GOOD PLASTIC VS BAD PLASTIC: what symbols to be careful of in waste disposal!

IS PLASTIC ALL THE SAME?

It's usual to talk about plastic as a single material, but were you aware that there are more than 6 types of plastics? It's better to talk about polymers than types.

Each polymer is associated with a specific and unique code necessary for separate collection, and is indicated mandatory in every type of packaging, have you ever noticed?

Here are the recognized polymers:

• PET 1 (polyethylene terephthalate): used for bottles and synthetic fibres;
• PE-HD 2 (high-density polyethylene): used adhesive tapes, garbage bags, toys
• PVC 3 (polyvinyl chloride): insulating films, credit cards, pipes;
• PE-LD 4 (low-intensity polyethylene): used adhesive tapes, garbage bags, toys;
• PP 5 (polypropylene): bottles, detergents, outdoor furniture;
• PS 6 (polystyrene): used for food trays, cutlery, plates, caps.

But there is one important missing: OTHER 07 that collects everything that is different from the polymers above, or even a combination of them.

RECYCLABLE AND NON RECYCLABLE PLASTIC

This environmental labelling serves the purpose of recycling: the disposal of waste (plastic more specifically), is done by selecting and separating recyclables after collection and dividing them according to their codes.

Codes 1 to 6 are all potentially recyclable. They will then be selected, sorted and led to recycling each according to its code.
In 2022 in Italy 45% of secondary raw material was generated.

For "Other 07" products, there will be little to do: they are not recyclable and are intended for incineration.

"07 OTHER"- PLASTIC AND COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC

Other-07 plastics include all other polymers different from those specified in Decision 129/97/EC for which there is no specific recycling code, such as: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC), biodegradable and compostable plastics (Polylactic acid (PLA)).
In the latter case, optionally, it can be choosen to accompany this coding with the words "Compostable plastic 07".
The abbreviation "Other 07" also applies when a combination of polymers takes place, for example a tray consisting of an outer layer of PET and an inner layer of PE-LD.

Pay attention to recycled plastic!
Many times it happens to find in detergents and bottles the indication communicating the use of recycled plastic.
The associated environmental labelling, almost always bears the symbol OTHER 07, as probably in the recycling were mixed several polymers: the resulting material will unfortunately have no future, will end up in landfill.
As already mentioned, there is no recycling chain for category 07!

Deepening the theme of compostable plastic that in recent years we have seen depopulated, it is fair to underline that it, coming under the label 07, does not have a supply chain for recycling!

The compostable plastic can be delivered in the organic collection (according to the last decree) only if:

1. the material is certified and complies with UNI EN 13432, and this certification is indicated on the packaging;
2. the labelling in the packaging is such that it can be traced both to the certifying body and to the producer;
3. labelling in packaging gives specific guidance on the wet delivery of such products.

In addition, it is good to remember that regardless of the labelling, the right contribution is always depending on the municipality!

PIRSAFA AND PURE PLASTIC

All PIR.SA.FA. clothing accessories are FOR CHOICE products made of 100% pure plastic of 1st choice and certified for Reach.

In addition, PURE recycled plastic items are also produced, without any mix of different polymers, so that they can have even more life.

Only in this way the products are 100% recyclable and the packaging is quality, which is essential for the success of recycling (as well as reusable because of strong hold).

COLLECTION QUALITY IS KEY TO INCREASING RECYCLING

PIR.SA.FA. team

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