What Do the Symbols at the Bottom of Plastic Bottles Mean?

This updated guide examines What Do the Symbols at the Bottom of Plastic Bottles Mean? and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

For each different product, they are made by a manufacturer of a plastic. If you notice you will see at the bottom of the bottles, the food box will have triangular symbols with arrows. In the middle of the triangle is a specific number so that consumers can determine what kind of plastic is, is it safe for health? However, not many people pay attention as well as find out what the meaning of these symbols is?

In the article below, Network Administrator will help you answer the symbols at the bottom of plastic bottles for you to choose when using.

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1. Number 1 - PET plastic or PETE

PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) is a very popular plastic on the market today. You will find these plastics used to store liquid foods such as soft drinks bottles, mineral water bottles, soft drinks, beer, bottles of sauces, bottles of juice.

According to the organization ASTM International recommends, products made of PET plastic should be used only once, should not be recycled because they can penetrate into food and drinking water, which is no small effect. healthy family.

When using PET plastic products, you should keep in mind that you should not leave them in a car, near a gas stove, in the sun. because when exposed to high temperatures, this plastic can deform, produce poison is harmful to humans.

2. Number 2 - HDP or HDPE plastic

If you want to be safe when using, consumers should choose products made from HDB plastic (High Density Polyethylene). This plastic is evaluated by experts as the best plastic in all plastics because of its high durability, good impact resistance, less deformation, scratches. Especially HDP plastic can withstand temperatures of 120^oC for a short time or 110^oC for longer periods.

3. Number 3 - PVC plastic

PVC is a plastic that is soft, flexible and easy to fabricate. However, this product contains many toxic chemicals such as phtalates and bisphenol A, these compounds have significant influence on consumer health such as destroying hormones, even cancer as well as many types of diseases. another danger.

So, when choosing products made from plastic, you should avoid products made from this plastic. Especially toys for babies, because children often like to suck on toys.

Limit the use of food wrap films, especially without covering food while still hot. Absolutely do not use real wrap when turning in the microwave to warm up. This is an extremely dangerous action to health.

4. Number 4 - LDPE (low-density polyethylene plastic)

This type of plastic is often used in the production of plastic bags, some types of dry washable bags, plastic packaging, bag packages, paper newspapers, frozen foods or carton boxes for milk cartons.

This is a plastic that can be recycled after use. However, they should be avoided at high temperatures such as microwave ovens.

5. Number 5 - PP plastic

PP plastic (polypropylene) is a very safe plastic material and is widely used in today's life. This type of plastic is recommended by experts because of its safety for health and is a material that is allowed to produce toys for young children.

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• What is PP plastic? These products are manufactured from PP plastic

6. Number 6 - PS / PS-E (polystyrene / expanded polystyrene plastic)

Products such as snack boxes, drinking cups, egg cartons and picnic spoon knives or food packaging, helmets are products made from PS plastic.

These are cheap and lightweight plastic materials, they can withstand considerable heat and cold. However, when at high temperatures they can create toxins that affect health.

Number 7 - PC plastic or no sign

This is considered the most unique plastic among the above mentioned plastics.

Although toxic, they are still used in many products you use every day, such as large bottles of water, juice bottles, ketchup bottles, glasses, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, boxes. Shrimp noodles, many home appliances, cars and even bottles of milk for young children. Like PVC, the plastic products on the 7th number contain Bisphenol A active ingredient (BPA), which is a toxic substance that can cause infertility, diabetes and cancer.

7-digit summary table in plastic identification code

Hopefully with the above information, readers have useful information and know how to choose and use reasonable plastic products.