The Complete Guide to Food-Grade Plastic Packaging: PP, PET, PS & More
Understand the key differences between PP, PET, PS, and PE plastics — which materials are safest for food packaging, and how to choose the right one for your product line.
Choosing the right food-grade plastic is one of the most critical decisions in the food and beverage packaging industry. The wrong material can compromise food safety, reduce shelf life, and lead to costly recalls. This guide breaks down the four most commonly used food-grade plastics and when to use each one.
Polypropylene (PP) — Recycling Code #5: PP is the workhorse of food packaging. It withstands temperatures from -20°C to 120°C, making it microwave-safe and freezer-safe. Its excellent chemical resistance means it won't react with acidic foods like tomato sauce or citrus juices. Our yogurt cups, fruit tea cups, and IML-branded food containers are manufactured from FDA-approved PP resin. PP is ideal for hot-fill applications such as soup containers and ready-meal trays.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) — Recycling Code #1: PET offers exceptional clarity and is lightweight yet strong. It's the material of choice for beverage bottles, clear food clamshells, and berry packaging. PET provides an excellent oxygen barrier, extending shelf life for perishable products. However, PET is not microwave-safe and softens at around 70°C. Our clear berry containers and cold beverage cups utilize food-grade PET for its sparkling transparency.
Polystyrene (PS) — Recycling Code #6: Rigid PS is commonly used for disposable cutlery, food trays, and egg cartons. It's economical and easy to mold into complex shapes. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) provides excellent insulation for insulated cooler boxes and food delivery containers. Our disposable lunch boxes and chopstick storage containers leverage PS for its cost-effectiveness.
Polyethylene (PE) — Recycling Codes #2 (HDPE) and #4 (LDPE): HDPE is used for cutting boards, storage containers, and industrial buckets due to its durability and impact resistance. LDPE is softer and used for squeeze bottles and food wraps. Both are FDA-approved for direct food contact. Our premium cutting board collections use ultra-high-density PE for commercial kitchen durability.
When selecting materials for your product line, consider: operating temperature range, chemical compatibility with the food product, required shelf life, regulatory compliance in your target market (FDA, EU 10/2011, GB 4806), and sustainability goals. We offer products in all of these materials and can help you choose the optimal solution for your specific application. Contact us for material samples and certification documents.