ASTM D7611/D7611M-21

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7611/D7611M − 20 D7611/D7611M − 21
Standard Practice for
Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin
Identification
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7611/D7611M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This practice stipulates the types, names, and sizes of Codes for those material types specified in Table 1.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are likely not to be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems is likely to result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential
Scanning Calorimetry
D4020 Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
Adjunct to D7611/D7611M Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Resin Identification Code (RIC Code)—a molded, imprinted or raised symbol or wording that consists of an equilateral
triangle, a Resin Identification Number, and an Abbreviated Term for polymeric material.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.95 on Recycled Plastics.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020Dec. 1, 2021. Published January 2020January 2022. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 20192020 as
D7611/D7611M – 19. DOI:10.1520/D7611_D7611M-20.20. DOI:10.1520/D7611_D7611M-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. ADJD761114-EA. Original adjunct produced in 2010. Adjunct last revised in 2014.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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D7611/D7611M − 21
TABLE 1 Resin Identification Codes
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Resin Identification Codes are used solely to identify the plastic resin used in a manufactured article. The intended
manufactured articles include, but are not limited to, packaging.
D7611/D7611M − 21
4.1.1 Fig. 1 and Table 1 present the appropriate information on the way the RIC is to be incorporated onto the product and the
available resin identification designations.
4.2 Resin Identification Codes are not “recycle codes.” The Resin Identification Code is, though, an aid to recycling. The use of
a Resin Identification Code on a manufactured plastic article does not imply that the article is recycled or that there are systems
in place to effectively process the article for reclamation or re-use. The term “recyclable” or other environmental claims shall not
be placed in proximity to the Code.
4.3 This practice is based upon the system developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc (SPI). It is possible that
some states or countries will have incorporated the original SPI practice into statute or regulation. In those situations, that statute
or regulation takes precedence over this standard.
4.4 This practice shall only apply to new tooling. Existing molds that already incorporate older versions of the SPI RIC may be
modified, but modification is not required.
4.5 Assign number for manufactured items, not for adhesives or coatings. Do not code labels for resin of the label.
4.6 Section 6 addresses the process to add new numbers to the Resin Identification Code.
5. Requirements
5.1 The Code is to be molded, formed or imprinted on the manufactured article.
5.2 The Code shall be clear and legible.
5.3 The size of the Code shall normally equal or exceed 12 mm [ ⁄2 in.] in height and width.
NOTE 2—For small parts or components, it is not always possible to conform to these size requirements. In these cases, it is important to maximize the
size and legibility of the Code.
5.4 The Code shall be placed in an inconspicuous location on the manufactured article, such as the bottom or the back, where it
will not be obvious to the consumer at the point of purchase so it does not influence the consumer’s buying decision.
5.5 The Code shall be as shown in Table 1. Option A is commonly found in North America. Option B is often found internationally.
Either option is acceptable.
5.6 The numbering system within the equilateral triangle shall correspond to the generic class of resins shown in Table 1.
5.7 The Code with the Resin Identification Number “1” and the Abbreviated Term “PETE” or “PET” is reserved for manufactured
articles produced from thermoplastic polyesters made from terephthalic acid (or dimethyl terephthalate) and monoethylene glycol
wherein the sum of terephthalic acid (or dimethyl terephthalate) and monoethylene glycol reacted constitutes at least 90 percent
of the mass of monomer reacted to form the polymer. Polyethylene terephthalate, PETE or PET, resins must exhibit
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