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The Daily Insight

What does an SPI code mean

Author

Mia Morrison

Published Apr 06, 2026

SPI Code means the identification number located on many plastic products indicating the type of plastic from which the product is made. The identification numbers are set by the Society of the Plastics Industry; Sample 1. Sample 2. SPI Code means Society of Plastics Industry Symbols.

What are SPI codes for plastic containers?

  • SPI Code 1: PETE or PET. …
  • SPI Code 2: HDPE.
  • SPI Code 3: PVC. …
  • SPI Code 4: LDPE. …
  • SPI Code 5: PP. …
  • SPI Code 6: Polystyrene. …
  • SPI Code 7: Other Plastics.

What is the SPI code for a plastic that is occasionally recycled and is used in credit cards?

3. SPI Code 3 for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Discovered in 1838, PVC is one the oldest material used in plumbing pipes, tiles, hoses, credit cards, and in sewers. This plastic has good chemical resistance and insulation properties.

What are the 7 recycling codes?

  • 2: HDPE (High density polyethylene) HDPE plastics are also extremely common. …
  • 3: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) …
  • 4: LDPE (Low density polyethylene) …
  • 5: PP (Polypropylene) …
  • 6: PS (Polystyrene) …
  • 7: Other.

Is PP 100% recyclable?

Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) produce significantly less CO2 equivalents by weight than PET, PS, and PVC. And Polypropylene parts can be 100% recycled for various useful purposes.

What is Ric for beverage bottles?

The ASTM International Resin Identification Coding System, often abbreviated RIC, is a set of symbols appearing on plastic products that identify the plastic resin out of which the product is made.

Which SPI Code S is are recyclable?

SPI Code 6 Plastic marked with an SPI code of 6 is made with polystyrene. PS can be recycled, but not efficiently; recycling it takes a lot of energy, which means that few places accept it.

Where is PET used?

Virtually all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. are made from PET. It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls.

What is the most commonly used type of plastic in industry today?

Today, both High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) remain among the most commonly-used plastics.

What numbers Cannot be recycled?

According to environmental research blog Greenopedia, plastics labeled 1 and 2 can be recycled at almost every recycling center, but numbers 3, 6 and 7 usually cannot be recycled and can go directly in the trash.

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What plastic numbers Cannot be recycled?

While 1 and 2 plastics are easy to recycle and are accepted in most curbside bins (like beverage bottles and detergent bottles), number 3 plastics—or PVC—can’t be recycled. Then there’s 4-7 plastics (including grocery bags, certain food containers, and disposable coffee cups), which are really difficult to recycle.

What 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.

What factors are important when considering the recyclability of a plastic?

  • collection method (segregated or mixed materials)
  • space for collection and storage of reusables and recyclables.
  • geographical location, particularly in relation to markets for reprocessing materials.
  • size of institution and volume of recyclable material.

What is the resin code of polystyrene?

Resin CodeAbbreviation and Polymer Name3PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride4LDPE: Low-density Polyethylene5PP: Polypropylene6PS: Polystyrene

What are examples of synthetic polymers?

Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil, and made by scientists and engineers. Examples of synthetic polymers include nylon, polyethylene, polyester, Teflon, and epoxy. Natural polymers occur in nature and can be extracted. They are often water-based.

Is polypropylene toxic to humans?

Is Polypropylene Toxic? Polypropylene is generally considered safe for use, but you should still be wary of using plastics more often than you have to. The chemicals found in plastic products are proven to contribute to some cancers.

Is PP expensive?

Historically in the US market, PP homopolymer is about 55 cents/kg cheaper than that of PET. … PET has excellent clarity and impact strength, but it is expensive. Clear random PP offers a balance of clarity, impact strength and cost.

Can polypropylene be melted?

Melting Temperature. At 327°F (163.8°C), polypropylene will melt. This makes polypropylene unsuited to high-temperature applications of any kind.

What number of plastic is safe to reuse?

Reusing plastic bottles with codes #1 and #2 is probably fine to do on occasion, provided you take certain precautions. Unless you know for certain that the #7 bottle you have doesn’t contain BPA, don’t reuse it. You may also wish not to use it at all, even for one-time use.

What does 5 in a triangle mean?

A 5 inside the triangle indicates the plastic is polypropylene or PP. It is commonly found in medicine bottles, straws, bottle caps, ketchup bottles and syrup bottles, and some yogurt containers. This plastic is often chosen for bottles and containers that must accept hot liquids as it has a high melting point.

Is number 7 plastic safe?

To summarize, plastics in categories #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. Be weary of putting them in the microwave, even if they are labeled “microwave-safe”. Plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 should be used with varying to extreme caution, especially around food or drink.

What is RIC code of soft drink bottle?

Mostly, these numbers that are printed inside a triangle, which is the universal symbol of recycling and is called a Resin Identification Code (RIC).

What are the 7 types of plastic?

  • Below is 7 of the most popular and commonly used plastics: …
  • Acrylic or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) …
  • Polycarbonate (PC) …
  • Polyethylene (PE) …
  • Polypropylene (PP) …
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) …
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) …
  • Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)

Which resin codes are easiest to recycle?

  1. 1 – PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate. The easiest of plastics to recycle. …
  2. 2 – HDPE – High density Polyethylene. …
  3. 3 – PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride. …
  4. 4 – LDPE Low-density Polyethylene. …
  5. 5 – PP – Polypropylene. …
  6. 6 – PS – Polystyrene. …
  7. 7 – Other.

Why objects made of plastics do not rust?

Iron reacts with oxygen present in air and forms oxides due to which it gets corroded. … Plastic is non-reactive metal and the main condition for rust is it should react with water and oxygen so plastic does not rust.

Which is the strongest plastic?

Polycarbonate is the strongest plastic that is 200 times stronger than glass and is warranted against breakage or cracks.

What are #5 plastics?

#5 Plastic: Polypropylene Plastic number 5 or PP plastic (polypropylene) is the second-most widely produced plastic. Being light, heat resistant and sturdy, PP is applied to various packaging. Today plastic 5 is commonly used in: Yogurt containers.

How is PET made from oil?

Making PET plastic begins with drilling or fracking for crude oil. … Those components include Ethylene glycol, a molecule that is used for making polyester fibers and antifreeze formulas, and terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is a carboxylic powdery acid with a chemical structure containing a benzene ring.

What is PE material?

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used thermoplastic polymer for fabricated parts and components. It is available in a variety of grades and formulations to suit different needs. In general, polyethylenes offer excellent chemical and impact resistance, electrical properties and low coefficient of friction.

Do you leave lids on when recycling?

It’s important that you remove lids and throw them out before tossing the plastic container in the recycling bin. … They usually have a higher melting point and can ruin the entire load of plastic that is trying to be recycled. Remember to always unscrew the lid or cap from your plastic containers before recycling.

Why are some bread tags not able to be recycled here?

Bread tags are made of high impact polystyrene (Type 6 PS Plastic) which is denser than many other types of plastic, making them compact and easy to recycle. Because of their small size they are somewhat annoying to big recyclers, but for small local recyclers with specialist machinery, it’s simple.