Plastics are divided into different grades, and the small triangle symbol is usually engraved on the bottom of the plastic container. The numbers in the triangle frame range from 1 to 7, and each number represents a plastic container of a certain specification.
No. 1: PET
PET (polyester) bottles are currently the most widely used beverage bottles, usually colorless and transparent.
Commonly used for: mineral water, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, etc.
Advantages: High transparency, you can see the contents of the bottle clearly; acid and alkali resistance, can hold carbonated beverages; high waterproofness, not easy to seep out.
Note: PET bottles cannot be placed in the sun in the car; do not hold alcohol, oil and other substances, as harmful substances are easily dissolved.
No. 2: HDPE
HDPE is widely used on various translucent and opaque plastic containers, and feels thicker.
Commonly used for: white medicine bottles, opaque shampoo bottles, yogurt bottles, chewing gum bottles, etc.
Advantages: More resistant to various corrosive solutions, mostly used in cleaning products, bath products, etc.
Note: Bottles containing cleaning products and bath products can be reused after cleaning, but these containers are usually not cleaned thoroughly, and the residual substances will become a breeding ground for bacteria. It is best not to recycle them.
No. 3: PVC
The bottom of the round PVC bottle is a line, which is different from the PET bottle. This material can only withstand heat of 81°C, and it is easy to produce harmful substances at high temperatures. It is rarely used in food packaging.
Commonly used for: raincoats.
Note: If there is a container for food made of PVC material, it is best not to buy it.
No. 4: LDPE
It is mostly used on plastic films and other utensils, and is not suitable as a beverage container.
Commonly used for: plastic wrap, plastic film, toothpaste or facial cleanser hose packaging.
Advantages: Good ductility, extremely widely used in life.
Note: Plastic wrap will melt when the temperature exceeds 110°C. Therefore, when food is put into the microwave, the plastic wrap wrapped around it must be removed first.
No. 5: PP
PP has a high hardness and a glossy surface.
Commonly used in: disposable juice, beverage cups, plastic dinner plates.
Advantages: Good air permeability, heat resistance temperature up to 167℃, it is the lightest plastic container.
Note: If the temperature is too high, there will still be gases that are not good for the human body.
No. 6: PS
It is divided into two categories: foamed and unfoamed. Foamed is the common Styrofoam utensils, and unfoamed is like yogurt bottles. Unfoamed ones will have white marks when folded lightly, and can usually be torn by hand.
Commonly used in: ice containers, fast food boxes, instant noodle buckets.
Advantages: Good heat resistance, often used to hold high-temperature foods, such as bowls of instant noodles; good cold resistance, all kinds of shaved ice also like to use this container.
Note: If PS encounters strong acid or strong alkaline substances, harmful substances will be produced. Be careful when using PS utensils and do not hold acidic or alkaline foods.
No. 7: PC
Currently the most common material for water cups. Many department stores and car manufacturers use water cups of this material as gifts.
Commonly used in: space cups, milk bottles.
Advantages: transparent, shatterproof, and widely used.
Note: Before first use, wash with baking soda and warm water, and dry naturally at room temperature; if there is any fall or damage, stop using it immediately; do not use a dishwasher or dishwasher; do not expose it to direct sunlight.