Types of Plastic We Use
We are frequently asked whether or not it is safe to use plastic bottles and containers to hold
essential oils.
Undiluted essential oils should not be stored in plastic containers, as some
properties in many essential oils will break down the plastic, which can destroy the oil and often
cause leakage. However, since our plastic bottles and containers are made of the highest grade
of plastic, essential oils can be stored in our plastic bottles and containers for several months
if
the oils are diluted with a carrier oil. The following is information about the types of plastics our
bottles and containers are made from.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester
family and is commonly used in beverage, food, and other liquid containers. The term
polyethylene terephthalate is a source of confusion because this substance, PET, does not contain
polyethylene. In scholarly journals it is written as poly(ethylene terephthalate) for the sake of
accuracy and clarity. Depending on how it is processed and heated, PET can appear transparent.
It is clear, tough, and shatterproof. PET is excellent for any food-related products and is FDA,
NSF, and USDA approved for direct contact.
Some common uses include soft drink, water, sports drink, mouthwash, ketchup, and salad
dressing bottles; and peanut butter, pickle, jelly, and jam jars.
PET does not contain BPA or any estrogen-like chemicals. It is not known to leach any
chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones. However, as with many
plastic products, if reused multiple times, the chemicals can start to break down over time.
PET is commonly recycled and has the number 1 as its recycling symbol.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a linear polymer that is prepared from ethylene by a
catalytic process. HDPE is made without branching, which results in a more closely packed
structure with a high density and high chemical resistance. HDPE has excellent resistance to
diluted and concentrated acids, alcohols, and bases. It has good resistance to aldehydes, esters,
aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and mineral and vegetable oils. It is excellent for
any food-related products and is FDA, NSF, and USDA approved for direct contact.
Some common uses include milk, water, and juice bottles; yogurt and margarine tubs; cereal box
liners; and grocery, trash, and retail bags. It is also used in bottles for household item such as
shampoo, conditioner, detergent, cleaners, etc.
HDPE is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting
hormones. However, as with many plastic products, if reused multiple times, the chemicals can
start to break down over time.
HDPE is commonly recycled and has the number 2 as its recycling symbol.
Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) is a thermoplastic that is a part of the polyester family.
Like HDPE, MDPE is a linear polymer that is prepared from ethylene by a catalytic process.
MDPE, however, is less dense and sensitive and has better stress cracking resistance than HDPE.
MDPE is made without branching, which results in a more closely packed structure with a high
density and high chemical resistance. MDPE has excellent resistance to diluted and concentrated
acids, alcohols, and bases. It has good resistance to aldehydes, esters, aliphatic and aromatic
hydrocarbons, ketones, and mineral and vegetable oils. It is excellent for any food-related
products and is FDA, NSF, and USDA approved for direct contact.
Some common uses include milk, water, and juice bottles; yogurt and margarine tubs; cereal
box liners; and grocery, trash, and retail bags. It is used in bottles for household item such as
shampoo, conditioner, detergent, cleaners, etc. It is also used in gas pipes and fittings and screw
closures.
MDPE is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting
hormones. However, as with many plastic products, if reused multiple times, the chemicals can
start to break down over time.
MDPE is commonly recycled and has the number 2 as its recycling symbol.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a highly versatile thermoplastic that is part of the
polyester family and is made from the monomer polyethylene. LDPE is made with a high
degree of long and short chain branching, which makes it more ductile, less dense, and allows
for greater deformation. It has good resistance to dilute and concentrated acids, alcohols, bases,
aldehydes, esters, ketones, and vegetable oils. The FDA, NSF, and USDA have not approved
LDPE for direct contact and suggest limiting ingress exposure.
Some common uses include dispensing, wash, and squeeze bottles; plastic bags, heavy duty
sacks, liners, and other general packaging; and toys.
LDPE is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting
hormones. However, as with many plastic products, if reused multiple times, the chemicals can
start to break down over time.
LDPE is commonly recycled and has the number 4 as its recycling symbol.
Polypropylene (PP) is a highly versatile linear hydrocarbon polymer. PP is isotactic and has
crystallization levels in between HDPE and LDPE levels, which makes it semi-rigid, tough, less
dense, and resistant to chemicals, heat, and fatigue. It has good resistance to dilute acids and
alkalis, alcohols, oils, and greases. It is excellent for any food-related products and is FDA, NSF,
and USDA approved for direct contact.
Some common uses include packaging and labeling; flip-top bottles, food containers, disposable
bottles, coolers, plastic pails, and wastebaskets; ropes, plastic moldings, some yarns, and
nonwoven fabrics like diapers and sanitary products; and air, gas, and liquid filters.
PP is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting
hormones. However, as with many plastic products, if reused multiple times, the chemicals can
start to break down over time.
PP is commonly recycled and has the number 5 as its recycling symbol.
Polystyrene (PS) is an amorphous, glassy polymer that is highly versatile because its good flow
properties allow it to conform easily into many shapes. General purpose PP tends to be hard
and brittle and has a relatively low melting point. It is inexpensive. It is excellent for any food-related products and is FDA, NSF, and USDA approved for direct contact.
Some common uses include clamshell containers, disposable utensils, toys, and protective
packaging and insulation. It is used as a plastic coating for a variety of things like hairdryers,
computers, and kitchen appliances.
PS is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting
hormones. However, as with many plastic products, if reused multiple times, the chemicals can
start to break down over time.
PS is not generally recycled and is slow to biodegrade. It has the number 6 as its recycling
symbol.
Phenolics (PF) are highly versatile, synthetic layered sheets that are created with heat and
pressure and various materials like paper, cotton, glass, linen, or canvas. The layering process is
called polymerization, which binds them into a laminate that cannot be softened. This makes it
easy to drill, sand, and machine. PF is often hard, brittle, and inexpensive. It has good resistance
to heat, acids, deformation, shock, stress, and electricity. It is often used as an insulator in
electrical products.
Some common uses include cotton and synthetic yarn fabrics, laminations, wear strips, and
gaskets. It is also used in a lot of mechanical and electrical items like television and radio parts,
switch boards, etc.
PF is not generally recycled and is slow to biodegrade.
Acrylic, also known as Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), is a transparent thermoplastic
that is often used as a glass substitute and is highly versatile. PMMA is a strong, lightweight,
and durable material that has great clarity. It has good resistance to weather, chemicals, and UV
light. Products made with PMMA often have additives, fillers, or other modifications so that
specific properties can be attained.
Some common uses include residential and commercial aquariums, skylights, rear automobile
light casings, spectator protection around hockey rinks, modern furniture pieces, and business
signs. PMMA is also used for medical technologies and implants like bone cement, cosmetic
surgery, and dentures.
PMMA is not generally recycled and is not biodegradable. It has the number 7 as its recycling
symbol.
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