Know The Meaning Of 7 Kinds Of Triangle Codes On Plastic Packaging

Recycle symbol illustration (Unsplash / Sigmund)

JAKARTA - Any packaging made from plastic, be it food packaging, beauty products, vitamins, drinking bottles to plastic cups, always includes information about the manufacturing process. This information is written using a triangle arrow symbol with numbers and information under it.

Do you know the meaning of each symbol?

Seven symbols or triangular codes on plastic packaging were published by The Society of Plastic Industry in 1988.

Launching from Plastic Today, the code is called the Resin Identification Code which is approved by the International Organization for Standardization.

This means that each plastic package must include one of these codes. Below is an explanation of each symbol, number and letter under it.

Number code 1 and PETE or PET

The numeric code 1 in this symbol indicates the recycling and manufacturing process. Made from polyethylene terephthalate which is usually listed on bottled mineral water, tomato sauce, vitamins, hand sanitizers, and lotions. This packaging is for single use only and is not recommended for repeated use.

Number code 2 and HDPE or PE-HD

This symbol will appear on packages that use high density polyethylene. In general, it is found in gallons of drinking water, milk bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, soap. The meaning of the recycling symbol with a code number 2 and HDPE or PE-HD printed can be used repeatedly and the recycling process is simpler.

Number code 3 and V or PVC

Derived from materials containing polyvinyl chloride used in water pipes, electric cables, toys, and wraps. This plastic material is classified as dangerous because it contains chemicals that can dissolve and have a bad risk to health. And it is difficult to recycle so it is necessary to minimize its use.

Number code 4 and LDPE or PE-LD

This is most often found because it is in plastic bags, shopping bags, and food wrappers. Code number 4 with LDPE or PE-LD means it is made of low density polyethylene.

It is elastic, durable and can be used many times. This means, it needs to be collected if only used once. Avoid to throw it away carelessly because it can pollute the environment.

Number code 5 and PP

The place to eat, drinking bottles, straws, and tape using polypropylene material so that the code number 5 and PP will be printed. This symbol means that it is safe to use multiple times, even at hot temperatures so that it requires high heat to recycle.

Number code 6 and PS

Hard, colorless plastic uses the numeric symbols 6 and PS which means it is made of polystyrene. Usually, foam, plastic spoons and plastic forks are coded for this symbol.

Number code 7 and PLA or O

Finally, this symbol means that it is made from a combination of various materials. Among others, acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate and polylactic acid. The numeric code 7 and PLA or O are found on baby drinking bottles, water coolers, compact disks, and cell phone cases.

From the meaning of the seven kinds of symbols or codes on the plastic packaging above, it is still wise to choose and avoid using single-use plastic packaging.