What The Numbers At The Bottom Of Plastic Bottles Mean?

It's everywhere around us, we've seen it a million times but never thought to wonder what it is. I speak of the tiny, easily missable triangular markings on plastic bottles or containers with random numbers inside them. Each number represents a kind of plastic container, which is made of different materials and has different taboos.

 

Here's the exact breakdown of what each number signifies, and just why you need to be aware of it for the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

 

1. If the triangle has the number '1' inside it, the plastic used to manufacture that bottle is made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).

 

It is commonly used in mineral water bottles, carbonated beverage bottles, etc. It is only suitable for warm drink or frozen drink. When it is filled with high temperature liquid or heated, it is easy to deform and some harmful substances will melt out. Therefore, drink bottles should be discarded when they are used up. They should not be used as water cups, or as storage containers to hold other items, so as to avoid causing health problems.

 

2. If the triangle has the number '2' in it, it indicates that the bottle or container is made of high-density Polyethylene.

 

It is often used for packing cleaning products, bath products and medicine bottles. This material is resistant to high temperature but not easy to clean and easy to breed bacteria. It is recommended not to recycle.

 

3. The number '3' inside the triangle should alert you not to use that plastic. They are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and contain carcinogens.

 

It is commonly used in raincoats, building materials, plastic films, plastic boxes, etc. This kind of material has good plasticity and low price, so it is widely used. But the material has been less used in packaging food.

 

4. The plastics that have the number '4' inside the triangle are reusable all the way. it indicates that the bottle or container is made of Low-density Polyethylene.

 

The heat resistance is not strong. Generally, the qualified PE film will melt when the temperature exceeds 110 ℃, leaving some plastic preparations that cannot be decomposed by human body. Note: when heating food in the microwave oven, do not wrap it in plastic wrap.

 

5. The safest of all plastics will have the number '5' inside the triangle. They are made of PP ( polypropylene) .

 

Its common melting point is as high as 167 ℃, which is the only plastic box that can be safely put into the microwave oven, and can be reused after careful cleaning.

 

6. The number '6' indicates PS (polystyrene). It is commonly used in instant noodle boxes and snack boxes. Try to avoid using fast food boxes to pack hot food.

 

7. The number '7' indicates PC (polycarbonate). It is commonly used in water cup and bottle, milk bottle. Do not heat it when using, and do not directly expose it to the sun.