We certainly cannot escape from this one item, namely plastic. The use of plastic-based goods cannot be separated from everyday life. Have you ever seen a symbol on a plastic packaging, then we are curious about the meaning of that symbol. Let’s find out what is the meaning behind each plastic packaging.
1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
The PET symbol is indicated by the numeric code 1. This symbol indicates that a plastic is made of Polyethylene Terephthalate.
Usually this symbol is found in plastics for food and beverage packaging. Such as drinking bottles, soda bottles, oil bottles, sauce bottles, jam containers, medicine boxes, cosmetic containers, and so on.
2. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
HDPE type plastic bottles have material properties that are stronger, harder, opaque and more durable against high temperatures. HDPE is a plastic material that is safe to use because of its ability to prevent chemical reactions between HDPE plastic packaging and the food / beverage it is packed with.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC material can be found in plastic wrap (cling wrap), and bottles. This material contains chlorine and will release toxins if burned. PVC should not be used in food preparation or food packaging. This material can also be reprocessed into mudflaps, panels, mats, etc.
4. LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is a brown type plastic (thermoplastic / made from petroleum), commonly used for food containers, plastic packaging, soft bottles, clothing, furniture, etc. The mechanical properties of this type of LDPE are strong, translucent, flexible and a slightly fatty surface, at 60 ° it is very resistant to chemical reactions, has good water vapor protection, can be recycled and is good for items that require flexibility but is strong. LDPE-based goods are difficult to destroy, but are good for food containers because they are difficult to react chemically with foods packaged with this material. LDPE can also be recycled in a number of ways.
5. PP (Polypropylene)
Characteristics of Polypropylene is a transparent plain bottle which is not clear or cloudy. Polypropylene is stronger and lighter with low vapor permeability, good resistance to grease, stable to high temperatures and quite shiny. This type of PP is the best choice of plastic material, especially for food and beverage containers such as food storage, drinking bottles and most importantly drinking bottles for babies.
6. PS (Polystyrene)
This type of plastic is commonly used as a material for eating Styrofoam, disposable drinking containers, and so on. Polystyrene is an aromatic polymer that can release styrene material into food when the food comes into contact.
7.OTHER (Polycarbonate)
Materials for the 7 Other types of plastic are of 4 kinds, namely:
1. SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile)
2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
3. PC (Polycarbonate)
4. Nylon
Can be found in food and beverage containers such as sports drinking bottles, auto parts. Household appliances, computers, electronic devices, and plastic packaging.Medion Plastic itself produces several types of pure and quality raw materials, as well as “food contact”. Some of the basic materials used include Polypropylene (PP), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and others.Before buying plastic food containers or drinking bottles, it is advisable to read the code under the packaging. Do not let you choose the wrong choice or even buy a drinking bottle that is not labeled at all.
Sources :
zerowaste.id
Tomohon.info