HOME > News

What does the number on the bottom of the plastic cup stand for?

I don’t know how you choose the plastic cup that suits you. Choose bright colors and good-looking patterns or expensive ones. When choosing a plastic cup, a careful friend may notice that there are numbers in the small triangle at the bottom of the cup, and the numbers are not the same.


What do these numbers mean?

Different numbers at the bottom of the plastic cup represent different materials

1.Number 1- PET

The bottom number is 1 for polyethylene terephthalate, which is PET material. Common bottled water bottles and carbonated beverage bottles use PET materials. When the heat-resistant temperature exceeds 70 degrees Celsius, it is easy to deform and melts harmful substances. The PET plastic bottle may release the carcinogen DEHP after 10 months of use. It should not be left in the car to fight the sun.

2.Number 2- HDPE

The bottom number is 2 for high-density polyethylene, which is HDPE material. White medicine bottles, cleaning products, and bath products all use this material. The high temperature resistance can reach 110 degrees Celsius and can be used to hold food. But the cleaning is not thorough and cannot be recycled.

3.Number 3- PVC

The number at the bottom is 3 for polyvinyl chloride, which is PVC. Raincoats, construction materials, plastic films, plastic boxes, etc. use this material. Because of its excellent plasticity and low price, it is widely used. However, the temperature exceeds 81 degrees Celsius and it is easy to produce undesirable substances, which are rarely used in food packaging and are difficult to clean, easy to remain, and cannot be recycled.

4.Number 4- PE

The bottom number is 4 which mean it is polyethylene, which is PE material. Cling film, plastic film, etc. use this material. Hazardous substances are produced at high temperatures. When toxic substances enter the human body with food, they may cause cancer. Therefore, before the food enters the microwave oven, it is necessary to remove the wrapped plastic wrap.

Plastic Bottle

5.Number 5- PP

The bottom number is 5 means polypropylene, which is PP material. Soymilk bottles, yogurt bottles, juice drink bottles, microwave lunch boxes, etc. use this material. With a melting point of 167 degrees Celsius, it is the only plastic box that can be placed in a microwave oven and can be reused after careful cleaning.

6.Number 6- PS

The bottom number is 6 for polystyrene, which is PS material. Instant noodle boxes and fast food boxes use this material. Do not put it in a microwave oven to avoid the release of chemicals due to excessive temperature. After being filled with acidic substances (such as orange juice) and alkaline substances, carcinogens can be decomposed. Avoid packing hot food in fast food boxes.

7.Number 7- PC

The number 7 at the bottom represents other types of plastic, that is, PC material. This material is used in water bottles, space cups and baby bottles. The toxic substance bisphenol which is harmful to the human body is easily released at high temperature. Don't heat it when using it, and don't let it directly violently in the sun.


The plastic water cups produced by Dongguan Zhanyi Commodity Technology Co., Ltd. are all made of tritan imported from the United States. The factory strictly follows international standards and implements all aspects. The entire production process implements a full inspection system to ensure that every product entering the market is a good product, and every product can pass the FDA, LFGB and Japanese import and export product safety inspections.