When making a purchase, there are many signals that consumers tend to ignore, but that provide essential information about products. Beyond the symbols that appear on the labels of some clothing brands such as Zara, which indicate whether the garment is going to be wide, normal or narrow; the triangles that appear on plastic packaging indicate whether or not these can be reused.
This small brand, despite being present in all the plastic containers sold on the market, usually goes quite unnoticed. For this reason, few know its true meaning and tend to reuse all the containers without taking into account the dangers that this may have for their health. Likewise, they also usually indicate in which container it should be thrown away. guarantee their correct treatment and recycling. Essential and relevant information that many tend to ignore.
The true meaning of triangles on plastic packaging
The triangles that appear on plastic containers are part of a symbol system introduced by the Society of the Plastic Industry (SPI) with the objective of indicating to consumers what type of container they are purchasing and the way in which it should be recycled. To achieve this, a numbering is used, which represents the type of material used for its manufacture. This number appears surrounded by arrows that form a triangle, known as Möbius, forming a universally used symbol.
Likewise, below the triangle there are acronyms, which again indicate the type of plastic used to make the container. Thanks to this information, users can determine if this container can be reusedbe in contact with drinks or food, as a water bottle or tupperware to store food, or if, on the contrary, it should be discarded immediately after use.
The seven types of symbols that plastic containers present
In total, there are seven symbols whose meaning is essential to know for consumers. The first of them has the number one, followed by the letters PET or PETE. Its initials indicate that it is made of polyethylene or terephthalate and usually appears in food packaging, although it is also used for furniture, textile fibers or automobile parts. This material is quite economical, light and recyclable. However, cannot be reusedso it should be thrown away as soon as it is used.
When the number two followed by the acronym HDPEindicates that it is made of high-density polyethylene. This usually appears in containers of cleaning and chemical products, as well as in containers of yogurt, juices, water bottles or plastic bags. It is characterized by being more resistant and versatile than the previous material and is also recyclable.
A much more resistant material is polyvinyl chloride, represented by the number three and the well-known acronym PVC. This is usually used to make pipes, windows, hoses, medical equipment, but also bottles of cleaning products. Usually contains chemical additivesso it should not come into contact with food or drinks. Likewise, this fact also makes it difficult to recycle, although it can be reused to make panels, pallets or other elements.
With the number four and the acronym LPDE low-density polyethylene is represented. Unlike the previous material, this does not release chemicals when it comes into contact with food or drinks, which is why it is usually used for food containers, bottles or bags to store food. It is usually recyclablealthough it is not accepted in all areas, and can be reused to make trash cans, pipes or even tiles.
Some of these materials can release carcinogenic substances.
Polypropylene is indicated with the number five and the acronym PP. This type of plastic is the most recommended for the production of containers that will contain food and liquidssince it does not release chemicals even if it is at high temperatures. For this reason, tupperware and reusable bottles are usually made with this material, as well as sanitary products, cables or cleaning tools.
He number six and the acronym PS They represent polystyrene, a plastic known as white cork that is usually used to make food trays, disposable plates or takeaway food containers. Although it is recyclable, these types of containers should not be reused because it can release carcinogenic substances. Likewise, if not disposed of correctly, it can be highly polluting.
Finally, the number seven, followed by the word “Other”indicates that the product is made of less common plastics such as SAN (styrene acrylonitrile), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polycarbonate (PC), among others. These are usually more difficult to recycle. Although if this symbol, and the others, appears with an R in front of the acronym, it means that it has been made with recyclable materials.
From 2028, the EU will make it mandatory to indicate the materials used in plastic packaging
At the moment, these symbols are not mandatory, although they are very present on the products marketed both in Spain and in the rest of the member countries of the European Union. The latter, to improve the recycling of plastic containers, established that By 2030 all containers must be recyclableaccording to Regulation (EU) 2025/40.
Likewise, said regulations establish the obligation to “include pictograms clear and information on materials, compostability and presence of substances of concern”. This standard will come into force starting August 12, 2028 in the 27 member countries. With this, they aim to homogenize the legislation of these nations to facilitate the understanding of the symbols and the well-being of European citizens.