What Do These Numbers on the Bottom of the Bottles Mean?

You may have noticed that there are some shapes and numbers at the bottom of the water bottle you drink or the jar you open. It is usually inside the triangle. Have you ever questioned what these numbers mean?

Although some people think that it indicates how many times that bottle will be used. This is not correct information. It is true that the triangle evokes something about recycling. Let’s look at what exactly he is talking about.

It shows the type of plastic the bottle is made from.

These numbers, called “Resin Identifiaction Code”, tell the type of plastic. For example The number 1 is the most common because it refers to the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material. In other words, almost all of the water bottles we call pet bottles belong to number 1.

inside the triangle The number 2 represents HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic. It has the ability to carry heavier objects. You can usually see it in detergent or shampoo boxes. Unlike PET, it can be filled with something and used again.

Let’s continue with other numbers.

The number 3 represents the chemical V (polyvinyl chloride). Can you remember places where you saw 3? For example, it is in fast food containers. It’s even found in car seats and household oil containers.

The number 4 corresponds to LDPE (low density polyethylene). Plastic bags in the market are one of the most common examples we encounter. Although many of us use it frequently, many recycling companies do not take this type of plastic. Therefore, let’s take a small sustainability commercial break: It is useful to bring your own mesh/cloth bags when going to the market or market.

The number 5 represents propylene plastic, abbreviated as PP. You may come across it in straws, yoghurt cups, sauce bottles, and feeding bottles. As can be seen from its usage areas, it is among the safe plastics.

PS (polystyrene) corresponds to the number 6. It is mostly used in plastic balls, filling materials and thermal insulation. Unfortunately, it is not a recyclable material.

Let’s come to our last issue. 7 covers all other plastic materials. In other words, it may contain a completely different plastic than the ones we just mentioned, or a mixture of several plastics. It is generally not recycled. We can say that it is the most harmful type of plastic for both health and the environment and should be avoided.

Our other content that may interest you: