Plastic Resin Information: PVC

The inexpensiveness and the durability of Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, have made its production boom in the past decades. It is, however, not safe for containing food.

General Facts

You can find PVC in products like blood bags, drum covers, pipes, pumps, gloves, cables and windows. When plastic additives are added into PVC raw resin, it can become soft and flexible but still maintain its strength to chemicals and abrasions. That’s why PVC plastics have been such a hit. However, during the process of the PVC making, it may produce some toxin. It is also believed that if the final product is used to contain food, this toxin may be leaked into the food substance, making PVC plastic a big no-no for food containers. So always watch out for the number of the plastic at the bottom of your container. If it is number 3, it means it’s PVC plastic and it’s best to make use of it as container of everything else but food.

Characteristics

Durable, inexpensive, resistant to water, resistant to abrasion, strong, chemical resistant, transparent, stable, good for electrical goods.

Compatibility

PVC is not compatible with food. It is good for uses with electrical components, though.

Storage Temperature

PVC plastic withstands temperature up to 140°F.

Recycling Information

PVC recycling is generally possible. It is made of thermoplastic material which can be melted for a number of times at a certain temperature and harden as it cools. Recycled PVC plastic products include pipes, flooring tiles and profiles. However, PVC plastic that goes to the landfill will only stay there for the longest time. PVC’s natural strength will keep it from degrading.

Have you got PVC plastic at home? First of all, don’t use it in contact with food. Second of all, when you are done using it, don’t just throw it away at the garbage bin. Send it to the recycling company to handle it properly.