HUIWEN Plastic Product Material Classification and Application

 

Plastic Product Material Classification and Application

Plastic products are everyday items we use every day. From telephones, fax machines, computers, mobile phones, bowls and chopsticks, to bottles and jars of all sizes, you come into contact with them to some extent. However, you often don't know what materials they are made of. Without classification, plastic resources cannot be recycled and reused, which is a waste of resources. Generally speaking, because plastics are easy to recycle, most materials are classified into six categories for consumers to identify (not based on recycling frequency or number of uses – editor's note). Below are the classifications and characteristics of some everyday plastic products:

 

HDPE

 

Most plastic trays, milk jugs, juice bottles, detergent bottles, and toiletries containers are made of high-density polyethylene. Products made of HDPE are generally opaque but considered safe with a low risk of leaching.

 

PVC

 

The plasticizers mentioned above are often added to PVC to improve the performance of plastic products. They may be used to make plastic boxes, food packaging, shower curtains, inflatable mattresses, raincoats, and ordinary pipes. When choosing toys for children, always check the toy label to ensure the product is PVC-free.

 

LDPE

Some food bags, cling film, and squeeze bottles are made of this material. While the plastic itself is relatively safe, it is not very heat-resistant. If food is wrapped in cling film and heated, harmful substances from the film can leach out. Therefore, remove cling film before microwaving food.

 

PP

Common products using polypropylene include yogurt cups, medicine bottles, ketchup bottles, kitchen utensils, and plastic containers labeled "microwave safe."

 

It is considered "microwave safe" because polypropylene has good heat resistance and does not easily curl or deform when heated.

 

PS

Polystyrene is a colorless, hard plastic with little elasticity. It is used in instant noodle bowls, fast food containers, plastic spoons, and plastic forks. Extensive evidence shows that this type of plastic leaches toxic chemicals, especially when heated. It takes hundreds or thousands of years to degrade, posing a significant environmental hazard.

 

Other Categories

All other plastics besides the six types mentioned above are classified in this category. The risk of using this type of plastic is that you don't know exactly what it is. Blends are also sometimes used, and caution should be exercised when choosing them for food and beverage containers.

 

HUIWEN Plastics is a group company specializing in precision mold design and manufacturing, as well as precision injection molded products. The company focuses on providing reputable brands with complete solutions, from product design and precision mold manufacturing to injection molding and assembly, and after-sales service. Our products are widely used in household appliance casings and accessories, medical device injection molding parts, and cosmetic packaging injection molding parts. Welcome to contact us for inquiries.