Plastic Resin Identification Codes

The International Resin Identification Coding System, often abbreviated RIC, is the set of triangle symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made. Seven main types of plastic codes are currently part of this identification system.

Type 1 — Polyethylene Terephthalate 
a.k.a. PET, PETE

Polyethylene Terephthalate is a component of the polyester group, a thermoplastic polymer resin used in synthetic fibers. The polymer is essential for making beverage, food and other liquid containers. These types of plastics have cheaper materials and easy to reuse.

PET and PETE are used in:  

• Beverage bottles (bottled water, soda containers, Gatorade bottles, fresh fruit containers)
• Food and non-food containers (peanut butter, salad dressings, condiments, antiseptics)
• Polyester fibers
• This can be recycled into: Food and beverage containers
• Carpet wools and tote bags
• Furniture and tools for cladding

Type 2 — High Density Polyethylene 
a.k.a. (HDPE)

High-Density Polyethylene is a polyethylene thermoplastic polymer made from fuel and frequently used by manufacturers engaged in the production of juice extracts, laundry, and dairy products. High-Density Polyethylene is often seen in thick and cloudy containers. In line with its high-density properties, product contents such as milk and syrups are unlikely to leak in this type of plastic. These types of polymers are easy to recycle as well.

HDPE is used in:

• Drinking containers (juice and milk)
• Food containers (butter and yogurt tubs, cereal box liners)
• Chemical containers (motor oil)
• Laundry and toiletries (detergent and bleach, shampoo, household cleaning products)
• Plastic bags and garbage cans
• Pipes and lumbers

Type 3 — Vinyl or Polyvinyl Chloride a.k.a. (PVC)

Polyvinyl Chloride is one widely used polymers, following polyethylene and polypropylene. PVCs are highly used in a broad selection of merchandise such as construction tools, toys, food wraps, bottles, clothing, and insulators. Nevertheless, these are barely accepted by recyclers due to the many arguments on health complications causing cancers and birth defects.

PVC is used in:

• Packaging sheets such as aluminum foil
• Medical tubing and equipment
• Detergent and shampoo bottles
• Windows, plumbing pipes, flooring and carpet backing
• Electrical wires and cables
• Bags, toys and T-shirts

Type 4 — Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene is an important plastic grade of polyethylene. It is a thermoplastic derived from the monomer ethylene. This recycling code is supposed to indicate a higher level of dependability than other symbols due to low-density properties. It is produced in translucent or opaque wrappings, although fairly breakable with good resistance to strong concentrates despite its toughness and flexibility. This is the reason why recyclers are beginning to take them for recycling.

LDPE is used in:

• Soap dispenser and squeezable wash bottles
• Bags (shopping, dry cleaning, tote)
• Clothing apparels and plastic tubing
• Food wraps (aluminum foil, frozen foods, bread)

Type 5 — Polypropylene 
a.k.a. (PP)

Polypropylene is also a thermoplastic polymer produced out of the monomer propylene. It is a hard plastic resistant to several solvents, bases, and acids. Most of these have the same configuration as HDPE and LDPE.

PP is used in: 

• Bottles (food, medicine, straws, yogurt, syrups)
• Automotive parts, interiors, speakers, bumpers and industrial fibers
• Dishware, laboratory equipment and packaging sheets
• This can be recycled into: Brushes and brooms
• Ice scrapers, bins and trays
• Battery cases, signal lights and bicycle racks

Type 6 — Polystyrene 
a.k.a. (PS)

Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical. This can be rigid or foamed, which is useful to make Styrofoam. It is usually hard, brittle and clear but can be pigmented with dyes. Some recyclers discourage these plastics to be recycled due to its toxic chemicals produced.

PS is used in: 

• Disposable cups, plates, utensils, Chinese takeout containers
• Bottles and containers (food, medicine)
• Meat trays and wrap sheets
• CD and DVD covers
• This can be recycled into: Foam packaging (utensils, food, plate, cups, egg crates)
• Toys, cassettes, and pots

Type 7 — Others 
a.k.a. (O)

Others are mixed plastics that do not belong to other codes mentioned above. This includes Bisphenol-A (BPA) which is found in polycarbonate (PC); acrylic plastics/polyacrylonitrile (PAN), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyamide (PA), and bioplastics. These are very dangerous substances that damage hormones causing birth defects and spontaneous abortions.

Other plastics can be is used in:

• iPod packing, computer cases, and bullet-proof products
• Dark glasses
• Water gallon bottles