CBSE Class 8 - Science - Synthetic Fibres - Know Your Plastic Bottle (#cbseNotes)

Know Your Plastic Bottle

Class 8 - Science - Synthetic Fibres

Resin Coding System (Image Credits: Openclipart)

In 1988, the Plastic Industry Association developed the Resin Identification Codes (1-7), a set of symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made. This help the workers to sort out various plastic bottles in order to recyle or reuse them or not.

Here is a table of resin codes that are used to get information about the application of plastic, its safety and re-usability.

♳ PET/PETE
Polymer: Polythene Terephtalate
Common Applications: Soft Drink, Water and Salad Dressing bottles, peanut butter and jam jars.
Safe for Alimentary Use: Safe One Type Use.
Reusable: No



♴ HDPE
Polymer: High Density Polyethylene
Common Applications: Milk, Juice, Water Bottles, Trash Bags
Safe for Alimentary Use: Yes
Reusable: Yes

♵ PVC
Polymer: Polyvinyl Chloride
Common Applications: PVC Pipes, Non-Food Bottles, Chidlren Toys
Safe for Alimentary Use:No
Reusable: Yes. Extensively recycled.

♶ LDPE
Polymer: Low-density polyethylene
Common Applications: Dispensing bottles, Frozen foods, Multi-Packs of beverages
Safe for Alimentary Use: Safe
Reusable: Yes

♷ PP
Polymer: Polypropylene
Common Applications: Reusable microwave ware, kitchenware, food containers, auto parts, disposable cups
Safe for Alimentary Use: Yes
Reusable: Yes

♸ PS
Polymer: Polystyrene
Common Applications: Disposable containers, cups, trays
Safe for Alimentary Use: No
Reusable: No

♹ O or Other
Polymer: Polycarbonate
Common Applications: Bottles, headlight lenses, elctronic casing
Safe for Alimentary Use: No unless specified
Reusable: No


Other Recycling Symbols Used are:

♺Recycling Symbols for general material
♼ Recycled Paper
♽ Partially Recycled Paper
♾ Acid Free Paper