The 7 types of plastic (2023)

FAQs

What is Type 7 plastic examples? ›

#7 – Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)

Number 7 plastics are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles and car parts. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on the bottom with the letters “PC” by the recycling label #7.

The 7 types of recyclable plastics fall under the categories of PET, HDPE, PP, LDPE, PVC, PS, and Other. In addition to reducing plastic consumption and increasing the use of recycled plastic instead of virgin plastic, recycling responsibly is a key component in doing something about plastic pollution.

To make a long story short: plastic recycling numbers 2, 4 and 5 are the safest. Whereas plastic numbers 1, 3, 6 and 7 must be avoided. But it does not indicate that you can fearlessly use safer plastic. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged.

If a product isn't labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle code 3 or 7 may contain BPA . Avoid heat. Don't put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, because the heat may break them down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.

Code 7 is the recycling code for plastics that contain BPA and must be avoided at all cost. Although codes 3 and 6 technically do not contain BPA, the chemicals that are used to manufacture these products also pose serious risks to our health.

Thus, a number of unrelated plastics can carry a code 7, including Tritan, polycarbonate, nylon and even the newer bio-plastics. Many well-known manufacturers identify their products made from Tritan with code 7.

Code 7 compostable — a.k.a. #7/PLA — indicates a plant-based resin that will degrade under certain conditions. Unfortunately, a landfill isn't one of them, though that's where most of them end up. They're not very “biodegradable” in the wild, either. In truth, few communities recycle any Code 7 plastics.

Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled while 22% is mismanaged.

How many plastic types are there? ›

The seven types of plastic include: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Dr. Trasande recommended avoiding items labeled 3 for phthalates, 7 for bisphenols and 6 for styrene. (Styrene, which is found in Styrofoam and other plastic products, is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen, according to the National Institutes of Health.)

Of the commercial plastics on the market today, polypropylene is considered one of the safest. It's FDA-approved for food contact, so you'll find polypropylene in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cream cheese, and butter products.

PET is approved by the FDA and health and safety agencies across the globe as being safe for contact with foods and beverages. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that this plastic is safe to use and does not contain any bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates (plasticizers).

7: Other. Any type of plastic that doesn't fit into one of the first six categories falls under this heading. Products stamped with a 7 are often made out of multiple plastic types or out of other types of plastic that can't easily be recycled. #7 products CAN SOMETIMES be recycled.

Vegetable-based plastics such as PLA are often labeled as plastic #7, but they are not recyclable. Find out what to do with biodegradable bags and compostable cups, plates & utensils.

The terms “plastic #1” and “plastic #2” refer to a plastic container's resin identification code. Put simply, this code refers to what type of polymer comprises a container (and not all plastics are created equal).

BPA is found in the linings of most canned foods and most aluminum cans, including Coca-Cola products. Handling register receipts in stores is another common way people are exposed. Now, a new study suggests that even small doses of BPA can significantly increase blood pressure in adults.

Is bottled water BPA free? ›

Plastic water (and soda) bottles do not contain BPA

They don't contain BPA now and never did. The truth is, pretty much all plastic water (and soda) bottles are actually made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET. PET is not manufactured from BPA and does not contain BPA at all.

BPA can be eliminated by supporting liver detoxification and cultivating a healthy microbiome with organic foods, antioxidants, and specific supplements. Research shows that BPA is excreted in sweat—exercise, sauna therapy, and adequate water intake support this pathway.

However, the number stamped within the triangle is what matters most since not all plastics are recyclable or reusable. Plastic number 7 is any type of plastic that's sometimes recyclable and sometimes not. It usually contains multiple plastics, some of which aren't recyclable.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is a clear, rigid plastic, and it's marked with #7 PC. It's not recyclable, and it contains BPA (Bisphenol A). It's the baddie of the #7s. It's nowhere near as common as it used to be in baby products, but there's still a lot of it about.

In its continuous search for the best materials for use in its products, Tupperware has found other materials with improved performance characteristics that have been approved by regulators to be BPA free to replace polycarbonate.

Items with the numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 are considered the safest plastics for use with foods or around infants and children. It is best to avoid plastics with the recycling numbers 3, 6 or 7.

Tritan plastic is the safest plastic in the world. Not only is Tritan BPA-free, but it is also free from BPS (bisphenol S) and ALL other bisphenols. Certain Tritan plastics are also considered medical-grade, meaning they are approved for use in medical devices.

IS TRITAN™ SAFE? Yes, Tritan™ is safe for you and your family. It has been rigorously tested by third-party labs to ensure its safety. It is completely free of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S and any other bisphenol compounds as well as estrogenic and androgenic activity.

Plastics can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, depending on the material and structure. Additionally, how fast a plastic breaks down depends on sunlight exposure. Like our skin, plastics absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which breaks down the molecules.

Traditional plastic bottles are made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It's a lightweight and flexible material that doesn't decompose easily, mainly because bacteria cannot consume and break down the chemicals used in PET. A plastic bottle made from PET takes around 450 years to decompose.

What plastic is the hardest to decompose? ›

Most plastics in use today are made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET for short, and are nearly indestructible. It is nearly impossible to decompose PET plastics because most bacteria cannot break them down.

Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper and polycarbonate. Well known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.

But all polymers are, technologically, 100% recyclable. Some of them have the perfect cradle-to-cradle lifecycle: they can be used again and again to produce the same goods. Some plastics can be reused just as they are by shredding an object into flakes, melting it, and reusing.

Plastic you put in the bin ends up in landfill. When rubbish is being transported to landfill, plastic is often blown away because it's so lightweight. From there, it can eventually clutter around drains and enter rivers and the sea this way.

PAI – Polyamideimide (PAI) boasts the highest tensile strength of any plastic at 21,000 psi. This high performance plastic has the highest strength of any unreinforced thermoplastic, good wear and radiation resistance, inherently low flammability and smoke emission, and high thermal stability.

Plastic sandwich and food storage bags are typically made from polyethylene, which is considered non-toxic.

Testing of the “Daffodil Yellow” vintage (circa 1972) Tupperware. In follow-up testing of the other product colours – she found some tested positive for mercury and cadmium– as well as lead and arsenic – all metals that are poisonous to humans.

“The concern is that the now hot oils/fats in the peanut butter help the plasticisers (in the plastic jars and lids) leach into the food, and along with all the other chemical residues and additives, make for an incredibly toxic product.

A few examples of food grade plastic include: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): plastic bottles or jars like single serving water bottles or condiment containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE): milk jugs, grocery bags, squeeze-dispenser bottles. Polyvinyl chloride: cling wrap, high clarity food storage bags.

What is the most polluted plastic item? ›

Cigarette butts — whose filters contain tiny plastic fibers — are the most common type of plastic waste found in the environment. Food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic bottle caps, plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, and stirrers are the next most common items.

Durable the Tupperware mm round container set features four containers made of food grade plastic, which keeps your food free from chemicals for safe consumption.

In general, paper products, aluminium, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), and polystyrene (PS) should never be used in the microwave. On the other hand, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and molded fiber & bagasse are typically safe to be microwaved.

Plastics are versatile, hygienic, lightweight, flexible and highly durable. They are used in numerous packaging applications including containers, bottles, drums, trays, boxes, cups and vending packaging, baby products and protective packaging.

PAI – Polyamideimide (PAI) boasts the highest tensile strength of any plastic at 21,000 psi. This high performance plastic has the highest strength of any unreinforced thermoplastic, good wear and radiation resistance, inherently low flammability and smoke emission, and high thermal stability.

Cigarette butts — whose filters contain tiny plastic fibers — are the most common type of plastic waste found in the environment. Food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic bottle caps, plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, and stirrers are the next most common items.

While most conventional plastics are derived from fossil fuels, bioplastics are made from renewable biomass sources – predominantly corn, potato, wheat, sugar cane and sugar beet. Bioplastics are not just one single type of material.

Paper and polylactic acid (PLA) are currently the two most popular alternatives to single-use plastics. While PLA is only biodegradable in industrial composting plants, both paper and bioderived plastics like PLA and many other “plant-based” compostable alternatives could be major greenhouse gas emitters.

Is there 100% recycled plastic? ›

But all polymers are, technologically, 100% recyclable. Some of them have the perfect cradle-to-cradle lifecycle: they can be used again and again to produce the same goods. Some plastics can be reused just as they are by shredding an object into flakes, melting it, and reusing.

A key ingredient in most chewing gums is polyvinyl acetate (plastic) which is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles. Ick! Plastic is the ingredient that makes chewing gum... chewy, and you will find it listed in the ingredients list as gum base.