Plastic marking: examples of designations, decoding

Plastics are used in everyday life in absolutely all spheres of human activity. This is a convenient, durable and high-quality material that does not lend itself to corrosion, does not vanish, and so on. However, there is a serious problem with it. So, plastic practically does not decompose and requires a special approach to processing, depending on the type. In addition, it is itself quite toxic (at least some of its varieties). That is, it can not be used effectively for all needs.

Why do I need plastic marking?

To understand how to properly process one or another type of material, as well as to assess the danger from its use, plastic marking is used. It was introduced in 1988, and since then almost nothing has changed. All new types of plastic, one way or another, belong to one of the basic categories. It looks like three arrows, one after another in the form of a triangle. Inside it there is a digit that is a code, and under the icon there is an alphabetic designation indicating the type of material. For example, the marking of plastic bottles will look like a triangle of arrows, inside of which there are figures 01, and below there is an inscription PET. This is true for most similar containers used as containers for food. Those bottles that are used to store paint or varnish may have a different labeling. But worst of all, when there is an incorrect mark on the food container. At best, just mixed up. But this is a rarity. Most often, the manufacturer consciously goes to such a step for the sake of economy. To buy such products is highly discouraged, as poisoning or other health problems are possible.

PET - marking on plastic

Sometimes the name sounds like a RETE. It stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate Ethylene. Used for the production of bottles under the water, beverages without alcohol, various juices, as well as washing and cleaning types of liquids. It is believed that this particular type of material is distinguished by its maximum purity and safety. Nevertheless, very much depends on how much liquid was in such a container. If the time is too long, then the toxic elements from the plastic will fall into the water, which will make it unfit for consumption. It is highly recommended not to store liquids in a similar container for a long time, and also to use them repeatedly. A plastic of this type is perfectly processed. This allows you to create new products from it without polluting the environment. Materials not created after such processing have the same qualities and features as before. But all the same there is an opportunity to make the goods of other type.

Marking HDPE

This is a special polyethylene, characterized by high strength. The abbreviation is High Density Polyethylene. The icon looks exactly like the one above, but inside there are 02 digits, and below it there is an HDPE inscription. This is the substance from which various containers for washing or bleaching substances, all kinds of shampoos, and even for the creation of certain groups of packages are produced. Just like the previous variety, it is also food plastic, but more dangerous and rarely used. Especially when it is understood that the products will be in direct contact with it. That is, it is used to create certain containers or something similar, where the products will be placed, if not, in a pure form, but packed in another container.

Type of PVC

This plastic marking stands for Polyvinyl hloride. If in Russian, then PVC. Used to create a film for food, a number of different bottles and so on. Despite the fact that a number of manufacturers do position the substance as safe, in fact it is very toxic. A plastic of this type can be very poisonous and dangerous both to the environment and to the human body. The marking of plastic bottles from this material is also visually identical to the previous ones, but inside there are figures 03, and the inscription below looks like PVC or simply V. Another important point - for all its danger this substance is very difficult to process. And even after the container was made from it, the output of the received material does not correspond in any way to how much it was originally used. That is, it is simply extremely unprofitable to work with him. Nevertheless, this material is still actively used in various fields of activity.

LDPE value

By this definition is meant polyethylene, characterized by low density. It stands for Low Density Polyethylene. Conditionally this substance can also be defined as food plastic. The GOST marking indicates that this material is not really too toxic and can be used to create plastic bags. In addition, it is used in the production of many types of wraps, as well as in the creation of bottles. In general, an inert substance is sufficient, which, nevertheless, during long-term interaction with products is fully capable of giving them a part of its toxic components. The icon is almost the same, but the figure 04 is inside, and under it is the designation LDPE or PE-LD. The processing of this type of material is also quite complex, but it is already above the level of economic efficiency, so there are no problems with it as with the previous version.

Plastic PP

Such a subspecies of material is used in cases where it is necessary to produce a container for yogurt, beverage tubes, food containers and even baby bottles. It looks like the same triangle with arrows, inside of which there are numbers 05, and under the designation there is the inscription PP. It is believed that this is the safest type of material from all possible analogs. The plastic PP is called polypropylene. Nevertheless, as in all other cases, prolonged contact with food is also undesirable. Especially when it comes to children's products. For example, if you pour water into a bottle of this material for a child, you can not leave it for long. It should be regularly updated, or even better not to use the same packaging several times in a row. The same is true for other containers, for which they were not originally intended. Ideally, after a one-time use, they should immediately be sent for recycling.

Marking PS

Such a substance is called polystyrene. The icon looks the same as in the previous cases, but the numbers inside the triangle from the arrows are 06, and the inscription below is PS. Such marking of plastic for processing means that it is used in the process of producing food packaging, dishes, appliances, CD-disk containers and so on. At the same time, it is used in the manufacture of heat-insulating boards, handles and the like. In general, the substance is relatively conditionally dangerous, but mainly because it contains styrene. This component becomes really toxic only when heated, so in theory, how food plastic can still be used. That is, to store food in the refrigerator such products are excellent, but in the microwave oven it is not recommended to warm them up.

Other plastics, or "O"

Under this mark all other types of plastic appear. In the overwhelming majority they are quite dangerous for health and the environment. Marking plastic type "O" is used on those products that are not intended for direct interaction with food, water and the like. Of these, numerous groups of goods are produced that are used by man, but when working with food they are not used. For example, such a plastic can be a smartphone or other similar types of equipment. If a person has found such a marking on the packaging of a food product, it is not recommended to eat it, since the probability of serious poisoning is very high. A similar situation may not occur, but it will be better to be safe.

The result

In general, plastic marking is a very useful invention of mankind. It enables ordinary people to understand the degree of danger from using different variations of materials or goods. Among other things, their processing is still the only way to more or less safely for the environment to cope with environmental pollution. Undoubtedly, the process of processing itself can not be called the best method, but so far mankind has not devised any more effective options.