PLASTIC WASTE

 

The Basics On 7 Common Types of Plastic

We figured we'd answer one of the most popular questions we get: Isn't all plastic the same? in our ongoing effort to provide educational tools on plastic waste and sustainability. In a nutshell, no.

However, it's understandable that many people think it's all made of the same material from top to bottom. In fact, there are hundreds of different types of plastic (also known as polymers), but we only deal with a few of them on a regular basis.

Although we agree that plastic alternatives are necessary and support efforts to create them, the fact is that plastic is here to stay for the near future. As a consequence, rather than ignoring or dismissing it, I suggest that we strive to better understand it. Finally, not all plastic is harmful. In certain cases, humanity has benefited from it, and you can also argue that it has been beneficial to the world – but only in very particular circumstances.

Understanding the various forms of plastic is essential for comprehending the complexities of recycling, upcycling, and the health risks associated with plastic. But it's the word "complexity" that's relevant here. Since it's such a vast subject, this article is just a starting point, intended to serve as a simple introduction for those who know little to nothing about it, rather than a detailed look for those who are already well-versed.

The first step is to learn the fundamentals of the most common forms of plastic we meet, which are numbered according to their recycling codes. Here's a brief rundown:

1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)

One of the most widely used plastics is this one. It's light, solid, and usually transparent, and it's frequently used in food packaging and fabrics (polyester).

Beverage bottles, food bottles/jars (salad dressing, peanut butter, honey, etc.) and polyester clothing or rope are only a few examples.

2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Polyethylene is the most widely used material worldwide, but it is divided into three types: high-density, low-density, and linear low-density. The term "high-density" refers to a situation in which a Polyethylene is solid and chemically resistant, making it suitable for cartons, containers, pipes, and other construction materials.

Milk cartons, park benches, rigid pipes, detergent bottles, cereal box liners, toys, and buckets are only a few examples.

3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)

This tough, rigid plastic is resistant to chemicals and weathering, making it ideal for building and construction applications, although its lack of conductivity makes it ideal for high-tech applications including wires and cable. It's also commonly used in medical applications because it's germ-resistant, easy to clean, and offers single-use applications that help prevent infections in hospitals. On the other hand, we must keep in mind that PVC is the most hazardous plastic to human health, since it is known to leach harmful toxins over its entire lifecycle (eg: lead, dioxins, vinyl chloride).

Pipes, credit cards, human and pet toys, rain gutters, teething rings, IV fluid bags and medical tubing, and oxygen masks are only a few examples.

4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

HDPE that is softer, louder, and more versatile. It's commonly used as a liner inside beverage cartons, as well as in corrosion-resistant work surfaces and other products.

Plastic/cling wrap, sandwich and bread bags, bubble wrap, garbage bags, shopping bags, and beverage cups are all examples of these products.

5) Polypropylene (PP)

This is one of the most long-lasting plastics. It has a higher heat resistance than some others, making it suitable for food packaging and storage that is designed to retain hot products or be heated. It's pliable enough to bend slightly, but it holds its shape and strength for a long time.

Straws, bottle caps, medicine bottles, hot food containers, packaging tape, disposable diapers, and DVD/CD boxes (remember those?) are just a few instances.

6) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)

This rigid plastic, better known as Styrofoam, is low-cost and insulates well, making it a staple in the food, packaging, and construction industries. Polystyrene, like PVC, is considered a hazardous plastic. It can quickly leach harmful toxins like styrene (a neurotoxin) into food, which can then be consumed by humans.

Cups, takeout food containers, shipping and product packaging, egg cartons, cutlery, and insulation for buildings are only a few examples.

7) Other

Oh, yes, the dreaded "other" option! This is a catch-all category for other forms of plastic that don't fit into any of the other six categories or are mixtures of many types. We included it because you could come across the 7 recycling code on occasion, and knowing what it means is useful. The most important point to keep in mind is that these plastics aren't usually recyclable.

Eyeglasses, infant and sports bottles, electronics, CD/DVD players, lighting fixtures, and clear plastic cutlery are only a few examples.