How well do you know your PETs?

SOMETHING SMELLS

Negros Daily Bulletin

By Tina M. Monfort

Did you know that Leonardo Da Vinci invented the first form of natural plastic during the renaissance period? The plastic Da Vinci created was made from both animal and vegetable glues combined with organic fibers. When this combination dried, Da Vinci was left with a product that would be described today as a plastic-like substance. 

Plastic bottles were first used commercially in 1947, but remained relatively expensive until the early 1960 when high-density Polyethylene was introduced. 

Symbols are required to appear on all bottles of size 8 oz. and greater. The symbols consist of a triangle, formed by three “chasing arrows”, with a specific number in the center that indicates the material from which the bottle is made. Each of the three arrows can represent one step in a three-step process that forms a closed loop, the recycling loop. The first step represents collection of materials to be recycled. This step takes place when recyclable materials are placed into your recycling bin or taken to a local collection center. The collected materials are then cleaned and sorted for sale to a manufacturing facility. The manufacturing process is the second arrow in the recycling symbol. The recyclable materials are manufactured into new products for retail or commercial sale. The third step is the actual purchase and use of the products made from the recycled materials. The loop is now complete. 

(Polyethylene Terephthalate) is commonly used for carbonated beverage and water bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, salad dressing containers, juice bottles and vegetable oil bottles. 

(High Density Polyethylene) used for milk containers, juice bottles, water bottles, bleach, detergent, shampoo bottles, trash bags, grocery and retail carrying bags, motor oil bottles, butter and margarine tubs, household cleaner bottles, yogurt containers, and cereal box liners. 

(Polyvinyl Chloride) used for window cleaner bottles, cooking oil bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, wire and cable jacketing, medical tubing, with additional significant usage in household products and building materials, particularly siding, piping, and windows. 

(Low Density Polyethylene) used for squeezable bottles, bread bags, frozen food bags, tote bags, clothing, furniture, dry cleaning bags, and carpet. 

(Polypropylene) is used primarily for jars and closures. 

(Polystyrene) used for plates, cups, cutlery, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles and compact disc jackets. 

The category of “Other” includes any resin not specifically numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or combinations of one or more of these resins. 

Generally, a product that is recycled is remanufactured into a new product that has less demanding specifications for the new use of the recycled product. Plastic materials may be recycled into a packaging material of less stringent requirements. 

Recycling has been aided by the creation of The Plastic Bottle Material Code System, also known as the Resin identification code. The symbols in this system are designed to be easily readable and distinguishable from other markings on the container. 

The code number is also supplemented by the common letter indication for the various resins under the symbol, to serve as a constant verification of the material sorted. For example, 1 type plastics are made of PETE, 2 and 4 type plastics are made of Polyethylene, 5 type plastics are made of Polypropylene, and 7 type plastics can be made of a variety of things, such as polycarbonates, 3 and 6 type plastics being the most common. 

Are PET bottles safe? Is there a risk in re-using them? Does heat cause carcinogenic chemicals to leak out from the PET bottle to the bottles’ contents? All these and more commonly asked questions on Feb.25. See you!*