Plastic has become an essential material in both everyday life and in the industrial field. Its presence ranges from household products to components in construction and medicine. Today, it would be impossible to imagine our life without the use of plastics, as they are found in practically everything we use. However, it is important to note that there are various plastics available. types of plastics which vary depending on the use to be given to them, their origin and their composition.
One of the major problems with this material is its high resistance to degradation, which makes it a highly polluting element if not managed correctly. This is why it is important to classify them to facilitate their correct recycling or reuse.
In this article we will explain in detail the main types of plastics, their characteristics and how they impact the environment.
Classification of types of plastics
Plastics can be sorted in a number of ways, but one of the most well-known methods is the recycling symbol system. You've probably seen a recycling symbol on some packaging or products that includes a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle of arrows. This is known as the resin identification code.
Using this code, we can identify the type of resin used in the manufacture of the plastic and, therefore, determine its composition and recycling method. Below, we detail the main types of plastics according to this code:
- PET or PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate)
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PS (Polystyrene)
- other plastics
Types of plastics
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Plastic
PET is one of the most common plastics and is found primarily in beverage bottles such as soda and water. This type of plastic is transparent and light, but it has the peculiarity of not transpiring, which makes it ideal for food and beverage packaging. It is one of the most recyclable plastics and is usually marked with the number 1 inside the recycling triangle.
It can be recycled into textile fibers, carpets, or even stuffing materials for cushions and pillows. However, it is important to note that this plastic can degrade with prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight, potentially releasing harmful chemicals.
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Plastic
HDPE is known for being a plastic that is resistant to both heat and cold, making it ideal for milk bottles, detergents, and some cleaning products. This type of plastic is thicker and stiffer than PET and is represented by the number 2.
Like PET, HDPE is completely recyclable and is commonly seen reused in the production of flower pots, trash bins and other non-food packaging. HDPE also consumes less energy to produce than other materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC, also known as polyvinylchloride, is one of the most versatile plastics and is found in products such as pipes, windows, siding and credit cards. However, it is one of the most difficult plastics to recycle and also one of the most dangerous to health because it can release toxins throughout its lifespan.
PVC is identified by the number 3 and, although it is used in a wide range of applications, its recycling is limited. Some products derived from PVC recycling include shoe soles and construction elements, but it still represents a serious environmental challenge due to its production and possible release of toxic substances.
LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) Plastic
LDPE is more flexible than other types of plastics and is commonly found in shopping bags, food wraps and malleable packaging. It is classified as number 4 in the recycling code and, although it is recyclable, it is not as commonly recycled as other plastics due to the difficulty in processing thin products such as plastic bags.
LDPE is also used in the manufacture of certain medical products such as IV bags and in the insulation of electrical cables. Its flexibility and strength make it a useful material, although with a lower percentage of recyclability.
PP Plastic (Polypropylene)
El polypropylene, identified by the number 5, is another very common plastic that we find in products such as bottle caps, straws, food containers, syringes and even disposable diapers. This type of plastic is heat resistant, making it the ideal choice for containers that require microwaves and for industrial products.
After recycling, PP can be reused for the manufacture of various applications such as textiles, automotive parts, containers and plastic chairs. It is one of the most robust plastics and its properties make it 100% recyclable.
PS Plastic (Polystyrene)
Polystyrene, marked with the number 6, is another common plastic that can be found in products such as yogurt containers, hot drink cups, and fast food containers. Expanded polystyrene, known as expanded polystyrene, is also known as expanded polystyrene. White cork, is also a type of polystyrene used in packaging and protective products.
Although this plastic is recyclable, its low density makes it difficult to collect and transport, which limits its recycling rate. In addition, the recycling process for polystyrene is not as efficient as that for other plastics.
Other types of plastics
Category 7 includes a wide range of plastics that are not classified in the previous groups. Within this category are products such as polycarbonate, the nylon, the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and other plastics that have a mixed composition.
Although some of these plastics are recyclable, they present more problems due to the mixture of resins that complicates the recycling process. In addition, some of these plastics may contain toxic substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), which has been studied for its potential impact on human health.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are plastics that originate from renewable natural resources such as corn starch, sugar cane or cellulose. Unlike conventional plastics, bioplastics do not come from petroleum and, depending on their composition, they can be biodegradable.
Examples of bioplastics include PLA (polylactic acid), which is used in food packaging and some bottles. Although bioplastics have a lower environmental impact, it is important to note that they do not always break down easily in natural environments and many recycling plants are not equipped to process them efficiently.
Biodegradable plastics
These types of plastics are specifically designed to biodegrade under controlled environmental conditions. They are often confused with bioplastics, but the key to biodegradable plastics is that they can be broken down by action of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.
However, not all biodegradable plastics decompose in the same time or under the same conditions. In fact, some require specific temperatures or the presence of oxygen. Therefore, recycling them can be more complex than it seems.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are those that can be repeatedly melted and molded without losing their properties. This makes them an excellent choice Recycling friendly, as they can be reprocessed over and over again. Some examples include the polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the polyethylene and the polycarbonate.
Their main advantage is that they can be recycled through mechanical processes, which reduces the need to generate new plastics from fossil fuels.
Thermoset plastics
Thermosetting plastics are materials whose formation process is irreversible. Unlike thermoplastics, they cannot be remade or melted once they have been molded for the first time.
Among the most common examples of thermosetting plastics are: synthetic rubber, silicones and epoxy resinsThese plastics are used when durable products are needed that can withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress, as in the case of electronic components and automotive parts.
Microplastics
Los microplastics They are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm. They are generated in the oceans and on land from the decomposition of larger plastic products and are considered one of the biggest environmental pollution problems today.
These particles can absorb toxins and be ingested by marine animals, thus entering the food chain and potentially affecting human health. Microplastics are also found in cosmetics and cleaning products, where they serve as exfoliating agents.
It is essential that governments and industry work together to minimise microplastic pollution and promote the use of sustainable materials.
Finally, it is imperative that we all become aware of the correct use and final disposal of plastic to mitigate its impact on the environment.