different types of plastics and their respective recycling codes is essential for making better decisions when it comes to plastic recycling. While PET is recyclable, other types of plastics, like PVC and polystyrene, can be more challenging to recycle and may require specialised handling.
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High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is plastic number 2
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is also known as polyethylene high-density (PEHD) and is sometimes called "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for HDPE pipes. It has a high strength-to-density ratio and is known for its high tensile strength. HDPE is commonly recycled and has the number "2" as its resin identification code.
HDPE is used in a wide variety of applications, including both rigid and soft plastic forms. It is used in everyday items like milk and ice cream containers, shampoo and conditioner bottles, detergent bottles, and kid's toys. As a soft plastic, HDPE is found in freezer bags, plastic bags, and other plastic food packaging. It is also used industrially for electrical insulation and automotive parts, such as fuel tanks and car body parts.
HDPE is lightweight and easily moulded into different shapes, making it ideal for industrial applications. It is also resistant to many solvents and chemicals, including strong mineral acids and bases, as well as naturally occurring chemicals in the soil. It resists mould, mildew, and rotting, making it suitable for underground piping. HDPE can be sterilized by boiling, making it a popular choice for food and beverage containers.
Recycling HDPE is important to keep non-biodegradable waste out of landfills and reduce the energy needed for virgin material extraction. Recycled HDPE can be used to create new products such as plastic fencing, picnic tables, and lawn chairs and children's toys. It is also environmentally friendly, helping reduce plastic production and replace heavier materials in manufacturing.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is plastic number 3
Plastic products are often stamped with a number, which is known as a resin code. This number is placed inside a small triangle made of arrows and corresponds to a different type of plastic. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is plastic number 3.
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is one of the oldest synthetic materials. It was discovered in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann and became popular in the late 1920s. PVC is lightweight, strong, and resistant to oil and chemicals. It is also flexible and soft, which makes it useful for a wide range of household products. PVC is commonly found in flooring, gutters, window frames, fencing, tiles, and appliances. It is also used in industries such as building and construction, medical, transportation, and electrical.
PVC is produced by polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). It can be modified by chlorination, which increases its chlorine content. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is produced by exposing an aqueous solution of suspension PVC particles to UV light, which initiates free-radical chlorination. PVC can be glued using special adhesives known as solvent cement.
Recycling PVC can be tricky due to its toxic nature and the limited accessibility of specialised recycling programs. It is not typically accepted by curbside recycling programs but may be recycled through specialist recyclers or specific PVC recycling programs. Some countries are moving away from using plastic resin numbers, instead referring to PVC as a rigid plastic that bounces back when squashed.
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Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is plastic number 4
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by John C. Swallow and M.W. Perrin, who were working for Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high-pressure process via free-radical polymerization. LDPE is plastic number 4.
LDPE is defined by a density range of 917–930 kg/m3. At room temperature, it is not reactive, except to strong oxidizers, and some solvents cause it to swell. LDPE has more branching than HDPE, so its intermolecular forces 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 considered one of the safer plastics for food storage because it does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, which are chemicals linked to health concerns. It is also highly flexible, making it ideal for applications requiring stretchability and adaptability.
LDPE is plastic number 4 and is identified by a resin identification code. Resin codes are contained by a triangle formation. There are seven resin codes, 1-7, to identify plastic products. Each number represents a different type of plastic and how/where it can be disposed of. LDPE is plastic number 4 and is recyclable, but its recycling process is more complex compared to other plastics like PET (Plastic #1) and HDPE (Plastic #2). It is often not accepted in curbside recycling programs, so you should check with your local recycling center before disposing of LDPE products.
LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic parts for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipment. Its most common use is in plastic bags. Other products made from LDPE include: squeezable bottles, caps, and toys. LDPE is lightweight and durable, but it poses an environmental challenge due to its slow decomposition rate. Plastic bags and films made from LDPE contribute to plastic pollution when not disposed of properly.
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Polypropylene (PP) is plastic number 5
Polypropylene is also used in industrial applications such as battery trays and cases, bumpers, interior trims, and instrument panels and dashboards. Its strength and resistance to chemicals make it ideal for industrial use. It is also used for cosmetics packaging due to its resistance to chemicals. It is easily weldable, low cost, and has low friction, giving it excellent mechanical properties.
Polypropylene is safe to reuse and has a high melting point, making it a popular choice for hot liquids. However, it is not recommended for high-temperature use and can become brittle at low temperatures. It has poor UV light resistance and poor adhesion properties, meaning paint or glue does not stick well to it.
Polypropylene can be recycled and is accepted by many curbside recycling programs. Both rigid and flexible forms can be recycled, but the steps for doing so differ. Rigid plastic products like plastic bottles or tubs are accepted by most curbside recycling programs, but flexible PP like bags or soft packaging are not. It is important to check local rules, as different areas have different recycling capabilities.
Overall, polypropylene (PP) is a versatile plastic with a wide range of uses. Its strength, flexibility, and heat resistance make it ideal for various applications, from food packaging to industrial uses. While it is recyclable, it is important to properly dispose of it to minimise its environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyethylene plastic is numbered #2 and is also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Polyethylene plastic is used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Milk and ice cream containers
- Shampoo and conditioner bottles
- Detergent bottles
- Plastic bags
- Electrical insulation
- Automotive parts
- Fuel tanks
- Car body parts
- Toys
Polyethylene plastic is considered one of the safest types of plastic. It has good chemical resistance, meaning it will not react with foods, beverages, or household chemicals. It is also durable and reliable, making it efficient for use in various weather conditions.
Yes, polyethylene plastic can be recycled and is accepted at most recycling centers. It can be reused without any harm and can be recycled up to 10 times. After being recycled, it can be turned into new containers, pipes, lumber, toys, lawn items, and more.
