Labelling

Recycling symbols

Recycling symbols are universal and internationally recognized symbols. They are used to identify recyclable materials. Each recycling symbols consists of three arrows, forming a continuous single-sided looped surface. With plastics, a number is often included in the arrows, indicating the resin content and thus what type of plastic it is. Also, to avoid confusion, the abbreviation of the plastic type is also indicated underneath the arrows. This is important, as without labeling, recycling plastic is difficult. Recycling of plastics is vital since it is a very stable and durable material, making it harmful to the environment.

My product 

My product is a Fusion bottle, which is made up of three types of plastic.

The bottle



The number inside the arrows as well as the abbreviation PET beneath the arrows indicate that this is polyethylene terephthalate plastic. It is sometimes also referred to as PETE, PETP or PET-P. It is used in synthetic fibers, beverage, food and other liquid containers. PET can be found as a transparent, opaque or white, depending on its processing and thermal history.


The cap



This is a high-density polyethylene plastic, as indicated by the number inside the arrows as well as the abbreviation HDPE below the arrows. It is also known as PEHD. HDPE is made of petroleum and has a high strength-to-density ratio. It is used to manufacture plastic bottles and plastic lumber.


The label


Both the number inside the arrows and the abbreviation PP below it, indicate that this is a polypropylene plastic. It is also referred to as polypropene. Polypropylene is used as packaging, labeling, rope, stationary, etc. 


Recycle vs. Re-use

Recycle
Recycling plastic is using waste plastic and then reprocessing the material into useful products. These products are often totally different than what they originally were. This process has various steps, which all need an energy source.

Reuse
Reusing  plastic means using the same plastic bottle for various purposes after its empty. This is both easy to do and inexpensive.

What to do with my Fusion bottle?
I am definitely reusing my bottle. After I have used its contents I can rinse it and use it to store water in. By cutting the bottle in half I can also use it as a container for various things such as keys, loose change, earphones or anything else that is laying around cluttering my space. I can also put it on my study table and use it to store my extra stationary.