Ethan Clarke
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, it's important to know what type of plastic you're dealing with. This is especially true when it comes to food safety and recycling. Identifying the different types of plastic can be tricky, but there are some simple ways to tell them apart, from their appearance and feel to international resin identification codes. Understanding the different types of plastic can help you make informed choices about the products you use and how to dispose of them responsibly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Different Types of Plastic | 7 |
| Plastic Identification | Symbols surrounded by three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle |
| Recyclability | Not guaranteed even with the presence of a code |
| Toxicity | Not indicated by the codes |
| Symbol 1 | Polyester and PET plastics |
| Symbol 2 | High-Density Polyethylene |
| Symbol 3 | PVC |
| Symbol 4 | Low-Density Polyethylene |
| Symbol 5 | Polypropylene |
| Symbol 7 | Polycarbonate (PC) and other mixed plastics |
| Testing Method | Applying flame to observe smoke and ignition potential |
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What You'll Learn
- Identifying plastic types: look out for the resin identification code, a number surrounded by a triangle of arrows
- Polyester and PET plastics: the most common plastic types, including plastic bottles and clothing
- High-Density Polyethylene: strong and resistant to acidic chemicals, used for bleach bottles and fuel tanks
- PVC: can be rigid or flexible, used for window frames, piping, and electrical wire insulation
- Polycarbonate (PC): commonly associated with baby bottles, but is very toxic and banned in several countries
Identifying plastic types: look out for the resin identification code, a number surrounded by a triangle of arrows
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a system designed to identify the type of resin used in a plastic product. It was developed in the 1980s by the Society of the Plastics Industry (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The RIC consists of a number surrounded by a triangle of arrows, which indicate whether a plastic product is recyclable or not.
The RIC system was created to address the concerns of recyclers and to facilitate the sorting and separation of plastic items according to their resin type. Plastics must be recycled separately and with like materials to preserve the value of the recycled material and enable its reuse.
The numbers within the RIC correspond to different types of plastic:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): commonly used for plastic bottles and food packaging.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): a durable plastic with a high market value due to its ability to withstand most solvents. It is widely recycled and often used for milk bottles.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): a tough and durable plastic often used in construction, plumbing, and transport. PVC is not easily recyclable and should be disposed of in the trash.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): a flexible plastic often used for thin packaging and shopping bags. LDPE is recyclable, but its recyclability depends on local authorities.
- Polypropylene (PP): used for hot food packaging due to its high melt temperature. It is also used for packing tape and plastic straws. PP is highly recyclable and can be recycled into brooms, brushes, and garden rakes.
- Polystyrene (PS): commonly known as styrofoam, polystyrene is hard to recycle and has been known to leach chemicals when heated. It is not easily recycled and is not generally collected in kerbside recycling.
- Other plastics: this category includes plastics that do not fall into the previous six groups, such as bioplastics, composite plastics, plastic-coated paper, and polycarbonate. Products with this label are usually not recycled due to the variety of materials they encompass.
It is important to note that the presence of a RIC on a product does not necessarily indicate that it is recyclable. The RIC only identifies the type of resin used and does not address the recyclability of the product. Consumers should check with their local facilities to determine which plastics can be accepted for recycling.
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Polyester and PET plastics: the most common plastic types, including plastic bottles and clothing
Polyester is a category of polymers that contain one or two ester linkages in every repeat unit of their main chain. It is a synthetic fiber derived from coal, air, water, and petroleum. Polyester is a popular choice for clothing because its fibers are heat-sensitive, making them highly stain-resistant, and they can be given permanent pleats. They are also easy to dye. Polyester clothing is also known for being lightweight, durable, and quick-drying, making it a common choice for athletic and outdoor wear. Polyester is used extensively in clothing, furnishings, textiles, and more.
Polyester is a type of plastic. It is not a biodegradable fiber and can take hundreds of years to fully break down. It is harmful to the environment in many ways. For example, a study in 2014 found that washing polyester fabrics releases tiny synthetic microfibers into the water supply, which harms marine life and contaminates drinking water. Polyester is also derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource.
Polyester clothing is made from synthetic fibers that are derived from a type of polymer called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a type of thermoplastic polyester. PET is a clear, durable, and versatile plastic. It is the most recyclable and recycled plastic in the United States and is used to make beverage bottles that are designed to be 100% recyclable. Recycled PET (rPET) is a highly sought-after material as it reduces environmental impact. Using rPET to make new bottles reduces total energy consumption by 79% and limits greenhouse gas emissions by 67%. rPET is also used in textile production, reducing the environmental impact of polyester manufacturing.
PET is used in a variety of applications, including bottles, film, packaging, engineering plastics, and 3D printing filament. It is also used in the production of polyester fiber, which is widely used in the textile industry. PET can be recycled into its original uses, making it a valuable material. However, it is important to note that most recycled polyester clothing uses plastic water bottles, which is a form of downcycling. The quality of the recycled fibers is generally lower than that of virgin polyester fibers.
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High-Density Polyethylene: strong and resistant to acidic chemicals, used for bleach bottles and fuel tanks
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a commonly used thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is also known as polythene or alkathene. HDPE is a strong, durable, lightweight, and chemically resistant plastic material. It is easy to fabricate and weld using thermoplastic welding equipment.
HDPE is most commonly used for chemical tanks, water pipe flanges, and corrosion-resistant piping. It is also used for indoor and outdoor playgrounds, marine construction, orthotics and prosthetics, and outdoor furniture. Due to its high strength-to-density ratio, it is also used in the production of plastic bottles.
One of the advantages of HDPE is its resistance to many different solvents. It is also exceptionally challenging to glue, so joints are typically made by welding. HDPE is also moisture, bacteria, and odour resistant, and can withstand hot water and cleaning chemicals. This makes it a popular material for plastic cutting boards and food handling.
In terms of applications, HDPE is a versatile and malleable alternative to acrylic and polycarbonate sheeting. It is available in sheet and rod forms and can be used for applications that require greater strength and stiffness than LDPE (low-density polyethylene). The ease of fabrication and extreme durability of HDPE make it a popular choice for demanding outdoor industrial applications.
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PVC: can be rigid or flexible, used for window frames, piping, and electrical wire insulation
Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC, is a type of plastic that can be both rigid and flexible. It was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. In its early days, PVC was difficult to process due to its rigidity and brittleness. However, in 1926, Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticize PVC, making it more versatile.
PVC is known for its strong resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water. It is durable, lightweight, and sturdy, making it a popular material in the plumbing and construction industries. One of its unique characteristics is its ability to accept large amounts of plasticizers, allowing it to gradually change from a rigid solid to a flexible material. This flexibility makes PVC ideal for electrical wire insulation and various construction applications.
Flexible PVC contains plasticizers like phthalates, which make it softer and more prone to bending. While low phthalates have increased health risks and are being phased out, high-molecular-weight phthalates like diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) are considered safer. Flexible PVC is commonly used in electrical wire insulation and flooring in schools, homes, and hospitals. It is also used in the production of carbonated beverage bottles and high-strength garbage bags.
Rigid PVC, on the other hand, is often used in window frames and sills, especially when installing insulated glazing in new buildings or replacing older single-glazed windows. It is also used in plumbing and drainage systems, including waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters, and downspouts. Additionally, PVC is utilized in pressure pipes, films, and cable sheathing.
Overall, PVC is a versatile plastic that can be tailored to meet specific performance requirements through the incorporation of various additives. Its durability, lightweight nature, and chemical resistance make it a widely used material across multiple industries.
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Polycarbonate (PC): commonly associated with baby bottles, but is very toxic and banned in several countries
Polycarbonate (PC) is a versatile plastic with a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for various applications. It is known for its durability, impact resistance, and optical clarity. However, its association with baby bottles and the toxicity of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in its manufacture have raised concerns.
Polycarbonate plastic is commonly used in the production of baby bottles, refillable water bottles, sippy cups, and food and drink containers. It is also found in eyeglass lenses, compact discs, dental sealants, and plastic dinnerware. One of its key advantages is its durability and impact resistance, making it a suitable substitute for glass or ceramic containers that can break easily. Polycarbonate is also lightweight and has high optical clarity, often being mistaken for glass.
However, the primary concern with polycarbonate lies in the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in its manufacturing. Studies have found that BPA can leak in trace amounts from polycarbonate containers into foods and drinks. BPA has been linked to potential health risks, including disruptions to the reproductive system and a possible increased risk of cancer. These risks are particularly concerning for babies and young children, who consume more relative to their body weight.
Due to these health concerns, there have been efforts to reduce the use of BPA in polycarbonate products. Some companies have developed "BPA-free" plastics, replacing BPA with other diols like tetramethylcyclobutanediol. Consumers are also advised to avoid using scratched or old polycarbonate containers, as they may leach higher levels of BPA.
While I cannot confirm that polycarbonate baby bottles are banned in several countries, I can tell you that there is a global movement to reduce single-use plastic items. Many countries have implemented bans or restrictions on specific plastic products, such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery. For example, the European Union banned single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, and other items across all member states in July 2021. Bangladesh was the first country to ban thin plastic bags in 2002, and since then, more than 130 countries have followed suit with full or partial bans.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to identify the type of plastic. One common method is to look out for three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. You can also identify plastic by appearance and feel. For example, PE feels smooth, soft and tough, whereas PVC feels sticky. Another method is to identify plastic by density, or how they float or sink in water. Finally, you can try the burn test, although this is not recommended due to the potential toxic fumes.
A number 7 on a piece of plastic usually indicates that it is made of polycarbonate (PC). Polycarbonate is often associated with baby bottles, metal food cans and dental sealants. However, if there is no "PC" written underneath the number, it could be made of another type of plastic.
A number 1 on a piece of plastic indicates that it is made of PET, the most well-known member of the polyester family of plastic polymers. PET is commonly used for packaging foods and liquids like water bottles and soda.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a soft and tough type of plastic that feels sticky. It is commonly used for toys, wire sheaths, doors, windows, packaging containers and bottles. However, PVC is a known carcinogen and can leach phthalates, which have been linked to asthma, allergies and ADHD in children.
