Plastic is an essential component of numerous consumer products, including water bottles and product containers. However, not every kind of plastic is the same. In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) established a classification system to help consumers and recyclers properly recycle and dispose of each different type based on its chemical makeup. Today, manufacturers follow a coding system and place a number, or SPI code, on each plastic product, usually molded into the bottom. Although you should always verify the plastic classification number of each product you use, especially if you plan on recycling it, this guide provides a basic outline of the different plastic types associated with each code number.
Plastic Marked with an SPI Code of 1 is made up of polyethylene terephthalate which is also known as PET.
PET bottles
PET-based containers sometimes absorb odors and flavors from foods and drinks that are stored inside them. Items made from this plastic are commonly recycled. PETE plastic is used to make many common household items such as bottles, medicine jars, combs, and rope. Recycled PETE is used to make carpet, fiber fill material and more.
The SPI code of 2 identifies plastic made with high-density polythylene, or HDPE.
Milk container
HDPE products are very safe and are not known to leach any chemicals into foods or drinks. HDPE products are commonly recycled. Items made from this plastic include containers for milk, motor oil, shampoos and conditioners, soap bottles, detergents, amd bleaches. Many personalised toys are made from this plastic as well. Recycled HDPE is used to make plastic crates, plastic lumber, fencing and more.
Plastic labeled with an SPI code of 3 is made with polyvinyl chloride, or PVC.
PVC
PVC is not often recycled and can be harmful if digested. PVC is used for all kinds of pipes and tiles, but it's most commonly found in plumbing pipes. This kind of plastic should not come in contact with food items. Recycled PVC is used to make flooring and other industrial-grade items.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 4 is made with low-density polythylene, or LDPE.
Plastic Bags
LDPE is not commonly recycled, but it is recyclable in certain areas. It tends to be both durable and flexible. It also is not known to release harmful chemicals into objects in contact with it, making it a safe choice for food storage. Plastic cling wrap, sandwich bags, squeezable bottles, and plastic grocery bags all are made from LDPE. Recycled LDPE is used to make garbage cans, furniture, and many other products seen in and around the house.
Consumers will find the SPI code of 5 on plastic items made with polypropylene, or PP.
Stadium cap
PP can be recycled but is not accepted for recycling as commonly as PET or HDPE. This type of plastic is strong and can usually withstand higher temperatures. Among many other products, it is used to make plastic diapers, tupperware, margarine containers, yogurt boxes and some stadium caps. Plastic bottle caps often are made from PP as well. Recycled PP is used to make ice scrapers, rakes, battery cables, and similar items that need to be durable.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 6 is made with polystyrene, also known as PS and most commonly known as Styrofoam.
Styrofoam
PS can be recycled, but not efficiently; recycling it takes a lot of energy, which, means that few places accept it. Disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, plastic cutlery, packing foam, and packing peanuts are made from PS. Recycled PS is used to make many different kinds of products, including insulation, license plate frames and rulers.
The SPI code of 7 is used to designate miscellaneous types of plastic that are not defined by other six codes. Polycarbonate and polyactide are included in this category.
Plastic CD
These types of plastics are difficult to recycle. Polycarbonate, or PC, is used in baby bottles, large water bottles (multiple-gallon capacity), compact discs, and medical storage containers. Recycled plastics in this category are used to make plastic lumber, among other products.
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