Plastics play a critical role in various industries, including cosmetics, skincare, and food packaging. Understanding the recycling codes used for plastics helps manufacturers, brands, and consumers make informed choices about sustainability. Have you ever noticed a number inside a triangle at the base of a bottle or jar? This number represents the recycling code, which indicates the type of plastic used in the packaging. Below, we explore the key recycled plastic codes and their applications, linking them to Weltrade Packaging’s product offerings.
Recycling Code 1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- Characteristics: Lightweight, strong, gloss, and resistant to moisture and alcohol. Commonly used in beverage bottles, cosmetic bottles and food jars.
- Applications: Ideal for items such as water bottles, cosmetic bottles and food jars.
- Recyclability: Highly recyclable into products like fibres for clothing, carpets, and new jars/bottles.
Many of our cosmetic & water bottles and jars for are made with PET, offering clients a sustainable choice.
Recycling Code 2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Characteristics: Sturdy, opaque, matte and resistant to chemicals and impact. Often found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and cleaning product containers.
- Applications: Excellent for storing liquids that require durable packaging.
- Recyclability: Can be recycled into items like piping, and more bottles.
HDPE is a staple for our robust supplement jars and industrial packaging options, ensuring durability and reusability. We also manufacture a wide range of HDPE bottles specifically for our cosmetic, skincare and haircare industries.
Recycling Code 3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) (Minimised Use)
- Characteristics: Flexible or rigid, with high resistance to weather and chemicals. Used in pipes, medical equipment, and some packaging.
- Challenges: Difficult to recycle due to chlorine content; often avoided for sustainable packaging.
We prioritise sustainable alternatives over PVC for our products to align with eco-friendly practices.
Recycling Code 4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- Characteristics: Flexible and tough, matte, often used in plastic bags, squeezable bottles, cosmetic tubes and some food wraps.
- Applications: Commonly seen in items requiring flexibility and lightweight properties.
- Recyclability: Can be recycled into garbage can liners and plastic packaging.
LDPE is used for our squeezable cosmetic tubes and caps, meeting client needs for user-friendly designs. Can be blended with HDPE to which results in a MDPE (medium density blend)
Recycling Code 5: PP (Polypropylene)
- Characteristics: Strong, lightweight, and resistant to heat, making it a versatile choice for food containers, straws, and medicine bottles.
- Applications: Widely used in products requiring sterility and high performance, such as supplement bottles and closures.
- Recyclability: Recyclable into items like signal lights, battery cases, and pallets.
Weltrade leverages PP for closures, pump/sprays dispensers, and small cosmetic jars, reflecting its popularity in our diverse packaging solutions.
Recycling Code 6: PS (Polystyrene) (Minimised Use)
- Characteristics: Lightweight and insulating but brittle. Found in disposable cups, plates, and foam packaging.
- Challenges: Limited recyclability and environmental concerns around its single-use nature.
We avoid using polystyrene in our packaging, focusing instead on more sustainable and recyclable alternatives.
Recycling Code 7: Other (Miscellaneous Plastics)
- Characteristics: Includes a mix of plastics like polycarbonate, acrylic, AS and more.
- Applications: Often reserved for specialised applications, such as medical-grade products or heavy plastic packaging.
- Recyclability: Will more than likely not be recycled
For specialised requirements, Weltrade explores innovative materials under this category, including biodegradable options for sustainable packaging.
Linking to Weltrade’s Sustainable Practices
Weltrade Packaging prioritises environmentally responsible solutions by:
- Promoting Recyclable Materials: Most of our products incorporate PET, HDPE, and PP, ensuring high recyclability while maintaining quality.
- Minimising Non-Recyclable Use: We consciously avoid plastics like Acrylic and AS to reduce environmental impact.
- Sustainable Innovations: Weltrade explores bioplastics and other materials to not only reduce virgin plastics but also reduce our carbon emissions.
- Recyclability Education: By educating clients on plastic codes, we empower them to align with global sustainability trends and regulations.
The Way Forward
Understanding the recycling codes for plastics enables smarter choices in packaging. At Weltrade, we ensure our materials align with sustainability goals while maintaining functionality, aesthetics, and quality. Our focus on PET, HDPE, LDPE and PP ensures that we deliver products that are not only market-ready but also environmentally friendly, meeting the needs of businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint.