Plastic 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
Commonly recycled, PET is semi-rigid and very lightweight. It's best
suited for single-use containers as it can break down when exposed to
light and heat, causing it to leach. PET can also be recycled into fabric, similar in strength and appearance to virgin nylon. Plastic marked with an SPI code of 1 is made with polyethylene terephthalate, which is also known as PETE or PET.
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 bag carpet, fiberfill material in winter clothing, and more.
Plastic 2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a sturdy and reliable non-leaching translucent plastic. HDPE
resists UV penetration, which can damage and discolor the plastic.
Dishwasher-safe and able to withstand temperatures from -148 to 176° F
(-100 to 80° C), it's ideal for beverage and food storage. 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 didn’t 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 3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Most PVC vinyl products contain phthalates, which mimic human hormones
and also affect various life forms including fish and invertebrates
adversely. For this reason, we do not recommend products made from PVC
for food storage. 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 4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE are safe, non-leaching plastics. Flexible, impact-resistant and
microwave-proof, it's dishwasher-safe and able to withstand
temperatures from -148 to 176° F (-100 to 80° C). Safe for use with food
and beverages. lastic marked with an SPI code of 4 is made with low-density 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
Plastic 5: Polypropylene (PP)
BPA-free, polypropylene is commonly used for injection molding. Its
resistance to high heat generally makes it microwave and dishwasher
safe, as well as a good option for reusable bag and food and beverage storage. onsumers 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 6: Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene foam is a major component of plastic debris in the ocean,
where it becomes toxic to marine life. Currently, the majority of
polystyrene products are not recycled. This material should be avoided. Plastic marked with an SPI code of 6 is made with polystyrene, 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.
Plastic 7: Other
Polycarbonate is the most commonly-known #7 plastic. Proven to leach
BPA, it is not recommended for food storage. Not all "other" plastic is
polycarbonate, however. Plastics labeled #7 can also be a combination of
several safe plastics. Individual research should be done when making
decisions about #7 plastics. PI 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
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Thank you,
ReplyDeletepeople should know what kind of plastic they use