The 7 types of plastic (2023)

There are seven types of plastic commonly referred to as the "seven types of plastic". These plastics are identified by resin identification codes printed on plastic products and packaging. The seven types of plastic are:

  1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
  2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
  5. Polypropylene (PP)
  6. polystyrene (PS)
  7. Others (includes acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, and others)


These seven types of plastic have different properties and are used for different applications. For example, PET is often used to make beverage bottles, while HDPE is used to make containers for milk and other dairy products. PVC is often used to make pipes, while LDPE is used to make bags and films. PP is used to make a variety of products including rope, car parts, and toys. PS is used to make a variety of products, including foam food containers and protective packaging materials. The "other" category includes a wide range of plastics that have unique properties and are used for specific applications.

PET - Polyethylene terephthalate

The 7 types of plastic (1)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a type of plastic commonly used to make bottles and containers for a variety of products, including food, beverages, household cleaning products, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. PET is a strong, lightweight, unbreakable plastic that is easy to shape and mold. It is also an excellent barrier to moisture, gases and light, making it suitable for packaging products that need to be protected from the environment.

In addition to packaging, PET is also used in the manufacture of a wide range of products, including textiles, films, foils, and engineering resins. It is used in the production of fibers for clothing, carpets, and home furnishings, as well as in the production of film for packaging and other applications. PET is also used to make sheets and films for use in the construction, automotive, and electronics industries.

PET is considered a safe and eco-friendly plastic as it is easily recyclable and can be used to make a variety of new products. It is also widely used in the food and beverage industry as it is considered a food-grade plastic that is safe to use in contact with food and beverages.

HDPE - High Density Polyethylene

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including bottles, containers, and pipes. HDPE is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, making it suitable for a variety of applications.


Some common uses for HDPE include:

Packaging

: HDPE is often used to make bottles and containers for a variety of products, including milk, juice, detergents, and household cleaning products. It is also used to make packaging for non-food items such as shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care products.

Sugar cane

: HDPE is commonly used to make pipes for water and sewage systems, as it is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high pressures.

Building
: HDPE is used to make a variety of construction materials, including pipes, roofing membranes, and geomembranes.

industrial products

: HDPE is used to make a variety of industrial products, including tanks, drums, and buckets.
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Consumer goods: HDPE is used to make a variety of consumer goods, including toys, bins, and trash cans.

HDPE is considered a safe and eco-friendly plastic as it is easily recyclable and can be used to make a variety of new products. It is also resistant to UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

PVC - Polyvinyl chloride

The 7 types of plastic (2)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including pipes, linings, flooring, and inflatable products. PVC is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, making it suitable for a variety of applications.


Some common uses for PVC include:

Sugar cane

: PVC is commonly used to make pipes for water and sewage systems, as it is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high pressures. In this case, an antimicrobial coating is used to ensure that liquids such as drinking water remain safe.

death way

(Video) 7 Different Types of Plastic and Their Uses | Orange Plastics Academy

: PVC is often used for house cladding as it requires little maintenance, is durable and resistant to moisture and insects.

Piso

: PVC is used to make a variety of flooring products, such as tiles, sheets, and planks. It is waterproof, easy to clean and durable.

inflatable products

: PVC is used to make a variety of inflatable products, such as rafts, pools, and toys. It is puncture and leak resistant and can be easily resealed.

Other products

: PVC is also used to make a variety of other products, including window frames, door frames, and electrical wire insulation.


Due to the types of uses PVC is used for, it is difficult to recycle. The global PVC recycling rate is less than 1%.

LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a type of plastic commonly used in the production of a wide range of products including films, bags, foils, and containers. LDPE is known for its flexibility, strength, and transparency, making it suitable for a variety of applications. LDPE is known as a soft plastic.


Some common uses for LDPE include:

Packaging

: LDPE is often used to make films and bags for packaging a variety of products, including food, clothing, and household items. These are mainly known as plastic bags. You may be familiar with this bag as it is usually transparent, shiny, and slippery.

containers

: LDPE is used to make a variety of containers, including bottles and jars for food, personal care, and household products. LDPE is a soft plastic. Therefore, the bottles for which LDPE is used are squeeze bottles, like the classic ketchup and mustard bottles.

Films

: LDPE is used to make a variety of films for use in packaging, construction, and other applications.


The recycling rate of LDPE is less than 5%.

(Video) What Numbers of Plastic are Recyclable?

PP - Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a type of plastic commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including ropes, car parts, and toys. PP is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

PP is one of the cheapest and most widely used plastics of the 7 groups.


Some common uses for PP include:

Packaging

: PP is often used to make packaging for a variety of products, including food, beverages, and household cleaning products.

auto parts

: PP is used to make a variety of auto parts, including bumpers, dashboards, and door panels. It is strong, durable, and resistant to heat and impact.

toys

: PP is used to make a variety of toys, including dolls, action figures, and building blocks. It is safe, durable, and easy to mold and shape.

Other products: PP is also used to make a variety of other products, such as ropes, baskets, and outdoor furniture. PP is used so well that it can be found everywhere. Electronics, fitness equipment, furniture, industrial parts and more.


Polypropylene (PP) is a strong and versatile type of plastic that is widely used in the production of a variety of products due to its durability, strength, and resistance to impact, moisture, and chemicals.

PS - Polystyrene

The 7 types of plastic (3)

Polystyrene (PS) is a type of plastic commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including foam food containers, protective packaging materials, and disposable tableware. PS is known for its lightweight, insulating and cushioning properties, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

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There are 2 main types of PS: foam and hard. Foam is the most common and is usually sold under the brand name: Styrofoam. Hard PS is very clear. However, hard PS is brittle, which limits its uses.

Some common uses of PS include:

Packaging
: PS is often used to make foam food containers such as cups, bowls, and collapsible containers. It is also used to make protective packaging materials such as foam sheets and airbag sheets to protect fragile items during transport.

disposable cutlery

:PS Used to make a variety of disposable tableware, including forks, spoons, and knives.

Other products

: PS is also used to make a variety of other products, including toys, CD cases, and protective helmet liners (foam).


In conclusion, polystyrene (PS) is a versatile type of plastic with a wide range of uses due to its lightweight, insulating, and shock-absorbing properties. While it is commonly used in foam food containers, protective packaging materials, and disposable tableware, it is also used to make a variety of other products, including toys, compact disc cases, and protective liners for helmets. However, it is important to be aware of the environmental impacts of using and disposing of products made from PS, as it is not easily recyclable and can contribute to plastic pollution.

Types of Plastic Number 7

The "other" category in the seven types of plastic refers to a wide range of plastics that do not fall into any of the other six categories. These plastics are identified by the resin identification code "7" and are often referred to as "number 7 plastics". Some examples of number 7 plastics include:


Acrylic
: Acrylic is a clear, lightweight plastic commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including windows, signs, and displays. It is also used in the production of medical and dental devices.

Nylon

: Nylon is a strong, durable, and heat-resistant plastic often used in the production of a wide range of products, including clothing, auto parts, and gear.

polycarbonate

(Video) Which types of plastic are recyclable?

: Polycarbonate is a VERY strong clear plastic often used in the production of a wide range of products including safety glasses, DVDs and electronic components. Polycarbonate is used for bulletproof "glass".

Of others

: There are many other types of plastics included in the "other" category or number 7 plastics, including bioplastics, polyphenylene oxide, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

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.

What are the 7 types of plastic can it recycled? ›

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.

Is number 7 plastic toxic? ›

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.

What are the 8 categories of plastics? ›

The Power of Plastic: Eight Types and How They're Used
  • Learn How Breiner Helped One of the Biggest Auto Manufacturers in the World. ...
  • Polyethylene (PE) ...
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ...
  • Polypropylene (PP) ...
  • Polystyrene (PS) ...
  • Polylactic Acid (PLA) ...
  • Polycarbonate (PC) ...
  • Nylon (PA)

What are #1 through #7 plastics? ›

  • PLASTIC #1 - POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET)
  • PLASTIC #2 - HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)
  • PLASTIC #3 - POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC OR V)
  • PLASTIC #4 - LOW DENSITY POLYETHELENE (LDPE)
  • PLASTIC #5 - POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
  • PLASTIC #6 - POLYSTYRENE (PS)
  • PLASTIC #7 - MIXED (OTHER)

Do all 7 plastics contain BPA? ›

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.

Is plastic 7 safe if BPA free? ›

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.

Is tritan number 7? ›

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.

Is plastic 7 biodegradable? ›

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.

Is it true that only 9 of plastic is recycled? ›

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)

What plastic should I avoid? ›

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.)

What plastic is safest? ›

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.

Which plastic is safe for drinking water? ›

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).

What are the 7 plastic symbols? ›

Let's break them down:
  • Plastic Recycling Symbol #1: PET or PETE. ...
  • Plastic Recycling Symbol #2: HDPE. ...
  • Plastic Recycling Symbol #3: PVC or V. ...
  • Plastic Recycling Symbol #4: LDPE. ...
  • Plastic Recycling Symbols #5: PP. ...
  • Plastic Recycling Symbol #6: PS. ...
  • Plastic Recycling Symbol #7: Miscellaneous.
Feb 18, 2022

What are the 7 properties of plastic? ›

Properties of Plastics
  • They are light in weight and are chemically stable.
  • Easily moulded into different shapes and sizes.
  • Good insulation and low thermal conductivity.
  • Good impact resistance and they do not rust.
  • Good transparency and wear resistance.
  • Poor dimensional stability and can be easily deformed.

What does a 7 mean in recycling? ›

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.

Is plastic triangle 7 recyclable? ›

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.

What is #1 and #2 plastic? ›

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).

Does Coca Cola use BPA? ›

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.

How do you detox your body from BPA? ›

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.

What does a 7 in a triangle mean? ›

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.

What is the triangle with 7 on plastic? ›

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.

Is Tupperware BPA free? ›

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.

What BPA numbers to avoid? ›

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.

Is Tritan actually safe? ›

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 toxic? ›

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.

Does plastic take 500 years to decompose? ›

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.

Why does plastic take 450 years to decompose? ›

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.

Which plastic Cannot be recycled? ›

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.

Is 100% recycling possible? ›

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.

Where does plastic end up if not recycled? ›

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.

What are 10 things made of plastic? ›

Some of the objects made using plastic are:
  • Soft drink bottles.
  • Juice bottles.
  • Water bottles.
  • Shampoo/conditioner bottles.
  • Liquid hand soap bottles.
  • Carry-home food containers.

What is the strongest plastic? ›

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.

Are Ziploc bags toxic? ›

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

Is yellow Tupperware 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.

Is peanut butter in plastic jars toxic? ›

“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.

What plastic is food grade? ›

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.

What grade of plastic is Tupperware? ›

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.

What plastic is microwave safe? ›

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.

What are the 10 use of plastic? ›

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.

What are 10 single use plastic items that you use in your life? ›

Here are 10 commonly used plastic items and the simple swaps that you can do in your everyday life to help the ocean:
  • Plastic Grocery Bags. ...
  • Plastic Produce Bags. ...
  • Plastic Straws. ...
  • Plastic Water Bottles. ...
  • Ziploc Baggies. ...
  • Disposable Coffee Cups. ...
  • Plastic Cutlery. ...
  • Body Wash In Plastic Bottles.
Oct 22, 2018

What's the strongest plastic? ›

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.

What is the highest quality plastic? ›

Top 5 FDA-approved food-grade plastics
  • Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) ABS is an amorphous plastic created by combining acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene polymers. ...
  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ...
  • Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) ...
  • Acrylic (PMMA) ...
  • Polypropylene (PP) ...
  • Serving up food-grade plastics with Fast Radius.
Jun 23, 2021

What plastic is thrown away the most? ›

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.

Which plastic is eco friendly? ›

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.

What will replace plastic? ›

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.

Is Chewing Gum made Out of plastic? ›

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.

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