THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLASTICS AND CLASSIFICATION

Resource Center The Different Types of Plastic and Their Number Classifications (Codes)
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 SPIcode, 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

withpolyethylene terephthalate, which is also known
as PETE orPET. PETE-based containers sometimes absorb
odors and flavors from foods and drinks that are stored inside
of them. Items made from this plastic are commonly
recycled. PETE plastic is used to make many common
household items like beverage bottles, medicine jars, peanut
butter jars, combs, bean bags, and rope. Recycled PETE is
used to make tote bags, carpet, fiberfill material in winter
clothing, and more.

The SPI code of 2 identifies plastic made with high-density

polyethylene, or HDPE. HDPE products are very safe and
are not known to leach any chemicals into foods or drinks.
(However, due to the risk of contamination from previously
held substances, please note: it is NEVER safe to reuse an
HDPE bottle as a food or drink container if it didnt originally
contain food or drink!) HDPE products are commonly
recycled. Items made from this plastic include containers for
milk, motor oil, shampoos and conditioners, soap bottles,
detergents, and bleaches. Many personalized 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 is not often recycled and can be
harmful if ingested. 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, mobile home skirting,
and other industrial-grade items

Plastic marked with an SPI code of 4 is made with lowdensity polyethylene, or LDPE. 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, lumber, 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. PP can be recycled but is not
accepted for recycling as commonly as PETE 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, syrup bottles, prescription bottles, and some stadium
cups. 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

withpolystyrene, also known as PS and most commonly
known as 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 the other six
codes.Polycarbonate and polylactide are included in this
category. 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

SPI codes can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with them or the different kinds of plastic they identify. However,
learning about them can help consumers make more informed decisions related to their health and help recyclers
sort their plastics more effectively. Remember, informed consumers can demand that plastics manufacturers provide
better products. So keep these plastic classification numbers and plastic types in mind, and dont forget to put your
newfound knowledge to use -- always check a products classification code prior to recycling it or re-using it!

Read more: http://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/lib/different-types-of-plastic.htm#ixzz3SEw3s1lP

Plastic Type General Properties Common Household Uses

Polyethylene
Terepthalate
Good gas & moisture barrier properties Mineral Water, fizzy drink and beer bottles
High heat resistance Pre-prepared food trays and roasting bags
Clear Boil in the bag food pouches
Hard Soft drink and water bottles
Tough Fibre for clothing and carpets
Microwave transparency Strapping
Solvent resistant Some shampoo and mouthwash bottles
High Density
Polyethylene
Excellent moisture barrier properties Detergent, bleach and fabric conditioner
bottles
Excellent chemical resistance Snack food boxes and cereal box liners
Hard to semi-flexible and strong Milk and non-carbonated drinks bottles
Soft waxy surface Toys, buckets, rigid pipes, crates, plant pots
Permeable to gas Plastic wood, garden furniture
HDPE films crinkle to the touch Wheeled refuse bins, compost containers
Pigmented bottles stress resistant
Polyvinyl
Chloride
Excellent transparency Credit cards
Hard, rigid (flexible when plasticised) Carpet backing and other floor covering
Good chemical resistance Window and door frames, guttering

Long term stability Pipes and fittings, wire and cable sheathing
Good weathering ability Synthetic leather products
Stable electrical properties
Low gas permeability
Low Density
Polyethylene
Tough and flexible Films, fertiliser bags, refuse sacks
Waxy surface Packaging films, bubble wrap
Soft scratches easily Flexible bottles
Good transparency Irrigation pipes
Low melting point Thick shopping bags (clothes and produce)
Stable electrical properties Wire and cable applications
Good moisture barrier properties Some bottle tops
Polypropylene
Excellent chemical resistance Most bottle tops
High melting point Ketchup and syrup bottles
Hard, but flexible Yoghurt and some margarine containers
Waxy surface Potato crisp bags, biscuit wrappers
Translucent Crates, plant pots, drinking straws
Strong Hinged lunch boxes, refrigerated containers
Fabric/ carpet fibres, heavy duty bags/tarpaulins
Polystyrene
Clear to opaque Yoghurt containers, egg boxes
Glassy surface Fast food trays
Rigid or foamed Video cases
Hard Vending cups and disposable cutlery

Brittle Seed trays

High clarity Coat hangers
Affected by fats and solvents Low cost brittle toys
There are other polymers that have a
wide range of uses, particularly in
engineering sectors. They are identified
with the number 7 and OTHER (or a
triangle with numbers from 7 to 19).
Nylon (PA)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Layered or multi-material mixed polymers

Types of plastic
The following table illustrates the most common types of plastics used, their
applications and the symbol which is often used to identify them on forms
of plastic packaging.
Polymer Types

Examples of applications

Symbol

Polyethylene
Terephthalate

Fizzy drink and water bottles. Salad trays.

High Density
Polyethylene

Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most

shampoo bottles.

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Polyvinyl
Chloride

Pipes, fittings, window and door frames

(rigid PVC). Thermal insulation (PVC foam)
and automotive parts.

ull

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Low Density
Polyethylene

Carrier bags, bin liners and packaging films.

Polypropylene

Margarine tubs, microwaveable meal trays, also

produced as fibres and filaments for carpets, wall
coverings and vehicle
upholstery.

Polystyrene

Yoghurt pots, foam hamburger boxes and egg cartons,

plastic cutlery, protective packaging for electronic
goods and toys. Insulating material in the building and
construction industry.

Unallocated
References

Any other plastics that do not fall into any of the above
categories - for example polycarbonate which is often
used in glazing for the aircraft industry

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