What does the number 7 on a plastic water bottle mean? | 2026

What does the number 7 on a plastic water bottle mean? Does it contain BPA? Code 7 “Other” explanation, Tritan/PC difference and safe usage tips. Read it.

What is Number 7 (Code 7)?

The number inside the triangular arrow sign you see under plastic products is usuallyResin Identification Code (RIC)It is known as the “plastic resin identification code”. This system allows plasticsfrom which resinIt was developed to make it easier to distinguish and separate what is produced.ASTM International | ASTM+1

In these codes:

• 1–6certain and common types of plastic,
• 7whereas“Other”shows the category. So “7” is for all plastics that do not fall into the first 6 classes.umbrella categoryis.ASTM International | ASTM+1

This is why the number 7 is often seen on drinkers: Manufacturers can use different performance plastics (transparent, durable, impact resistant, odor-resistant, etc.) in this “Other” class.

What Can Code 7 Cover for Plastic Drinkers?

Code 7 is not a single material. That's why when you say "water bottle number 7",Be sure to mark the material with a second mark.must be verified.

The most common options under code 7:

1) Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate was used in “hard, transparent, very durable” water bottles for many years. The focus of BPA discussions is mostly onpolycarbonate(because BPA is a historically prominent ingredient in the polycarbonate production chain). This does not mean that every PC product has the same risk/profile; Regulations and production standards may vary. (I clarify in the “BPA” section below.)

2) Copolyester (such as Tritan)

It is very common in the marketBPA FreeA significant portion of hard/transparent drinkers marked "copolyesterare in the class and these are often7can be marked with code. Manufacturer sources specifically emphasize that “code 7 does not mean BPA.”eastman+1

3) Nylon, PLA and other “specialty” plastics

Code 7 can also be used on some technical products or bioplastics.Compliance Gate+1

Quick Table: What Do Plastic Codes 1–7 Mean?

The table below summarizes the entire system for your better understanding of “7”:

Does Number 7 Mean BPA?

Short answer:No, “7” alone does not mean there is BPA. eastman

To put it more clearly:

• code “7”,1–6 out of materialsays it is.
• In this categoryPolycarbonate may also be associated with BPA, Also available as BPA-free copolyester.
• Therefore, for the BPA issue, it is the number written on the product rather than "7".PC / BPA Free / TritanIt is necessary to look at additional information such as.eastman+1

Why are official perspectives heard differently?

There are two important points about BPA:

• fdastates that, under their current evaluation, BPA is safe at current exposure levels for approved uses in food contact.BASE. Food and Drug Administration+1
• on the EU sideHowever, the use of BPA has been restricted over the years, especially in sensitive groups such as baby products; The ban on BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles in the EU came into force in 2011.European Union

This does not mean that your water bottle is “absolutely safe / absolutely unsafe”; but it makes this clear:Code 7 alone is not a sufficient label to make a health decision.

What should I check if it says 7 on the water bottle?

Here's a handy checklist to reduce confusion:

• on the product“BPA Free / BPA free”Is there a phrase?
• Is there a material abbreviation such as “PC” (polycarbonate)?
• manufacturer'sfood contact suitabilityIs there a (food contact) declaration?
• Leechvery scratched / yellowed / smellyIs it? (In this case, it may make sense to renew.)
• hot drinkAre you planning to put it? (If you plan, be sure to read the manufacturer's heat limit and usage instructions.)

Tips for Safe Use of Code 7 Drinkers

The purpose here is not to "scare",better usage habitsbring:

• boiling waterAndhigh heatmay increase the risk of undesirable interactions with plastics; If the manufacturer does not say "hot drinks are suitable", be cautious when using hot drinks.
• Dishwasher: Even if the product allows it, high heat/wear can affect the surface over time.
• Scratch: Deep scratches are not good for both hygiene (accumulation in micro lines) and lifespan.

Is Code 7 Recyclable?

Since code 7 is “Other”, the answer is not unique on the recycling side:Recyclability depends on which polymers local facilities accept.It depends. The RIC system itself serves to distinguish “which resin”; It does not guarantee “recyclable everywhere”.Shenbo+1

It is best to look at the acceptance list of your municipality/waste management program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is the number 7 water bottle definitely BPA-containing?

No. Code “7” indicates that the product is made of plastics other than 1–6. You can tell if there is BPA from the manufacturer's "BPA Free" declaration and the type of material, not from the code.eastman

2) Why are Tritan drinkers number 7?

Copolyesters such as tritan can often be marked under “Other (7)” as they do not fall into the standard category 1–6.eastman+1

3) Can hot water be carried in a size 7 waterer?

This,depending on the material of the drinker and the manufacturer's temperature limit.It depends. Code 7 alone does not say "suitable/not suitable for hot water".

4) Which plastic code is “better” for the drinker?

There is no single “best code”. The usage scenario (hot/cold, impact resistance, odor retention, weight) and manufacturer's declarations are more decisive. Codes, first of allmaterial classtells.ASTM International | ASTM+1

5) I saw code 7, what should I do?

Don't panic. Verify material information (PC/Tritan/BPA Free), follow the instructions for use and follow basic good practices, especially avoiding exposure to high temperatures.

What you see in plastic water bottlesnumber 7refers to the “Other” category and does not make a definitive judgment on its own such as “BPA present/absent” or “safe/unsafe”. The right approach; of the productmaterial declaration(PC, Tritan, BPA Free), manufacturer'sinstructions for useand especiallyheat exposureTo evaluate usage habits together, such as:ASTM International | ASTM+1

📩 sinangokce@idealplastik.com.tr📞 +90 212 612 68 40 / 41📍 Istanbul – Türkiye

You can send a message for your technical questions about the drinker/plastic part material or production method.

Related guides

Continue reading: Plastic Numbers and Health | Safe or Dangerous?.

Continue reading: ABS and Polycarbonate: The Most Preferred Materials in Plastic Production.

Sources

ASTM D7611 resin identification code — Code 7 is the “other” category rather than one specific polymer.

EU Regulation 2024/3190 on BPA — The EU regulation restricts BPA and related bisphenols in food-contact materials.

FDA questions and answers on BPA — Code 7 alone does not prove that a product contains BPA.