Plastic color-printed composite packaging manufacturer and plastic flexible packaging solutions
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2020
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What do the numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles mean?
Hello everyone, I’m the Platinum Editor. Today, let’s explore the different meanings behind the numbers found on plastic recycling symbols. In everyday life, we often buy bottled mineral water or carbonated drinks. Sometimes, we wonder what those numbers at the bottom of the bottles mean. Today, we’ll uncover the secrets behind these numbers. First, you’ll notice a triangular symbol on the base of plastic bottles. This is called the plastic recycling symbol. Next, inside the triangle are numbers from 1 to 7, each representing a specific type of resin and indicating the material used to make the product. Number 1 stands for PET, or polyethylene terephthalate. Common examples include mineral water bottles and carbonated beverage containers. PET can withstand temperatures up to 70°C, making it suitable only for warm or cold drinks. It deforms when exposed to hot liquids or heat, potentially leaching harmful substances into the contents. Number 2 denotes HDPE, or high-density polyethylene. This material is commonly used for cleaning products and bath items. While it can be reused after careful cleaning, such containers are often difficult to clean thoroughly, leaving behind residues that may become breeding grounds for bacteria. Number 3 represents PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. PVC is typically used in decorative applications. It releases harmful chemicals when heated and even emits them during manufacturing. As a result, PVC packaging for food is now quite rare. Number 4 indicates LDPE, or low-density polyethylene. It’s used to make cling wrap, plastic films, and similar products. LDPE isn’t very heat‑resistant; when exposed to temperatures above 110°C, qualified PE cling wrap may melt, leaving behind plastic residues that the human body cannot break down. Additionally, heating food wrapped in cling film can cause fats to dissolve harmful substances from the plastic. Number 5 signifies PP, or polypropylene. Microwave‑safe lunch boxes used by office workers and students are made from this material. They’re the only plastic containers safe for microwave use and can be reused after thorough cleaning. However, be cautious: some microwave‑safe containers may have lids made of PET (number 1), so always remove the lid before microwaving. Number 6 refers to PS, or polystyrene. Fast‑food bowls, instant noodle cups, and takeout containers are often made from PS. It’s both heat‑ and cold‑resistant but should never be microwaved, as excessive heat can release harmful chemicals. Moreover, avoid using it to hold highly acidic foods like orange juice or strongly alkaline substances, since it can break down into harmful polystyrene compounds that may increase cancer risk. Finally, number 7 stands for “Other” plastics. This category includes water kettles, drinking cups, and baby bottles. Due to concerns about trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA), most products on the market today are BPA‑free. When using these items daily, avoid rinsing with scalding water, filling them with hot liquids, or heating them, to prevent BPA release.
Hello everyone, I’m the Platinum editor. Today, I’ll walk you through the different meanings represented by the numbers on plastic recycling symbols.
In everyday life, people often buy bottled mineral water or carbonated drinks. Sometimes they wonder what the numbers at the bottom of the bottle mean. Today, we’ll explore the secrets behind those numbers.
First, we’ll notice a triangular symbol at the bottom of the plastic bottle. This is called the plastic recycling symbol.
Secondly, the triangle contains the numbers 1 through 7, with each number corresponding to a specific material and indicating the type of resin used to manufacture the product.
The number 1 indicates that the material used is PET polyester.
Common mineral water bottles and carbonated beverage bottles are made of this material. It can withstand temperatures up to 70°C, making it suitable only for warm or cold drinks; when used with hot liquids or subjected to heat, it is prone to deformation and may leach substances harmful to human health.
The number 2 indicates that the material used is HDPE, high-density polyethylene.
They are commonly used to store cleaning supplies and bath products. After careful cleaning, they can be reused, but these containers are often difficult to clean thoroughly, leaving behind residues from the original products and turning into breeding grounds for bacteria.
The number 3 indicates that the material used is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride.
This material is typically used as a decorative finish. At high temperatures, it can readily release harmful substances, and even during its manufacturing process. Today, containers made from this material are seldom used for food packaging.
The number 4 indicates that the material used is LDPE, low-density polyethylene.
It can be used to produce cling film, plastic wrap, and similar products. However, it has limited heat resistance; typically, qualified PE cling film will begin to melt when exposed to temperatures exceeding 110°C, leaving behind certain plastic residues that the human body cannot break down. Moreover, when food is heated while wrapped in cling film, the fats in the food can easily leach harmful substances from the film.
The number 5 indicates that the material used is PP (polypropylene).
Microwave‑safe food containers used by office workers and students are made from this material. The only plastic containers that can be safely microwaved can be reused after careful cleaning. It’s important to note that some microwave‑safe containers have bodies made of #5 PP, but lids made of #1 PET; when using these containers in the microwave, it’s recommended to remove the lid.
Plastic number 6 indicates that the material used is PS (polystyrene).
Bowl‑style instant noodle and fast‑food containers are often made from polystyrene (PS). It is both heat‑ and cold‑resistant, but should not be placed in the microwave to avoid the release of harmful chemicals due to excessive heat. Additionally, it is unsuitable for holding highly acidic substances (such as orange juice) or strongly alkaline materials, as these can cause the breakdown of polystyrene into compounds that are detrimental to human health and may increase cancer risk.
Plastic number 7 indicates that the material used is “Other.”
Other plastic products, such as water bottles, drinking cups, and baby bottles, have been the subject of controversy due to the presence of small amounts of bisphenol A (BPA). Most products currently on the market are now labeled as BPA‑free. For everyday use, avoid rinsing or filling these items with scalding hot water and do not heat them, in order to prevent the release of BPA.
Qingdao Platinum Packaging Technology Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 506, Guangzhou North Road, Jiaozhou City, Qingdao
Plastic, plastic recycling symbol
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