Do you know that the plastics around us have different types?  In fact, there are currently 7 types of plastic that we can find in our daily lives. In the plastic recycling process, each product that is made of plastic must be separated based on its type before being recycled. So to facilitate the recycling process, the Society of Plastic Industry in America issued 7 resin identification codes or symbols or RIC (Resin Identification Code). If you pay attention, currently every product made of plastic must have a triangular symbol with a number code in it, this is because this symbol must be included in every product made of plastic. The symbol is a recycling symbol that serves to facilitate the plastic recycling process. However, what does each symbol mean?

2.            HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):
This type of plastic with the number 2 code is a type of plastic made from High-Density Polyethylene. HDPE is highly resistant to water and chemicals, making it very suitable for food and beverage packaging. So, this type of plastic is widely used for shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, gallons of water, water pipes, and other thick plastic packaging.

3.            PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
PVC is a type of plastic with the code number 3 derived from Polyvinyl Chloride. This type of plastic is widely used for pipes, electrical cables, and children's/animal toys. PVC cannot be used for food/beverages because it contains toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to health. Therefore, the use of PVC must be strictly monitored.

4.            LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene):
LDPE plastic is made from Low-Density Polyethylene. This type of plastic is very flexible, so LDPE is widely used for plastic bags and food wrappers. This type of plastic with code number 4 can be used repeatedly because it has a long durability. Some studies suggest that this type of plastic can interfere with human hormone health, but this type of plastic is still quite safe for food or drinks.

5.            PP (Polypropylene):
The type of plastic with the code number 5 is a type of plastic that is resistant to heat and is thicker and stiffer. PP plastic is suitable for use in food and beverage containers and cookware. In addition, this type of plastic is also commonly found in disposable diapers and pad liners. However, if you want to use PP products, you must still ensure that the product is made of food grade and BPA free materials.

6.            PS (Polystyrene): 
This type of plastic with the number 6 code or better known as styrofoam is often used as styrofoam food packaging, disposable cups and bowls, egg cartons and packaging. Although widely used as a food / beverage container, Styrofoam is not safe for the health of the body. If exposed to high temperatures, styrofoam can release styrene and carcinogens that are classified as harmful to the human brain and nervous system, and can trigger cancer.

7.            O (Other):
These are all types of plastics that are not included in the previous 6 resin codes. This type of plastic is not recommended for use in food and beverage packaging because it is very dangerous. Plastic types with the number 7 code can release Bisphenol-A (BPA) toxins that can be harmful to health. However, it is unfortunate, previously some companies produced baby bottles, bottles, gallons of water, and other beverage packaging using this type of plastic. Therefore, we must always be careful in choosing goods.

The 7 types of plastic have different characteristics and functions. However, there are some types of plastic that are not safe to use for food and beverages, especially when exposed to high heat temperatures. So, when choosing food or beverage packaging for business or personal use, make sure that the type of plastic used must be safe and food-grade quality to ensure safety. Some types of plastic that are considered safer are PET and PP which are available at SOPRA. Every packaging product produced by SOPRA is guaranteed food grade, making it safer for health.

Referensi:

Bahraini, A. (2023, September 12). 7 Types of plastic: the different materials and grades. Waste4Change. https://waste4change.com/blog/7-types-plastic-need-know/

Zero Waste Indonesia. (2019). 7 Simbol dan Jenis Plastik yang Perlu Kamu Ketahui. Zero Waste Indonesia. https://zerowaste.id/zero-waste-for-beginners/simbol-dan-jenis-plastik/

Author : Fiona Aurelia Darma