Kids and Plastics

When plastic first came on the market it seemed like a miracle. Plastic has changed our life completely. If we were to imagine life without plastics, it would appear to be devoid of some of the 'necessary' things in life. But there are plastics, and there are plastics. The vast majority of our plastics are petrochemical-based, despite there being alternative plant-based plastic technology available. Petrochemical-based plastics manufacturing is not sustainable, is damaging to our health, and is polluting our environment. And among these petrochemical-based plastics there are different types – some more harmful than others. Below is a list of the most common plastics, and their recycling number, to help in identification.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). This is a clear plastic and is used primarily to make bottles for soft drink, dish detergent, sauce, etc. PET's use is not restricted to food containers, it is also used in carpet, clothing, luggage, and shoes.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This plastic is used to make milk, juice, water and laundry product bottles.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC is used widely in both rigid and flexible applications. Rigid use includes pipes, bottles, carpet backing and windows. Flexible use includes film, floor coverings, coatings, blood bags, and medical tubing.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). This plastic is used in film applications, flexible bottles, and lids.

Polypropylene (PP). PP is used in both flexible and rigid packagings and in fibres.

Polystyrene (PS). This product can be either rigid or foamed and is used mostly as a clear, hard and brittle product. It is used in protective packaging, containers, cups, plates, bottles and food trays.

Other. This symbol indicates the product is made from a resin other than the six listed above or from a combination of resins.