Plastics 101
What Do The Recycling Numbers Mean?
1 - PET / PETE
Poly (ethylene terephthalate), PET (C10H8O4) n - thermoplastic polyester
polymer used on a large scale for the production of synthetic fibers and
soft drinks bottles is one of the most commonly used plastics. They can
be found on disposable dishes and many packages, such as bottles of
mineral water. Used on a large scale for the production of synthetic
fibers - such as fleece and bottles for soft drinks. According to
researchers, water stored in PET bottles contains an estrogen-like
substance. Some sources state that the packaging made of this material
should not be reused.
2 - HDPE [High Density Polyethylene]
Polyethylene or high density polyethylene; One of the safer plastics.
Packages with this designation are suitable for storing food and without
hindrance we can use them again. Used to produce milk bottles, household
chemicals, trash containers and pipes.
3 - PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, from which it is produced, among others. Food foil,
may release toxins. It is harmful to your health. In the process of
burning PVC, dioxins are released, which are chemicals more dangerous to
health even from potassium cyanide. Its use in contact with food has
been significantly reduced. It is commonly used to make non-food
packaging products, as well as pipes, window frames, floor coverings and
medical equipment such as syringes.
4 - LDPE
Low density polyethylene / polyethylene, relatively low density
polyethylene, used in the manufacture of many types of food packaging.
It is odorless and is considered completely physiologically indifferent.
Less resistant to high temperatures. It is reusable, but considered less
safe than plastics 2 and 5. Used in the manufacture of foil pouches,
food foil and ketchup or mustard packaging.
5 - PP
Polypropylene - together with HDPE (No. 2) is considered one of the
safest plastics. Recognized as physiologically indifferent provided it
is not heated to very high temperatures which cause its rapid
decomposition. Suitable for welding. Often used in the manufacture of
food packaging especially cups for yoghurts, margarine boxes or caps for
bottles.
6 - PS
Polystyrene, known as styrofoam in foamed form; May release toxins and
should not be used as food packaging. It is not used for the production
of food packaging containing fats. Although rarely used for this purpose
due to not very high chemical resistance, it is present, for example, in
disposable cups for coffee, disposable tableware or take-away
containers. The most popular variant of this material is styrofoam.
7 - Other Plastics
A category in which we find many dangerous compounds for our health,
among others. Very toxic bisphenol A (BPA). Plastics labeled with this
number should never be used again (unless they contain additional BPA
Free or BPA 0% information). BPA is a compound that can increase the
likelihood of schizophrenia, depression or Alzheimer's disease. Food
that has been in contact with BPA can cause neurological and hormonal
disorders. Under no circumstances can this plastic be used in microwave
ovens that multiply the penetration of BPA into food.