A company that’s making parts for machines will be better off when choosing ABS, because of its lifespan, its strength and its higher melting point….ABS.

ABS is considered a food grade thermoplastic, and can be safe for use in food processing. ABS plastic remains hard, rigid and tough even at low temperatures.

ABS, however, is stronger and more durable than PVC. When it comes to noise reduction, PVC is superior to ABS. PVC is better at muffling the sound of running water. The thermoplastics experts at Preferred Plastics can help you decide which type of plastic is ideal for your application.

Plastics that are safe to use as food storage containers include:

• Plastic #1: PET or PETE – (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• Plastic #2: HDPE – (High Density Polyethylene)
• Plastic #4: LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
• Plastic #5: PP – (Polypropylene)

04/10How to identify the right plastic containers Not all plastic containers release harmful chemicals, so no need to panic, The plastic containers that have #2, #4 and #5 printed at the bottom, are considered safe for food storage. While the one with #1, is a single-use container.

Other BPA-free plastics are also found by looking at the recycling codes imprinted on the underside of the product. Code 5 – Plastics made with Polypropylene or PP. They are more commonly used for yogurt or ice cream container, and other kitchen wares.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum which can be found translucent or opaque. It is flexible and tough but breakable and considered less toxic than other plastics, and relatively safe for use.

Trasande recommended avoiding items labeled 3 for phthalates, 6 for styrene and 7 for bisphenols. (Styrene, which is found in Styrofoam and other plastic products, is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Remember that #2, #4 and recycle symbol 5 are relatively safe to use. Still, try not to heat them and do not put into microwave even if they are microwavable safe. Products with #3 plastic recycling numbers, as well as with recycling codes 6 and 7, must be rarely used, especially with food and drinks.

PVC. Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is widely known as the most toxic plastic for health and the environment. In its production, it releases dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium and other toxic chemicals.

Most disposable plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is labeled 1, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is labeled 2. Both are considered safe.

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE. Most milk jugs, detergent and juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries containers are made of HDPE. Usually opaque in color, this plastic is considered safe and has low risk of leaching. It is picked up by most recycling programs.

Here is our list of the top 11 plastics the modern world simply cannot do without:

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET): PET is the most widely produced plastic in the world.
• Polyethylene (PE):
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
• Polypropylene (PP):
• Polystyrene (PS):
• Polylactic Acid (PLA):
• Polycarbonate (PC):
• Acrylic (PMMA):

There is certainly good plastic and bad plastic. Its association with health risks is because most plastics contain chemicals that are known as hormone-disruptor and they can leach into food and beverages. Plastics are made from petroleum – a non-renewable material and it takes large volume of landfill space.

When you do use plastics, look for these resin codes which are considered safer: #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

In terms of chemical leaching, plastic containers with the recycling code 2 (high-density polyethylene, HDPE), 4 (low-density polyethylene, LDPE) or 5 (polypropylene, PP) are safest for reuse, says Daniel Schmitt, associate professor of plastics engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, U.S. These …

“For the most part, plastic plates, cups and utensils can be reused. Non-toxic and totally reusable, you can wash them in the dishwasher or throw them in the microwave.

Recycling plastic waste materials help reduce the strain on the finite resources of the earth like natural gas, petroleum, coal, wood, and water. By reusing plastic instead of manufacturing the same grade of material every time, we are effectively reducing the footprint of the plastic on dump sites across the globe.

How does plastic harm the environment? Plastic sticks around in the environment for ages, threatening wildlife and spreading toxins. Plastic also contributes to global warming. Almost all plastics are made from chemicals that come from the production of planet-warming fuels (gas, oil and even coal).

Microplastics entering the human body via direct exposures through ingestion or inhalation can lead to an array of health impacts, including inflammation, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and necrosis, which are linked to an array of negative health outcomes including cancer, cardiovascular diseases.

Plastic pollution costs $13 billion in economic damage to marine ecosystems per year. 28 This includes losses to the fishing industry and tourism, as well as the cost to clean up beaches. Plastic leaches chemicals, including dyes, metals, and flame-retardants. …