How to check whether a plastic container is food grade
Nowadays, majority of the food products in market are sold in plastic containers. But, do you check the quality of the plastic container before buying the product? This article gives expert tips to help you know whether or not the plastic container is food grade.
Plastic has become an unavoidable product in our daily life. We use them for almost all purposes starting from making medicine containers till furniture manufacturing. Majority of the people don't bother about the quality of plastic container when they buy a food product. Factors like low price, durability and convenience make plastic so popular. But, plastic releases many poisonous gases, which will enter our body by eating/ drinking from these containers. These toxins can cause serious diseases like cancer. We must be aware of the threat plastic brings to our health and the environment. However, as we know, it is impossible to stop usage of plastic. But, choosing the right plastic can reduce its negative impact on health. Always check whether the container is food grade when you buy packet food.What does the number on a plastic product indicate?
Society of Plastic Industry (SPI) has introduced some codes, which help to separate different types of plastics for recycling. They are known as the plastic ID or plastic recycling code. These codes are internationally accepted. The recycling code consists of 3 arrows in clockwise, which form a triangle. There will be a number written inside this triangle. Sometimes, the short form the material used to manufacture the product also will be written below the triangle. The number in triangle provides many information about the plastic such as the chemical used in its manufacture, heat resistance of the plastic, leaching of chemicals, biodegradability and for what purpose it is most suitable.Different plastic recycling codes
Plastic Code #1 (PET)
The plastic containers with #1 are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate. It is commonly called PET or PETE. Plastic container with code #1 is meant for one time use. The bottle made with PET is usually thin and clear. It is mainly used for making bottles for water, oil, soft drinks, jam etc. It is considered to be safe for one time use. It can be recycled and use for making tote bags, fiber etc.Plastic Code #2 (HDPE)
This category of plastic is made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This is comparatively safer variety of plastic. #2 plastics will be opaque and thicker than #1. It is mainly used for making milk, water, and juice bottles. Plastic containers for detergent, shampoo etc. is made with #2 plastics. Chance for leaching of chemicals is very less for this category. This can be recycled too.Plastic Code #3 (PVC)
The plastic made of Poly Vinyl Chloride or PVC comes under this category. PVC can be rigid or flexible. #3 plastics are mainly used for plumbing purposes. Continuous usage of PVC may lead to hormone problems, which will adversely affect reproductive system. #3 plastics are not advisable for cooking and storing food items. It should not be burned since it produces poisonous gases. PVC is rarely recycled.Plastic Code #4 (LDPE)
Low Density Polyethylene is numbered with 4. It is soft and flexible. Plastic with code #4 is mainly used for making paper milk & juice cartons, hot & cold beverage cups, bread & frozen food covers etc. LDPE is one of the safe plastic. It can be recycled too.Plastic Code #5 (PP)
This category of plastic is made with Polypropylene. It is hard but, flexible kind of material. It is used in making ice cream containers, ketchup bottles, medicine bottles, diapers etc. This plastic can be recycled. #5 plastic is safe to use as food containers and can be reused.Plastic Code #6 (PS)
This is made with Polystyrene and is commonly known as Styrofoam. It is rigid in appearance. #6 plastics are mainly used in making disposable cups and plates, CD cases, egg cartons etc. This plastic seems to produce some poisonous gases, especially, when heated. Recycling is also difficult. So, it is better to avoid or reduce the use of #6 plastics. Plastic Code #7 (Others)
All other types of plastics such as acrylic, Poly carbonate, Co polyester comes under this category. This is commonly used for making DVDs, Sunglasses, Certain food containers and bottles, Computer cases etc.Tips for safe usage of plastic containers
As we know, it is impossible to avoid usage of plastic in our life. However, by following the given tips, we can reduce the risks:How to identify the food grade plastic?
We can't imagine a world without plastic. But, continuous usage of plastic harms our health and environment. We must take sincere effort to reduce its use and make others aware of its adverse effects. Try to replace all the possible plastic containers in our house with glass / steel. If you use plastic containers for storing food, buy code numbers 2,4 and 5 only. They are food grade plastics. Code #1 plastic is also safe to use. But it is made for single use. Give it for recycling after use. The containers made with #3 and #7 plastics leaches chemical into the food contained in it. So, strictly avoid using them for storing food. Use eco-friendly products only and save our planet.
A useful article which can be used in our daily life.
It is such similar small tips that average persons need for their help. The author deserves appreciation in coming with small but useful article.