Plastic Code #7: What “Other” Plastics Mean for Packaging

If you evaluate packaging materials, you may encounter products labeled with plastic recycling code #7. Unlike common plastics such as PET (#1) or HDPE (#2), code #7 represents a category known as “Other” plastics.

This classification includes materials that do not fit into the standard recycling groups. Understanding how #7 plastics are used, and their limitations, helps businesses choose packaging that meets performance, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.

What Is Plastic Code #7?

Plastic recycling code #7, labeled “Other,” serves as a catch-all category for plastics outside the six primary resin types.

Common Materials in the #7 Category

Materials commonly placed in this category include:

• Polycarbonate (PC)
• PETG (glycol-modified PET)
• Acrylic (PMMA)
• Nylon (PA)
• Bioplastics such as PLA and PHA
• Multilayer plastics and composite materials

These materials differ in chemical structure and recycling method. For that reason, they appear together under the single label “Other.”

Where #7 Plastics Are Commonly Used

Plastic code #7 appears in many industrial and consumer products.

Typical Applications

Common uses include:

• Reusable water bottles and beverage containers
• Medical devices and laboratory equipment
• Electronic housings
• Automotive components
• Specialty packaging and multilayer containers

Some durable food containers and reusable bottles have historically used polycarbonate, one of the most common materials in the #7 category.

PETG: A Common #7 Plastic Used in Packaging

Not all #7 plastics contain BPA. One material widely used in packaging is PETG, or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified.

PETG is a modified form of PET (#1). During production, manufacturers add glycol, which alters its processing behavior and physical properties.

Why PETG Is Used in Packaging

PETG provides several advantages for packaging applications:

• Excellent transparency and gloss
• High impact resistance
• Easier thermoforming than standard PET
• Strong chemical resistance

Common Packaging Applications for PETG

These properties make PETG suitable for:

• Cosmetic packaging
• Display containers and clamshell packaging
• Blister packaging
• Medical packaging
• Specialty bottles and jars

PETG is typically BPA-free, which has contributed to its growing use in consumer packaging formats.

Why Plastic Code #7 Is Difficult to Recycle

Unlike PET (#1) and HDPE (#2), which have established recycling streams, plastics labeled #7 are difficult to process through standard recycling systems.

Key Recycling Challenges

Several factors explain this challenge:

• The category includes many different resin types
• Recycling processes vary widely by material
• Sorting systems cannot easily identify individual resins
• Some materials require specialized chemical recycling

As a result, many municipal recycling programs do not accept plastic code #7.

When Businesses Use #7 Plastics

Despite recycling limitations, #7 plastics remain important in certain industries.

Reasons Companies Choose #7 Materials

Businesses may select these materials when they require:

• Greater impact resistance
• Specific chemical compatibility
• Specialized forming properties
• Unique clarity or rigidity

For example, PETG packaging often appears in premium cosmetic or display packaging where durability and visual clarity are important.

FAQ: Plastic Code #7 and BPA

Does plastic code #7 always contain BPA?

No. Only certain plastics within the #7 category, such as polycarbonate, use BPA during production. Materials like PETG are typically BPA-free.

Is PETG safe for packaging?

PETG is widely used in cosmetic, medical, and display packaging because of its clarity, durability, and chemical resistance.

Why is PETG labeled as #7 if it is similar to PET?

PETG is chemically modified PET. Because it behaves differently during recycling, it falls into the #7 “Other plastics” category.

Is plastic #7 recyclable?

Recycling availability depends on the specific material and local infrastructure. Many municipal systems do not process mixed #7 plastics.

Why do companies still use #7 plastics?

Certain materials in the #7 category provide performance properties that other resins cannot easily match.

Key Takeaway

Plastic recycling code #7 includes materials that fall outside the standard resin categories. Some, such as polycarbonate (PC), raised concerns because of BPA. Others, including PETG, remain widely used in packaging because of their durability, clarity, and specialized performance.

For packaging teams evaluating materials, understanding how #7 plastics differ from mainstream resins like PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) is essential when balancing performance, compliance, and sustainability goals.