Educating for a Sustainable Future
Resin Identification Codes
Sustainable consumption and production
Sustainable consumption and production
Each section below highlights the chemical composition, properties, applications, environmental considerations, and safety aspects of the most common plastics.
Sustainable consumption and production
Sustainable consumption and production
Sustainable consumption and production
We actively promote global awareness about the impacts of plastics, advocate for sustainable practices, and support a circular economy.
The 7 Most Common Types of Plastics
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Chemical Composition: C₁₀H₈O₄ (polymerized terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol).
Properties:
- Lightweight, transparent, and resistant to moisture.
- Excellent barrier against gases and liquids.
Applications:
- Beverage bottles, food containers, textiles (e.g., polyester).
- Wrinkle-free films (e.g., Mylar®).
Environmental Considerations:
- Non-biodegradable but highly recyclable (Resin Identification Code ♳).
- Potential leaching of antimony trioxide under heat.
Manufacturing Processes:
- Blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing.
Safety:
While generally considered safe, studies suggest PET may release endocrine disruptors and antimony trioxide under prolonged heat exposure. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, 2010.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Chemical Composition: (C₂H₄)n, composed of unbranched polymer chains.
Properties:
- Dense, rigid, and impact-resistant.
- Lightweight and resistant to mold and chemicals.
Applications:
- Milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo containers, and pipes.
Environmental Considerations:
- Highly recyclable (Resin Identification Code ♴).
- Floats in water, aiding identification during recycling.
Safety:
Generally considered safe, though exposure to UV light may stimulate the release of estrogen-mimicking compounds.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Chemical Composition: C₂H₃Cl (polymerized vinyl chloride monomers).
Properties:
- Can be rigid or flexible depending on plasticizers.
- Durable, resistant to chemicals, and odorless.
Applications:
- Pipes, blood bags, toys, electrical cable insulation, and flooring.
Environmental Considerations:
- Resin Identification Code ♵.
- Contains phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, raising concerns about human and environmental health.
Safety:
While safe when used properly, PVC production and disposal have significant environmental impacts, including toxicity from dioxins.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Chemical Composition: (C₂H₄)n with branched polymer chains.
Properties:
- Flexible, lightweight, and resistant to acids, alcohols, and bases.
- Less dense and floats in water.
Applications:
- Plastic bags, milk cartons, laboratory equipment, and playground equipment.
Environmental Considerations:
- Highly recyclable (Resin Identification Code ♶).
- No known health concerns associated with LDPE.
Safety:
Considered one of the safest plastics, as it does not leach chemicals into food or beverages.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.
Polypropylene (PP)
Chemical Composition: C₃H₆ (polymerized propylene monomers).
Properties:
- Heat-resistant, chemically inert, and flexible.
- Low density and high fatigue resistance.
Applications:
- Food containers, medical devices, automotive components, and textiles.
Environmental Considerations:
- Resin Identification Code ♷.
- Bio-PP options offer reduced carbon footprints.
Safety:
Safe for food and drink use due to its high melting point and resistance to chemical leaching.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.
Polystyrene (PS)
Chemical Composition: C₈H₈ (polymerized styrene monomers).
Properties:
- Can be rigid or foamed (e.g., Styrofoam).
- Lightweight, brittle, and flammable.
Applications:
- Packaging materials, disposable cutlery, surfboards, and insulation.
Environmental Considerations:
- Resin Identification Code ♸.
- Difficult to recycle and non-biodegradable, contributing to pollution.
Safety:
Deemed safe for foodservice use by the FDA, though long-term environmental impacts remain a concern.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.
Other (Polycarbonate and Bioplastics)
Chemical Composition: Varies; may include polycarbonates (with carbonate groups) or bioplastics derived from renewable biomass.
Properties of Polycarbonate (PC):
- Strong, transparent, and thermally stable.
Applications:
- Baby bottles, food containers, eyeglass lenses, and electronics.
Environmental Considerations:
- Resin Identification Code ♹.
- Polycarbonate contains Bisphenol A (BPA), linked to health risks.
Bioplastics:
- Derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or vegetable oils.
- May have a lower carbon footprint but are not universally biodegradable.
Safety:
Polycarbonate products may leach BPA, which is associated with endocrine disruption and health risks.
Plastic Management - Infographic
To explore the lifecycle of various plastic types and their recycling processes, you can refer to the "Plastic Management - Infographic" provided by the UN Environment Program. This resource presents key information about plastics, including types, the plastic economy, and champion countries tackling plastic pollution.