ASTM D7611/D7611M Standard Practice for Coding Products Made from Plastics for Resin Identification

In the standard "ASTM D7611/D7611M Standard Practice for Coding Products Made of Plastics for Resin Identification" published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the types, names and sizes of the codes for the material types specified in the table given in the standard are explained.

Resin identification codes are used only to identify the plastic resin used in a manufactured product. These codes are not recycling codes. The use of a resin identification code on a manufactured plastic product does not imply that the product has been recycled or that systems are in place to effectively process the product for recovery or reuse. The phrase "recyclable" or other environmental claims should not appear near this code.

This practice is based on a system developed by the Plastics Industry Association in 1988. It is possible that some states or countries have incorporated the original plastics industry practice into laws or regulations. In these cases, those laws or regulations take precedence over this standard.

This practice applies only to new molds. The Plastics Industry Association recommends that existing molds containing older versions of resin identification codes may be modified, but no changes are necessary.

In short, ASTM D7611/D7611M provides a framework for determining plastic resin content in manufactured products, particularly packaging. This standard is primarily intended to provide consistent and uniform coding to aid material identification for recycling and quality control purposes.

The primary purpose of the ASTM D7611/D7611M standard is to define the types, names, and sizes of resin identification codes for plastic products. These codes are designed to identify the plastic resin used in manufacturing, such as bottles, containers, and other packaging materials. Importantly, these codes are not recycling codes, and the standard clearly states that their presence does not imply that a product is recyclable or that recycling systems are available for its recovery. Instead, resin identification codes aid in the separation and identification of materials in waste recovery facilities to increase recycling efficiency.

This standard outlines seven numbered codes, each corresponding to a specific type of plastic resin:

1. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET or PETE)
2. High density polyethylene (HDPE)
3. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
4. Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
5. Polypropylene (PP)
6. Polystyrene (PS)
7. Other resins (includes all other plastics not covered by codes 1-6)

Resin identification codes are critical for stakeholders throughout the plastic lifecycle, including manufacturers, recyclers, municipalities, and consumers. By clearly identifying resin types, this standard supports:

• Quality sorting: Helps waste recovery facilities properly separate plastics for recycling.
• Global consistency: Provides a uniform coding system for international trade and recycling processes.
• Innovation: Allows for the incorporation of new resins and keeps the standard current as plastics technologies evolve.

This standard emphasizes that resin identification codes are for resin content only and do not imply recyclability. This distinction is crucial to prevent consumers from being misled about a product's environmental impact.

This standard is important because it helps bring clarity and consistency to plastic product labeling by standardizing resin identification codes. These codes, often found within the recycling symbol on plastic products, are numbers 1-7 and indicate the type of plastic resin used. The key reasons for this standard's importance are:

• Standardized labeling: Replaces inconsistent or ambiguous labeling with a consistent format recognized by manufacturers, recyclers, and consumers.
• Supports recycling infrastructure: By clearly identifying the type of plastic resin, it helps recycling facilities separate and process materials more effectively, reducing contamination.
• Increases consumer awareness: Helps consumers better understand the recyclability and composition of plastic products, encouraging more responsible waste disposal and recycling behavior.
• Reduces misinterpretation: The original recycling triangle symbol is often misinterpreted to mean that the product is recyclable. ASTM D7611/D7611M replaces it with a filled equilateral triangle to help distinguish resin type from recyclability claims.
• Facilitates industry compliance: Increases regulatory compliance and transparency in plastics production by providing a globally recognized standard that manufacturers must adhere to.

As a result, the ASTM D7611/D7611M standard is a vital standard for standardizing plastic resin identification, improving the efficiency of recycling processes, and supporting global trade. By clearly defining the use of recycling standards, it enables manufacturers and recyclers to accurately identify materials without implying recyclability. Ongoing revisions ensure the standard remains aligned with advancements in plastic materials and societal needs. However, challenges such as regional regulations and consumer misunderstandings highlight the need for continued education and harmonization of practices.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, boasts a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "ASTM D7611/D7611M Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Products for Resin Identification."