Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere, from water bottles to clothing, but not all plastics are created equal. Some are flexible, some are durable, and some are hazardous. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastics and their potential toxicity, it's important to be able to identify the different types. This knowledge can help us make informed choices about the safety of the products we use and their impact on our health and the planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Different Types of Plastic | 7 |
| Identification | Three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle |
| Recyclability | Not guaranteed even with the presence of a code |
| Toxicity | Codes do not indicate toxicity or safety |
| Polyolefins | Ignite readily |
| PVC | Releases dioxins when burned |
| Thermoplastics | Soft on heating and harden on cooling |
| Thermosets | Never soften once moulded |
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What You'll Learn
Identifying plastic types: resin identification codes
Resin Identification Codes (RICs) are used to identify the type of resin used in plastic products. They were developed in the 1980s by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) to categorise plastic into types and ensure consistency in plastic manufacturing and recycling. The RICs are part of a broader set of recycling codes and are often mistaken for the universal recycling symbol.
The RICs are used to facilitate the collection, disposal, and recycling of plastic products. They help consumers and waste operators distinguish between different plastic materials and sort them efficiently. RICs are mandatory in most US states, but the specific requirements differ between states. The codes are usually placed inside a triangle, which was originally the "chasing arrows" symbol associated with recyclability. However, this symbol was changed to a solid triangle to clarify that RICs indicate resin type, not recyclability.
The RICs 1 to 6 indicate that the plastic packaging is made from one of six specific types of plastic:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): commonly used for plastic bottles and widely recycled.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): a durable, hard plastic that is widely recycled and used for items like milk bottles.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): a tough and durable plastic often used in construction, medical devices, and cable insulation. It is not easily recyclable through curbside collection.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): a flexible plastic often used for thin packaging and shopping bags. It is generally not recyclable through curbside collection.
- Polypropylene (PP): used in packing tape, plastic straws, and microwavable containers. It is highly recyclable, with a growing number of kerbside collections accepting PP.
- Polystyrene (PS): commonly known as styrofoam, it is hard to recycle and has been known to leach chemicals when heated. It is not usually collected in kerbside recycling.
The number 7 indicates that the packaging is made of a type of plastic other than the previous six or is a mixture of plastics. This category includes bioplastics, composite plastics, plastic-coated paper, and polycarbonate. Products with this label are often not recycled due to the variety of materials involved.
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Plastic recycling: what is safe to recycle
Plastic recycling is essential for the well-being of our planet. However, recycling plastic is practically impossible, and the problem is getting worse. A Greenpeace report found that people may be putting plastic into recycling bins, but almost none of it is actually being recycled. Plastic production is increasing, and an even smaller percentage of it is being recycled.
The first step to recycling plastic is identifying what type of plastic you have. There are mainly seven different types of plastic. The classification of each one depends on chemical structure and compliance with laws and restrictions. The easiest way to identify plastic is by locating three arrows forming a triangle with a specific number in the middle. These international codes offer clarity to plastic identification based on chemical makeup and the grading for recycling. The number indicates the type of resin used to produce the plastic.
Some types of plastics are not accepted in community recycling programs. Generally, most recyclers accept plastics #1 and #2. Plastics #3 to #6 are more difficult to recycle, and some recycling centers do not process them. Plastic #7 is even more challenging to recycle and is almost always excluded.
- Polyester and PET plastics (symbol 1): These are the most common plastic types and include plastic bottles and materials used for insulation. PET is safe for single-use applications but avoid reusing it as it increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. It is hard to clean or remove harmful chemicals, and it may leach carcinogens.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE or symbol 2): This type of plastic is strong and resistant to acidic chemicals. It includes bleach bottles, fuel tanks, and storage containers for motor oil. It is considered safe for reuse.
- PVC (symbol 3): PVC is soft and flexible and is used for plastic food wrapping. It can be both rigid and flexible. Most consumer recyclers will not take PVC products, and you should avoid reusing them, especially for food or children's use, as they contain toxins that leach throughout their entire life cycle.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE or symbol 4): LDPE is flexible and can change its shape without damage. It is used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and juice and milk cartons. LDPE is reusable and safe to repurpose.
- Polypropylene (PP or symbol 5): This type of plastic is tough and flexible and can resist most acids and solvents. It is used in margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, and cereal bags. Polypropylene is recyclable, although many recyclers still don’t accept it.
- Polystyrene: Polystyrene is used for disposable styrofoam drinking cups, takeout containers, and packing peanuts. It is not generally recyclable and accounts for about 35% of US landfill material. It breaks apart easily and often ends up inside marine animals' stomachs and on beaches. It may leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food products, especially when heated in a microwave. Avoid reusing polystyrene.
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Common plastic types: Polyester and PET plastics
Plastic surrounds us in our daily lives, from water bottles to clothing. However, not all plastics are created equal, and some are safer and more environmentally friendly than others. Polyester and PET plastics are two of the most common plastic types.
Polyester
Polyester, also known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is a type of plastic that is widely used in textiles and clothing. It is created through a process called polymerization or polycondensation, which involves combining hydrocarbon fuel fractions with catalysts to produce lightweight polymers. Polyester is known for its durability and versatility and is often blended with other fibres to prevent wrinkles, shrinkage, and tearing. It is commonly used in clothing, carpets, ropes, and upholstery.
PET Plastics
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of thermoplastic polymer resin that is widely used in packaging for consumable products. It is strong, impact-resistant, and does not react to common household substances like food and water. PET is also used in 3D printing and has excellent barrier properties, making it ideal for preventing oxygen from spoiling food and drinks. However, PET has come under scrutiny due to the presence of antimony trioxide, a potential carcinogen.
Identifying Polyester and PET Plastics
You can identify polyester and PET plastics through several methods, including visual inspection and testing with a flame. Polyester and PET plastics are often marked with a symbol or a number, such as the number 1 inside a triangle. Additionally, when exposed to a flame, PET ignites moderately and bubbles as it melts.
Environmental Impact
Both polyester and PET plastics have an impact on the environment. Polyester clothing can shed microfibres that can end up in the human food supply and contribute to water pollution. Meanwhile, PET plastics can leach harmful chemicals into liquids over time, especially when exposed to warm temperatures. Recycling PET plastics is essential, as it helps reduce the environmental impact and gives PET a second life in products like carpets and non-food containers.
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Plastic dangers: toxic chemicals and health risks
Plastic is one of the most pervasive materials on the planet, and its impact on human health is significant and concerning. The production, use, and disposal of plastics have severe consequences for human, plant, and animal health, and contribute to immense waste in our ecosystems.
Plastics are made from complex mixtures of synthetic chemicals, and it is these chemicals that pose risks to human health. The dangers are present at every stage of the plastic lifecycle, from production to disposal, and the risks are both acute and long-term. During the refining and manufacturing processes, carcinogenic and other highly toxic substances are released into the air, water, and soil. Communities living near plastic production facilities are at the greatest risk of exposure, and increased rates of leukemia, lymphoma, lung cancer, asthma, stroke, premature birth, and stillbirth have been documented in these areas.
The additives used in plastics are of particular concern. These additives are not typically bound to the plastic material itself, and they can carry toxic chemicals that are easily inhaled or ingested by humans. Over 170 fracking chemicals used in plastic production have known human health impacts, including cancer, neurological, reproductive, and developmental toxicity, and immune system impairment. Toxic chemical additives in plastics can also alter hormone activity, disrupting reproduction, growth, and cognitive function.
Microplastics, which are produced when plastic breaks down, carry these toxic chemicals and are consumed by people through food, water, and air. Microplastics have been found to damage cells in the human body, leading to serious health effects, including cancer, lung disease, and birth defects. They also act as vessels for pathogens, increasing the spread of diseases.
To protect human health and the environment, stricter regulations on the use of hazardous chemicals in plastics are necessary. Reducing the threats posed by plastics will require stopping and reversing the growth in plastic production, use, and disposal worldwide.
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Different types of plastic: Thermoplastics and Thermosets
Plastic is an integral part of our daily lives, from water bottles to grocery bags and clothing. However, not all plastics are created equal. The two main types of plastics are thermoplastics and thermosets, each with distinct characteristics and applications.
Thermoplastics are versatile materials known for their flexibility in manufacturing and recycling. They derive their name from their unique ability to be heated, reshaped, and reused multiple times without altering their chemical composition. When heated, thermoplastics soften and can be moulded into various shapes. Even after curing, they retain the ability to be reheated, melted, and reshaped. This makes them ideal for products that require flexibility, such as plastic bags, bottles, toys, packaging, and automotive parts. Thermoplastics are commonly used because they can be recycled, making them more environmentally friendly than thermosets. Additionally, they can be blended with other materials like rubber to enhance their strength and flexibility.
On the other hand, thermosets, also known as thermosetting plastics or polymers, are materials that solidify permanently after curing. Once set, thermosets will not melt or deform, even when exposed to extremely high temperatures. Their polymers form unbreakable and irreversible bonds, giving them superior heat resistance and structural integrity. Common examples of thermosets include epoxy, silicone, polyurethane, and phenolic. Thermosets offer advantages in terms of aesthetics, structure, cost, and labour. They are easy to work with at room temperature due to their low viscosity and do not release toxic fumes like styrene during the moulding process, making them safer than thermoplastics. Additionally, thermoset injection moulding is more cost-efficient and time-efficient than thermoplastics, requiring less heat and pressure during the manufacturing process.
While both types of plastics have their benefits, the choice between thermoplastics and thermosets depends on the specific application and requirements. Thermoplastics are ideal for products needing flexibility and recyclability, while thermosets excel in applications requiring heat resistance, structural integrity, and cost-effectiveness.
Identifying the type of plastic is crucial for understanding its safety and suitability for different purposes. The most common method of identification is through the triangular recycling symbol, with numbers and arrows, which indicate the chemical composition and recyclability of the plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to identify the type of plastic is by locating three arrows forming a triangle with a specific number in the middle. These are called "resin identification codes". The numbers 1 to 6 identify specific plastic polymers commonly used in consumer goods. Number 7 is a catch-all category for all other types of plastics.
Another method to identify plastics is through their appearance and feel. For example, polyethylene plastics have a smooth texture and are flexible but can leave marks. Low-density polyethylene is thin and can crumble in your hands and also makes a loud crackling noise. High-density polyethylene, on the other hand, is tougher to deform and usually has a milky white coating.
Some common plastic types include PET (or polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PS (polystyrene), and PP (polypropylene).
