If you check the bottom of almost any plastic bottle or container product, you will see the small number indicated therein in the triangular triangular symbol. This number determines what type of polymer material the product is made of.
In 1988, the Society for the Plastics Industry (SPI) developed a classification system to help consumers and recyclers in sorting, processing and recycling plastics.
Each recycling number, also called the SPI Code, tells us that the chemical component of the product.
We should not mix different types of foam together, since each of them must be processed separately, on different machines. It is for this reason that we should pay attention to this small triangular sign (PSI code), since it is a guide for us and for processors.
All recycling numbers inside the arrow symbol go from 1 to 7.
Foam number 1 - it is a bottle, water, soda and oil bottles. These materials after processing are used to make bags with a tote, carpets, materials from fibrous material in winter clothes, etc.
Foam number 2 - washing and dishwashers, soap bottles, bottles of milk and shampoo, as well as grocery bags and toys. Secondary foam number 2 is used for the manufacture of plastic boxes, plastic lumber, fences, etc.
Foam number 3 is commonly found in plumbing pipes, shower curtains, medical pipes and seat covers. After processing, it is used for the manufacture of flooring, mobile home baseboards and other industrial items.
Foam number 4 includes food and sandwich bags, wrap films, compressible bottles. After recycling, it is used to make garbage bins, lumber, furniture, and other household items.
Foam number 5 is mainly Tupperware, yogurt containers, ketchup bottles, syrup bottles and recipe bottles, and plastic soda bottle caps. After disposal, these items are used to make ice scrapers, rakes, battery cables and other strong items.
Foam No. 7 is any other recyclable material that is a combination of 1-6, less commonly used. For example: baby bottles, CDs and medical storage containers.
All products based on polystyrene are classified as polymer plastic, also known as foam No. 6. It is also known under the trade name Styrofoam and includes a wide variety of products. This is what foam No. 6 is:
Kitchen foam and food
Under this category you can find drinking cups, food pallets and food containers. It is the material of choice for eating and fast food because of its light weight, its excellent insulating properties, capable of maintaining temperature and being an inexpensive material.
Fragrances for packing foam
These peanuts continue to ship items from moving or hacking. Most curbing programs will not recycle or take foam peanuts, but they can be reused.
Styrofoam
This type of styrofoam is used to deliver electronics, furniture, and any fragile materials. Packaging foam provides protection and insulation. It is lightweight and helps reduce shipping costs, and its excellent cushioning properties lead to less damage.
Frothers
EPS medical coolers are used to store vaccines and medicines at critical temperatures when they are sent to hospitals, clinics, medical facilities and medical offices.
Wine and food coolers
EPS EPS 6 is also used to transport wine and food, such as fish and meat. For example, wine coolers can simultaneously transport several bottles, at the same time offering thermal insulation, as well as protecting bottles.
Foam No. 6 can be recycled again and again. It can be melted, crushed or condensed. Disposal of foam will reduce its volume by more than 90% of its original size. For example, imagine 40,000 pounds of polystyrene foam material being inserted into a trailer after being reused. But why do we need to recycle?
Foam has real value after it is recycled. Compact, compacted, compacted or molten foam can be sold to other companies that are willing to pay for it. They will mix recycled foam with other materials, making it a new product. For example, it can be mixed with concrete building blocks that are strong enough, but cheaper than ordinary building blocks. They can also make a large insulating material for building and construction. It is also used to make architectural moldings, picture frames, pony bags for holding plants, and more.
Foam disposal is now easier than ever with new and efficient recycling equipment. No need to throw foam in landfills, taking up so much space.
When disposing of polystyrene foam, we keep the Earth green and help the environment. We reduce the need to collect oil from the earth, and we save energy.
