Many consumer products, such as water bottles and product containers, are made from various types of plastic. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) established a classification system in 1988 to allow consumers and recyclers to properly recycle and dispose of different types of plastic. Manufacturers follow a coding system and place an SPI code, or number, on each plastic product, which is usually molded into the bottom.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 1 is made with Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is also known as PETE or PET. If being used for food or drink, these plastic containers are not safe to be used more than once. This plastic is porous and the pores can become breeding areas for bacteria. Containers made from this plastic also absorb odors and flavors from foods and drinks that are stored in them. Items made from this plastic are commonly recycled. PETE plastic is used to make beverage bottles, medicine jars, many common household containers, combs, bean bags, rope, and much more! Recycled PETE is used for fiberfill material in winter clothing.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 2 is made with High-Density Polyethylene, or HDPE. HDPE products are very safe and they are not known to transmit any chemicals into foods or drinks. HDPE products are commonly recycled. Items made from this plastic include containers for milk, motor oil, detergents, and bleaches. Many toys are made from this plastic as well.
Plastic labeled with an SPI code of 3 is made with Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC. PVC is not easy to recycle, and it can be harmful if ingested. This plastic contains phthalates that can disrupt human hormones. PVC is used for all kinds of pipes, but it's most commonly used for plumbing pipes. This kind of plastic is also used to make cooking oil bottles.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 4 is made with Low-Density Polyethylene, or LDPE. LDPE is not commonly recycled, but it is a very healthy plastic. Plastic cling wrap, sandwich bags, squeezable bottles, and plastic grocery bags are all made from LDPE.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 5 is made with Polypropylene, or PP. PP is not commonly recycled. It is used to make plastic diapers, Tupperware, margarine containers, yogurt boxes, and syrup bottles. Plastic caps are often made from PP as well.
Plastic marked with an SPI code of 6 is made with polystyrene, also known as PS or Styrofoam. It is commonly recycled. PS may contribute to some health problems, including hormonal and reproductive disorders. Disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, plastic cutlery, packing foam, and packing peanuts are made from PS.
The SPI code of 7 is used to designate miscellaneous types of plastic that are not defined by the other six codes. These types of plastic are difficult to recycle. Polycarbonate and polylactide are included in this category. Polycarbonate, or PC, is used in baby bottles, large water bottles, and medical storage containers.
Once the SPI codes and potential health hazards of each plastic are understood , it makes it easier for consumers to make better plastic purchasing decisions. It also allows recyclers to effectively separate everything into categories. Remember: informed consumers can demand that plastics manufacturers provide better products!
© Daniel Reid, 2009