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added "SPI codes" to the definition. Added substantial addition of "other uses" to reference "off label" uses of SPI codes
[[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.
*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>
==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.
'''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==