The 7 most commonly used plastics today

Plastic is found all around our lives such as bottles, cups, spoons, straws, food containers... but do you understand the meaning of each symbol underneath each plastic bottle?

PET (PETE) Plastic – Polyethylene terephthalate

PET (PETE) plastic has the scientific name of Polyethylene terephthalate. PET plastic is one of seven types of plastic commonly used today. PET plastic is widely used in many industries, most notably the production of plastic bottles and jars.

PET plastic under normal conditions will not cause toxicity. However, according to the international organization ASTM, PET plastic has the symbol number 1. The characteristic of this symbol is that you should only use products from PET plastic once. Absolutely do not reuse because it will be dangerous to health.

PET plastic possesses excellent physical and chemical properties. Therefore, products made from this plastic are durable, long-lasting, and color fade less. Please note that PET plastic should not be used at high temperatures as it will produce toxic substances.

HDPE Plastic – High-density polyethylene

How many types of plastic are commonly used in today's life? The answer is 7, of which HDPE is the plastic that has been named the best plastic. HDPE has the English name of High-density polyethylene, which is a safe plastic for humans despite being recycled many times. HDPE is a thermoplastic in the group of PE resins, with a high density.

HDPE has many advantages over other common plastic materials. Therefore, products from HDPE are used a lot in industry and life. All products have the characteristics of durability, good impact.

Products from HDPE plastic with symbol number 2, do not emit toxic substances, and are safe. That's why experts recommend choosing bottles made from HDPE when buying. HDPE is used to produce bottles, baby bottles, boxes, plastic bags...

PVC Plastic – Polyvinyl Chloride

When asked how many popular and best-selling plastics are in the market, it is impossible not to mention PVC. PVC, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride, is a toxic but cheap plastic.

PVC plastic symbol on plastic with symbol is number 3. This group of plastic is not good for human health, especially at high temperature. Today, PVC is used to manufacture products such as packaging, wrapping film, plastic bottles, solution containers, etc.

Although not good, but PVC is soft, flexible and durable, along with a relatively cheap price. That's why PVC is a hot seller and is used a lot to make household items. However, you should be aware that the toxic, possibly carcinogenic substances of PVC will be released at high temperatures. Absolutely do not use products from this plastic for hot food and drinks.

LDPE Plastic – Low Density Polyethylene

LDPE plastic is a type of plastic with the number 4 designation and is one of the seven common types of plastic on the market. Similar to HDPE, LDPE is also a thermoplastic belonging to the PE group. However, LDPE has poorer physicochemical properties than HDPE.

LDPE plastic is safe and recyclable, so products from this plastic material are also widely used. For example, the production of plastic packaging, containers, plastic cups, plastic bags... This is a chemically inert plastic and has low heat resistance. Therefore, when using products from LDPE plastic, you should avoid using it at high temperatures, do not use a microwave oven.

PP Plastic – Polypropylene

PP plastic is the most commonly used plastic on the Vietnamese plastic market today. Products from this group of plastics have high mechanical strength, superior ability and are much better than other plastics.

PP plastic with symbol number 5, is a safe plastic to use, especially in food and beverage. You can easily see the symbol number 5 at the bottom of food containers, pharmaceuticals, straws, yogurt jars... Most of the products are made from PP plastic with beautiful glossy surface, waterproof, gas, and oxygen-free. Therefore, this type of plastic is commonly used in daily life.

To ensure the safest for users, manufacturers often recommend not to leave PP products at high temperatures continuously. The reason is because exceeding the allowable temperature threshold, PP plastic is not good for health.

PS Plastic – Polystyrene

PS plastic, also known as polystyrene, is a low-cost thermoplastic. Today PS plastic is used in the production of disposable containers, cups, plastic plates, and foam boxes.

It is cold-resistant, but at high temperatures PS plastic will produce toxic substances. Therefore, you should not put food or hot water in the product. Besides, PS plastic is also not used to store items with strong chemicals such as acids, alkalis (grease, sour food, vinegar). PS plastic under symbol number 6 is a type of plastic that is not allowed to be used to store food and drink for a long time.

Other Plastic – Polycarbonate

Do you know how many popular and widely used plastics are in our life? Other plastic group – Polycarbonate is the last group introduced among 7 popular plastic groups. This is another form of plastic or a mixture of plastics including polycarbonate, acrylic, fiberglass, etc.

All this plastic is classified in the 7th group, the last group and not used as recycling. Other plastic is extremely cheap and toxic. Especially when storing hot items, it can produce toxic substances that cause cancer and are harmful to health.