MateriumMaterium for everyday packaging
Explore plastics with an AI material identifier.
Look closer at packaging shapes, moulded details and component markings. Materium helps you explore likely plastics and build a personal material reference.
Give each component its own context.
A bottle, cap and sleeve can each use a different material. Materium uses appearance and object context to explore likely materials. A moulded resin code or product specification adds a useful declared reference for the individual part.
A practical way to explore
- Capture the object. Take a clear view of the object, then photograph its base, closures and material markings.
- Explore the report. Read the material assessment alongside the visible observations and material information.
- Build your reference. Save the scan in Materium and keep supporting label or product details in your own notes for future comparisons.
Start with PET, HDPE and polypropylene.
Connect the polymer name with the item’s construction. The resin code identifies a plastic family; recycling instructions also depend on the item format and local collection.
Does identifying a plastic tell me how to recycle it?
Material identity is a useful first step. Check the packaging instructions and your local collection service for the complete item, including caps, labels and liners. Material knowledge and collection guidance answer related but different questions.
Learn through everyday objects
- How to identify materials from a photo with Materium
- Plastic recycling numbers: a guide to resin codes
- PET vs HDPE: understanding two common packaging plastics
- Is polypropylene recyclable? Understanding PP collection routes
Answer one concrete question
What does recycling number 1 mean? PET · polyethylene terephthalate
Resin identification code 1 identifies PET · polyethylene terephthalate. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 2 mean? HDPE · high-density polyethylene
Resin identification code 2 identifies HDPE · high-density polyethylene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 3 mean? PVC · polyvinyl chloride
Resin identification code 3 identifies PVC · polyvinyl chloride. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 4 mean? LDPE · low-density polyethylene
Resin identification code 4 identifies LDPE · low-density polyethylene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 5 mean? PP · polypropylene
Resin identification code 5 identifies PP · polypropylene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 6 mean? PS · polystyrene
Resin identification code 6 identifies PS · polystyrene. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.
What does recycling number 7 mean? Other · other resins or combinations
Resin identification code 7 identifies Other · other resins or combinations. It describes the plastic family of the marked component; it does not by itself tell you whether your local service accepts the item.