Plastic 101

Resin Identification Code. Taken from http://www.packaging.org.nz/images/clip_image002.gif, June 21, 2008

Plastics, made from synthetic materials, are made by a process called polymerization, composed of organic or synthetic monomers. With these wide selections basic ingredients, they can turn into different structures and gives out a range of physical characteristics such as durability, texture, and strength. These great characteristics give rise to many plastic products such as bottles, food trays, coatings, toys, and other materials to replace metals. Recently, The Daily Show on April 9th 2008 stated the code is about the toxicity of the plastic. Bisphenol-A (BPA) found in some polycarbonate plastic bottles, has been discussed a lot due to possible health effect. The Daily Show claimed that the resin code is determined by the toxicity of the chemicals inside the plastic. Therefore, I think it's time to do my own research to find out what the number really means.

As I found out, these numbers are called the resin identification codes, and they indicate the types of plastic it is used. These codes were form through the Society of Plastic Industry, Inc., in 1988. The code is made because local communities want to know about whether the plastic can be recycled (Resin Identification Code, 2007).

These codes are only designed for identification purpose. Here is a video made from the American Chemical Council. To know more information about Bisphenol-A, visit http://www.factsonplastic.com/.

Depending on your community and your recycle bin, make sure they recycle the plastic by the code labeled underneath the bottle (Plastic Packaging Resin, 2007).

Group 1 PET/PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Common uses: Also known as polyester. Used in beverage bottles and other food and nonfood containers
Second life: Carpet fiber, textiles, fleece jackets, new containers

Group 2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Common uses: Milk, bleach, shampoo, detergent, and household cleaning containers, as well as grocery bags and cereal box liners

Second life: Nonfood containers, decking, fencing, flowerpots

Group 3 PVC/VINYL (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Common uses: Packaging (shrink wrap), construction (pipe, siding, window frames), medical tubing, cable insulation

Second life: Pipe, gutters, carpet backing, packaging

Group 4 Other (All other types or a mix of plastics)
Common uses: Bottles, oven-baking bags, packaging
Second life: Can sometimes be made into bottles or plastic lumber

Group 5 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Common uses: Flexible container lids, beverage container coatings, bread bags
Second life: Shipping envelopes, trash bags, compost bins

Group 6 PP (Polypropylene)

Common uses: Molded automotive parts, food containers such as yogurt cups and takeout packaging, medicine bottles, bottle caps
Second life: Rakes, storage bins, shipping pallets

Group 7 PS (Polystyrene)
Common uses: Protective packaging, bottles, food contains, bowl, CD cases, coat hangers.
Second life: Light-switch plates, desk trays, protective packaging

Work Cited:

American Chemistry Council. 2007. Resin Identification Codes. June 20, 2008. http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/doc.asp?CID=1102&DID=4644

American Chemistry Council. March 2007. Plastic Packaing Resin. June 20, 2008. http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/bin.asp?CID=1102&DID=4645&DOC=FILE.PDF, June 21, 2008