gtag('config', 'AW-1097583994'); put_pixel_code_here Understanding the Numbers on the Bottom of Plastic Packaging - Sadko Plast | Expert in Jerrican & Plastic Packaging Manufacturing

Understanding the Numbers on the Bottom of Plastic Packaging

 

When you look at the bottom of a plastic container, you’ll often notice a number within a triangular recycling symbol. This number, ranging from 1 to 7, is not just a random code—it carries important information about the type of plastic used in the packaging, which affects how the material can be recycled or reused. Understanding these numbers is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers in making informed decisions about sustainability and safety.

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)

  • Common Uses: Water bottles, soft drink containers, and food jars.
  • Recycling: Widely recyclable and often reused for producing textile fibers or new containers.
  • Note: PET is known for being lightweight and resistant to impacts, making it ideal for packaging beverages.

2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Common Uses: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags.
  • Recycling: Also widely recyclable, often used to create new bottles or plastic lumber.
  • Note: HDPE is durable and resistant to moisture, which makes it suitable for storing liquids.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Common Uses: Pipes, shrink wrap, and some food packaging.
  • Recycling: Less commonly recycled due to the toxic chemicals released during the process.
  • Note: PVC is versatile but is often avoided in food packaging due to health concerns related to phthalates.

4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

  • Common Uses: Shopping bags, bread bags, and squeezable bottles.
  • Recycling: LDPE is not as commonly recycled as HDPE, but efforts are increasing.
  • Note: It’s flexible and tough, making it ideal for packaging that requires some stretch.

5. Polypropylene (PP)

  • Common Uses: Yogurt containers, straws, and bottle caps.
  • Recycling: PP is increasingly being recycled into products like signal lights, battery cables, or bins.
  • Note: PP has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for containers that hold hot liquids.

6. Polystyrene (PS)

  • Common Uses: Disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, and egg cartons.
  • Recycling: Difficult to recycle and is often not accepted in curbside programs.
  • Note: PS can be in rigid or foam form (like Styrofoam), and it’s known for being lightweight but not very eco-friendly.

7. Other (Various Plastics)

  • Common Uses: Multi-layer packaging, sunglasses, and computer cases.
  • Recycling: This category includes all plastics not defined by the other six codes, often used in more complex products.
  • Note: Recycling depends on the specific type of plastic; it can be challenging due to the mix of materials.

Why It Matters

Knowing the meaning behind these numbers can help in making more eco-friendly choices. For manufacturers, it’s crucial to select the right type of plastic for their products to ensure safety, durability, and sustainability. For consumers, understanding these codes helps in properly disposing of plastic products, thus contributing to recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact.

Sources:

  • Plastics Industry Association. “The Plastic Identification Code System.” Plastics Industry
  • Environmental Protection Agency. “Plastics: Material-Specific Data.” EPA
  • American Chemistry Council. “Understanding Plastic Packaging Recycling.” American Chemistry

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