Difference between revisions of "Resin identification codes"
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(added "SPI codes" to the definition. Added substantial addition of "other uses" to reference "off label" uses of SPI codes) |
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[[Image:Number1RIC.png|thumb|right|400px|An example of a resin identification symbol, for the common PETE plastic]] | [[Image:Number1RIC.png|thumb|right|400px|An example of a resin identification symbol, for the common PETE plastic]] | ||
| − | '''Resin identification codes''' are [[symbol]]s identifying the type of [[plastic]] an item is made of. They were created in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc to make the [[recycling]] of plastics easier.<ref>http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/doc.asp?CID=1102&DID=4644</ref> | + | '''Resin identification codes''', also known as "SPI codes"<ref name="azo">[https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4425]</ref> are [[symbol]]s identifying the type of [[plastic]] an item is made of. They were created in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc to make the [[recycling]] of plastics easier.<ref>http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/doc.asp?CID=1102&DID=4644</ref> |
The symbol consists of the triangular recycling symbol with a [[number]] and [[acronym]] in the middle. There are seven symbols, using the numbers one through seven. | The symbol consists of the triangular recycling symbol with a [[number]] and [[acronym]] in the middle. There are seven symbols, using the numbers one through seven. | ||
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*6- PS: Used primarily in foam packaging and insulation. Styrofoam is made from it | *6- PS: Used primarily in foam packaging and insulation. Styrofoam is made from it | ||
*7- Other: This is not a specific plastic, but a mix of the above, or a different kind not included in the identification codes. "Other" plastics are used in some large juice containers and reusable containers, and in "plastic lumber."<ref>http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/bin.asp?CID=1102&DID=4645&DOC=FILE.PDF</ref> | *7- Other: This is not a specific plastic, but a mix of the above, or a different kind not included in the identification codes. "Other" plastics are used in some large juice containers and reusable containers, and in "plastic lumber."<ref>http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/bin.asp?CID=1102&DID=4645&DOC=FILE.PDF</ref> | ||
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| + | ==Other Uses== | ||
| + | In addition to materials handling such as fabrication, repair and working<ref name="3M">[https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/All-3M-Products/Adhesives-Tapes/Industrial-Adhesives-and-Tapes/Non-Structural-Adhesives/Plastic-Adhesives/?N=5002385+8710676+8710815+8710968+8711017+8713600+3294857497&rt=r3 3M article on plastic adhesives]</ref>, SPI codes should be used with caution because their purpose is to support [[recycling]] facilities. | ||
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| + | '''Maintenance, Repair and Fabrication''' | ||
| + | SPI codes are useful for repair purposes because of differences between the use of adhesives, solvent bonding, and thermal bonding vary between plastic types.<ref name="3M" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Microwave Safety''' | ||
| + | SPI codes do not indicate that a given container is safe for microwave use<ref name="microwavesafe">[http://www.skoozeme.com/techramblings/plastics.html Microwave Safe Plastics]</ref>, as only the base polymer is indicated by the code. While some plastic types are generally unsafe for microwave heating,<ref name="hunker">[https://www.hunker.com/12003478/what-are-the-numbers-that-say-that-plastic-is-safe-to-use-in-the-microwave-oven|Hunker - ''What Are the Numbers That Say That Plastic Is Safe to Use in the Microwave Oven?'']</ref> most references recommend avoiding the use of plastics for microwave cooking,<ref name="hunker" /><ref name="microwavesafe" > with occasional reports of containers labelled "microwave save" showing evidence of having reacted into food. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 15:04, May 19, 2018
Resin identification codes, also known as "SPI codes"[1] are symbols identifying the type of plastic an item is made of. They were created in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc to make the recycling of plastics easier.[2]
The symbol consists of the triangular recycling symbol with a number and acronym in the middle. There are seven symbols, using the numbers one through seven.
The symbols are:
- 1- PETE: Used primarily in bottles, for products such as water, juice, ketchup, and others
- 2- HDPE: Used for milk containers, detergent bottles, etc.
- 3- PVC: Best known for its use in PVC piping, and difficult to recycle
- 4- LDPE: Used largely where flexibility is necessary- plastic containers, plastic shopping bags, etc.
- 5- PP: Also used in containers, such as for yogurt and at deli counters
- 6- PS: Used primarily in foam packaging and insulation. Styrofoam is made from it
- 7- Other: This is not a specific plastic, but a mix of the above, or a different kind not included in the identification codes. "Other" plastics are used in some large juice containers and reusable containers, and in "plastic lumber."[3]
Other Uses
In addition to materials handling such as fabrication, repair and working[4], SPI codes should be used with caution because their purpose is to support recycling facilities.
Maintenance, Repair and Fabrication SPI codes are useful for repair purposes because of differences between the use of adhesives, solvent bonding, and thermal bonding vary between plastic types.[4]
Microwave Safety SPI codes do not indicate that a given container is safe for microwave use[5], as only the base polymer is indicated by the code. While some plastic types are generally unsafe for microwave heating,[6] most references recommend avoiding the use of plastics for microwave cooking,[6]<ref name="microwavesafe" > with occasional reports of containers labelled "microwave save" showing evidence of having reacted into food.
References
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/doc.asp?CID=1102&DID=4644
- ↑ http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/bin.asp?CID=1102&DID=4645&DOC=FILE.PDF
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 3M article on plastic adhesives
- ↑ Microwave Safe Plastics
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 - What Are the Numbers That Say That Plastic Is Safe to Use in the Microwave Oven?