SPI resin identification coding system

This page lists of the various symbols in the SPI resin identification coding system group.

The SPI resin identification coding system is a set of symbols placed on plastics to identify the polymer type. It was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988, and is used internationally. The primary purpose of the codes is to allow efficient separation of different polymer types for recycling. Separation must be efficient because the plastics must be recycled separately. Even one item of the wrong type of resin can ruin a mix.

The symbols used in the code consist of arrows that cycle clockwise to form a rounded triangle and enclosing a number, often with an acronym representing the plastic below the triangle. When the number is omitted, the symbol is known as the universal Recycling Symbol, indicating generic recyclable materials. In this case, other text and labels are used to indicate the material(s) used. Previously recycled resins are coded with an "R" prefix (for example, a PETE bottle made of recycled resin could be marked as RPETE using same numbering)

Symbols in this group:

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) (chemical formula (C8H8)x· (C4H6)y·(C3H3N)z) is a common thermoplastic. Its glass transition temperature is approximately 105 °C (221 °F). ABS is amorphous and therefore has no true melting point.

Read more »

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD)

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum.

Read more »

LDPE (low density polyethylene)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene.

Read more »

Miscellaneous Plastics

Other plastics, such as acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid (a bioplastic), and multilayer combinations of different plastics.

Read more »

PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

Polyethylene terephthalate (sometimes written poly(ethylene terephthalate)), commonly abbreviated PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P, is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in synthetic fibers.

Read more »

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labeling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal underwear and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes

Read more »

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) (pron.: /ˌpɒliˈstaɪriːn/) is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical.

Read more »

V (Vinyl) or PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated PVC, is the third-most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene.

Read more »

Have a discussion about the SPI resin identification coding system group with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this symbols group page to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "SPI resin identification coding system Symbols." Symbols.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.symbols.com/group/52/SPI+resin+identification+coding+system>.

    We need you!

    Help us build the largest human-edited symbols collection on the web!

    Graphical Index

    Use our unique search feature to find a symbol based on its various graphical characteristics:


    • Symmetry:
    • Shape:
    • Colors:
    • Curveness:
    • Crossing:

    Quiz

    Are you a world flags master?

    »
    A Bosnia and Herzegovina
    B Honduras
    C Uzbekistan
    D Panama

    Browse Symbols.com