1.

Plastic bottles and bottle caps - consists:

Polyethylene Terephthalate

A plastic bottle made of polyethylene terephthalate has the resin identification code 1. Also known as
PET, PETE or polyester, it is often used for carbonated beverages, water and food products because it is
strong and light. Like most plastics, PET is made from petroleum hydrocarbons, formed as a reaction
between ethylene glycol, a colorless viscous hygroscopic liquid, and terephthalic acid, an organic
compound. During the production process, PET polymerizes to form long molecular chains.

High-Density Polyethylene

The resin identification code 2 denotes high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is economical and yields an
efficient moisture barrier, making it the most widely used material for plastic bottles. It is made from
petroleum, a naturally occurring liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. HDPE
is resistant to many solvents and has a high density-to-strength ratio, making it the ideal plastic for
reusable and recyclable bottles. It is also used to make pipes, lumber, fireworks and plastic bags.

Low-Density Polyethylene

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has a similar makeup to HDPE but is more translucent, less chemically
resistant and less rigid. LDPE, which has the resin identification code 4, is made from the monomer
ethylene and is most commonly used to make plastic bags, but it can also be found in detergent bottles,
dispensing bottles, and squeezable bottles for foodstuffs like honey and mustard.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene. It may come solid or
foamed and has the resin identification code 6. As a rigid plastic with an excellent moisture barrier and
low thermal conductivity, PS is often used to make bottles for dry products, such as vitamins and aspirin.
Some milk and yogurt drinks may also come in PS bottles.

Properties:

Rugged and Safe

Unlike glass containers, plastic bottles are rugged and resilient; they don’t shatter into sharp pieces
when dropped, making products and packaging safe to handle. Because plastics are polymers -- long
molecules made by linking many short ones together -- they have useful physical properties such as
toughness and resistance to chemicals. The same resilience makes plastic bottles unlikely to leak or
burst, protecting the contents as well as exterior shipping cartons.
Shapes and Colors

Plastic materials are easy to mold into a wide variety of bottle shapes, improving their appearance and
utility. For example, manufacturers incorporate integral handles, measurement marks and pouring lips
into some types of plastic bottles. In addition, plastics can range from crystal clear to any shade or color,
whether translucent or opaque, making products and brands easy to identify by sight. Plastic bottles
require no paint; the coloring material is mixed into the plastic resin, so it never runs, rubs or washes
off.

Energy Savings

Plastic bottles are lighter in weight than their glass counterparts, reducing energy and costs required to
ship products. Because plastics are soft and have relatively low melting points, plastic bottles take less
energy to manufacture than glass.

A Recyclable Material

After first use, PET and other types of plastic bottles are easily recycled into many types of secondary
products, including carpet fibers, pillow stuffing, tote bags and strapping materials. Some beverage
bottles and nonfood containers also use recycled plastic. The light weight of plastic bottles minimizes
the cost of transporting materials to recycling centers.

2. Non-Biodegradable food containers & Plastic Bags – Consists:

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is the most widely used type of plastic. It’s used to make many types of bottles and containers.
Unpigmented bottles are translucent, have good barrier properties and stiffness, and are well suited to
packaging products with a short shelf life such as milk. Because HDPE has good chemical resistance, it is
used for packaging many household and industrial chemicals such as detergents and bleach. Pigmented
HDPE bottles have better stress crack resistance than discolored HDPE.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - Includes Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

LDPE is used predominately in film applications due to its toughness, flexibility, and relative
transparency, making it popular for use in applications where heat sealing is necessary. LDPE also is used
to manufacture some flexible lids and bottles as well as in wire and cable applications.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE)

PET is clear, tough, and has good gas and moisture barrier properties. This resin is commonly used in
beverage bottles and many injection- molded consumer product containers. Cleaned, recycled PET
flakes and pellets are in great demand for spinning fiber for carpet yarns and producing fiberfill and
geotextiles.
Polypropylene (PP)

PP has good chemical resistance, is strong, and has a high melting point making it good for hot-fill
liquids. This resin is found in flexible and rigid packaging, fibers, and large molded parts for automotive
and consumer products.

Polystyrene

PS is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and
brittle. It has a relatively low melting point. Typical applications include protective packaging, food
service packaging, bottles, and food containers. PS is often combined with rubber to make high impact
polystyrene (HIPS) which is used for packaging and durable applications requiring toughness, but not
clarity.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl)

In addition to its stable physical properties, PVC has good chemical resistance, weather ability, flow
characteristics, and stable electrical properties. The diverse slate of vinyl products can be broadly
divided into rigid and flexible materials.

Properties:

 Excellent resistance to most solvents

 Higher tensile strength compared to other forms of polyethylene
 Relatively stiff material with useful temperature capabilities
 Excellent resistance to acids, bases, and vegetable oils
 Toughness, flexibility, and relative transparency; good combination of properties for packaging
applications requiring heat-sealing
 Clear and optically smooth surfaces for oriented films and bottles
 Excellent barrier to oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide
 High impact capability and shatter resistance
 Excellent resistance to most solvents
 Capability
 Excellent optical clarity in biaxial oriented films and stretch blow molded containers
 Low moisture vapor transmission
 Inertness toward acids, alkalis, and most solvents
 Excellent moisture barrier for short shelf life products
 Excellent optical clarity in general purpose form
 Significant stiffness in both foamed and rigid forms
 Low density and high stiffness in foamed applications
 Low thermal conductivity and excellent insulation properties in foamed form
 High impact strength
 Brilliant clarity
 Excellent processing performance
 Resistance to grease, oil, and chemicals
 3. Aluminum and Tin cans – consist:

Epoxy coatings

In the 1950s, epoxy resins were introduced as coatings for aluminum and steel cans. Their stability,
protective function, and technical properties made them the most commonly used coating material.
Most epoxy coatings are synthesized from bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) and epichlorohydrin forming
bisphenol A-diglycidyl ether epoxy resins. Many different blends of epoxy coatings were developed with
epoxy-phenolic coatings being the most important subgroup. Other blended resins are e.g. epoxy
amines, acrylates, and anhydrides.

Oleoresins

First can coatings were made of oleoresins, which are mixtures of oil and resin extracted from plants.
Oleoresins are rather flexible and easily applied, but do not adhere well to metal surfaces, have a limited
corrosion resistance, and need long curing times. Furthermore, they may change the organoleptic
properties of food.

Vinyl

Vinyl coatings are synthesized from vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate. They are highly flexible and stable
under acidic and alkaline conditions, but they do not adhere well on metal and do not withstand at high
temperatures. Vinyl coatings need plasticizers and stabilizers and are often blended with other resins.
Vinyl organosols are prepared from suspensions of resin in organic solvent. Organosols offer comparably
higher chemical resistance, thermal stability, and adhesion properties than vinyl coatings.

Phenolic

Phenolic resins are composed of phenols and aldehydes. They are highly corrosion resistant and protect
cans from sulfide staining. Phenolics have low flexibility, do not adhere well to metal, and may change
the odor and flavor of foods. They are applied as coatings for drums and pails, but unblended phenolic
resins are not used in food and beverage cans. However, phenolics are common crosslinkers (e.g. in
epoxide resins) and increase their resistance.

Acrylic

Acrylic resins are most commonly synthesized from ethylacrylate. They have a clean appearance and
display corrosion and sulfide stain resistance, but they are brittle and may change the taste and odor of
foods.

Polyester

Isophthalic acid (IPA) and terephthalic acid (TPA) are the main carboxylic acids used in polyester
coatings. Polyester resins are easy to handle during the production process and adhere well to the metal
surface, but they are usually not stable under acidic conditions and have a poor corrosion resistance.
Alternatively, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coatings are used to laminate beverage cans, but
adhesives are needed to bind the PET onto the metal.

Polyolefins

Coatings that are based on dispersions of polyolefins have recently entered the market. According to the
manufacturer, the final polyolefin coating exhibits corrosion protection, adhesion, and flexibility without
impacting the flavor of the food.

Properties:

Recyclable

The biggest benefit of aluminum cans is that they're highly recyclable. Nearly 100 percent of the
aluminum used in a can can be melted down and used again. The time-frame for recycling is quick, too --
oftentimes a recycled can will be back on the shelf in less than 90 days.

Strength

The aluminum used in cans is often stretched to a width of less than 1/10th of an inch thick. Despite the
small amount of material used, cans as still highly durable and difficult to penetrate, particularly at
pressure.

Rustproof

Unlike other forms of metal, aluminum cans are rust-proof. This makes them an ideal means of
containing and storing liquid beverages.

Weight

Partially do the the small amount of metal needed to form a can, aluminum cans are lightweight. This
drives down the cost to consumers, as retailers and manufacturers spend less to transport material
packaged in aluminum cans than they would with glass bottles.

4. Styrofoam – consist:

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a vinyl polymer that is structurally made up of a chain of hydrogen and carbon. A phenyl
group is attached to every other carbon and polystyrene is created from styrene by free radical
polymerization.
Carbon

Carbon is a very common element that is found in an array of things from food to gasoline. It is the
universe’s sixth most plentiful element and it plays an essential role in the chemistry of living things. The
atomic structure of carbon consists of six protons and six electrons with four located in the valence, or
outer shell. The number of neutrons varies depending on isotopes. The compound of carbon and
hydrogen are the simplest form of organic element combinations.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest element and the universe’s most common. More than 90 percent
of the atoms present in the universe are hydrogen. Hydrogen is typically located in water and there is
little occurrence of free hydrogen on Earth because the element is so light. The atomic structure of
hydrogen is made up of only one proton and one electron and no neutrons.

Extruded Polystyrene Foam

The most useful property of extruded polystyrene foam is its insulating ability. It is very resistant to the
flow of heat and acts as an effective insulating product for a variety of uses. Extruded polystyrene foam
is very durable and has compressive strength due to its closed-cell makeup. It provides long-term
performance as an insulation substance due to its resistance to moisture. Its closed-cell composition
assists in keeping moisture out. Extruded polystyrene foam is also resistant to mildew, mold and
corrosion. It is resistant to a variety of chemicals, but substances that are made out of petroleum can
break down the foam. Extruded polystyrene foam is combustible and it should not be exposed to flame
or used in areas where temperatures are over 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Properies:

Thermoplastic

One of Styrofoam’s main physical properties is that it is a thermoplastic. This means that the material is
solid at room temperature, but flows as a liquid when heated to a specific point. As a liquid, the
Styrofoam can be molded in fine detail. This property makes it easy to utilize for many industries and
applications. The main uses of this material today include insulation, packing material and craft material.

Lightweight & Shock Absorber

Styrofoam is that it is extremely lightweight. In addition it is an excellent shock absorber. This is due to
the fact that Styrofoam is approximately 90 percent air. This makes the substance ideal for use as a
packing material. The lightweight material is easy to transport, yet it effectively absorbs trauma,
protecting the product from harm.

Insulator

Styrofoam is an excellent insulator. The material limits thermal transfer. Thus, a structure insulated with
Styrofoam will maintain a comfortable temperature inside, regardless of the conditions on the outside.
 5. Natural and Synthetic Rubber (Slippers, Shoes, and Tires) - consists:

Latex

colloidal suspension, either the milky white liquid emulsion found in the cells of flowering plants such as
the Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) or any of various manufactured water emulsions consisting of
synthetic rubber or plastic.

Polyisoprene of natural or synthetic origin

polymer of isoprene (C5H8) that is the primary chemical constituent of natural rubber, of the naturally
occurring resins balata and gutta-percha, and of the synthetic equivalents of these materials. Depending
on its molecular structure, polyisoprene can be a resilient, elastic polymer (elastomer), as in the case of
natural rubber and isoprene rubber, or a tough, leathery resin, as in the case of natural and synthetic
balata or gutta-percha.

Elastomer type polymer

Any rubbery material composed of long chainlike molecules, or polymers, that are capable of recovering
their original shape after being stretched to great extents—hence the name elastomer, from “elastic
polymer.” Under normal conditions the long molecules making up an elastomeric material are
irregularly coiled. With the application of force, however, the molecules straighten out in the direction
in which they are being pulled. Upon release, the molecules spontaneously return to their normal
compact, random arrangement.

Isoprene

Is a hemiterpene with the formula CH2=C(CH3)CH=CH2; the monomer of natural rubber and a common
structure motif to the isoprenoids, a large class of other naturally occurring compounds. It has a role as a
plant metabolite. It is an alkadiene, a hemiterpene and a volatile organic compound.

Butadiene

Is the organic compound with the formula (CH2=CH)2. It is a colorless gas that is easily condensed to a
liquid. It is important industrially as a monomer in the production of synthetic rubber.

Chloroprene

(Aka branded 'Neoprene') is the common name for the organic compound 2-chlorobuta-1, 3-diene. This
colorless liquid is the monomer for the production of the polymer polychloroprene, a type of synthetic
rubber.
Properties:

Elasticity

Take a rubber band and stretch it. Then release the band. Its ability to extend to long lengths and then
return to its original shape demonstrates the elastic property of rubber. According to an answer about
rubber bands and elasticity on the U.S. Department of Energy website, the polymer molecules in the
rubber band are stacked at rest. When stretched they move out into a line, with the length of the line
depending upon the number. Some of the molecules are attached to each other. When you stretch a
rubber band too far, you discover this attachment as the band snaps. Beyond just rubber bands,
elasticity is an important property in a wide variety of products, including fan belts, floor mats, O-rings
and, of course, bouncing balls.

Contraction by Heat

Most materials expand when heated. Rubber does just the opposite; it contracts. This occurs because
the heat causes the molecules to become tangled with each other. This property is demonstrated by
experiments shown by the University of Wisconsin. Rubber bands that have tangled molecules at rest
become more so when heated. Remove the heat and the rubber band returns to its original shape, just
as it did when the stretching stopped.

Other Properties

Rubber demonstrates resistance to water as well as low temperatures, based upon an article in Info
Comm. Rubber is resilient, hard to tear and resists abrasions. It withstands impacts due to its strength
and has slow buildup of heat. These properties lead to its use in tires, first for bicycles and then
automobiles. When used in latex gloves, especially in the medical profession, it has been shown to
create allergies in certain individuals.

Alternatives:

Using a reusable, non-plastic water bottle such as flasks, glass bottles, kanteens.
Biodegradable

Elements: Carbon Dioxide and water vapor by organisms like bacteria and fungi.

Composition: In different kind of biodegradable plastics there are also varieties of composition such as
corn starch, traditional petrochemicals which are engineered to break down more easily and natural
materials like food scraps, wood, human and animal waste.

Properties: There are different properties of biodegradable material such as flexibility, durability,
printability, transparency, barrier, heat resistance, gloss and many more have been significantly
enhanced hazards.

Hazards: Biodegradable waste may cause a few problems. Too much biodegradable waste in a water
supply can deplete its oxygen. In addition, some types of biodegradable waste, such as cattle manure
can cause health and environmental concerns if too much is produced.

Pollutants- long-term exposure of synthetic materials to air, water and sunlight cause the release of
highly toxic pollutants that can leach into water supplies. Moreover, overtime these plastics oxidize and
give out poisonous copper salt that pollute the land, water, air soil and enter the food chain.

Non- biodegradable

Elements:

 Plastics=