The SPI introduced in 1988 its resin classification coding system at the request of recyclers across the country. The seven types of plastics include:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polystyrene or polystyrene (PS)
Various plastics (including: polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile-butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylonPlastics are generally categorized into two types
Thermoplastics: Thermoplastics or Thermo-softening plastics are the plastics that soften when heating and can be molded into the desired shape such as PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC, PS etc.
Thermosetting: thermosetting or thermosetting plastics are strengthened when heated, but cannot be reshaped or recycled like the Sheet Molding Compounds), Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP), Bakelite, etc.
Currently, an alternative to petroleum-based plastic bags/films has been introduced, e.g.transport bags / compostable plastic films (100% biosourced) compliant with IS/ISO: 17088.
The Plastic Waste Management (PWM)Rules 2016 also encourage the use of compostable carry-bags and products by exempting minimum thickness criteria of 50μm. Additionally, as required by Provision 4(h) of the PWM Rules, 2016, manufacturers or sellers of compostable plastic bags shall obtain a certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) before marketing or selling their products.
Manufacturers/sellers of compostable bags/products should request the CPCB Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) available on the CPCB website.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.