plastic machine blog

Plastic is one of the most revolutionary materials ever invented, there are various types of plastic we use.The plastic codes were introduced by SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) in 1988 as a resin coding system for the purposes of more efficient recycling. Since then the coding was adopted by regulations in 39 states.

The following are the plastic codes we can find on the bottom of all the plastic containers (bottles, pets, containers of all sizes) which are used to designate was material that plastic is made of.

PLASTIC CODE #1 – PETE

PETE stands for Polyethylene terephthalate.

Use:
* Synthetic fibers
* Containers (food, beverage etc)
* In engineering used in combination with glass fiber
* Thermal insulation

Recyclable:
Yes. Easier to recycle compared to other resins.
Recycled PETE used to make carpet fibers.

Biosphenol-A (BPA): No

Plastic Code #2 – HDPE

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene.

Use:
* milk bottles
* Detergent containers
* any containers that need to be resistant to corrosion.

Recyclable:
Yes

Biosphenol-A (BPA): No
Plastic Code #3 – V

V is actually PVC which stands for Polyvinyl chloride.

Use:
* construction (wires insulation, pipes, tiles)
* clothing

Recyclable: No. PVC is recyclable, but due to the costs involved it is not recycled.

Biosphenol-A (BPA): Yes
Plastic Code #4 – LDPE

LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene.

Use:
*most common use – plastic bags

Recyclable: Yes.

Biosphenol-A (BPA): Yes
Plastic Code #5 – PP

PP stands for polypropylene.
It is resistant to fatigue.

Use:
* all uses that require resistance (ex: flexible hinges)

Recyclable: Yes

Biosphenol-A (BPA): Yes
Plastic Code #6 – PS

PS stands for polystyrene.

Use:
* insulation
* packaging

Recycled:
No. Not bio degradable.

Biosphenol-A (BPA): Yes
Plastic Code #7 – OTHER

All other types are referred to as # 7 and include everything that is not mentioned above.

Biosphenol-A (BPA): Yes