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Title: What Are the 7 Types of Food-Grade Plastic? [Print this page]
Author: lzp002    Time: 2025-6-21 16:24
Title: What Are the 7 Types of Food-Grade Plastic?
Plastic is everywhere in the food industry,from packaging and storage containers to kitchen tools and industrial foodprocessing equipment. However, not all plastics are safe for food contact. Toensure consumer safety, only specific types of plastic are deemed food-grade,meaning they do not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7main types of food-grade plastic, how to identify them, their commonapplications, and what makes them safe for food contact.
UnderstandingFood-Grade Plastic
Food-grade plastic refers to plasticmaterials that meet strict standards established by regulatory bodies like theU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA),and other national or international health authorities. These plastics aretested to ensure they don’t contain harmful toxins, won’t react with foods, andare safe under expected usage conditions (e.g., heat, cold, acidity).
Most food-safe plastics fall under one ofthe seven major resin identification codes, which are typically printed on thebottom of containers inside a triangle of arrows.
The 7 Types ofFood-Grade Plastic1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – #1
PET is a lightweight, strong, and clearplastic commonly used for food and beverage packaging.
Common Uses:
l  Water and soft drink bottles
l  Peanut butter jars
l  Salad dressing containers
l  Oven-ready meal trays
Why It’s Food Safe:
l  Resistant to moisture and gas
l  Does not contain BPA
l  Approved for single-use food packaging
Caution:
PET is generally intended for single use. Repeated use or exposure to high heat(e.g., microwaving) can degrade its structure.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – #2
HDPE is a dense, opaque plastic known forits strength and chemical resistance.
Common Uses:
l  Milk jugs
l  Juice bottles
l  Yogurt tubs
l  Cereal box liners
l  Cutting boards
Why It’s Food Safe:
l  Strong barrier against moisture
l  Highly resistant to chemicals
l  Doesn’t leach harmful substances
Bonus: HDPEis dishwasher safe and recyclable.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – #3
PVC is a versatile plastic that can berigid or flexible. However, its use in food applications is limited and highlyregulated.
Common Uses:
l  Food cling wraps (when specially formulated)
l  Conveyor belts and tubing in food processing
l  Bottle seals
Why It’s Food Safe (with Conditions):
l  Requires the use of food-grade plasticizers (e.g., DOA or citricacid esters) for flexibility
l  Must comply with strict standards due to potential presence ofphthalates or chlorine
Note: Notall PVC is food-safe—only specially manufactured formulations are approved forfood contact.
4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – #4
LDPE is softer and more flexible than HDPEand is widely used in packaging.
Common Uses:
l  Bread bags
l  Frozen food bags
l  Squeeze bottles
l  Container lids
l  Food-grade film and wraps
Why It’s Food Safe:
l  Low chemical reactivity
l  Flexible, with good moisture barrier
l  Approved for direct food contact
Bonus: LDPEis microwave-safe in many applications, but it's best to check labels.
5. PP (Polypropylene) – #5
Polypropylene is one of the most heat-resistantfood-safe plastics, making it ideal for hot-fill applications.
Common Uses:
l  Yogurt cups
l  Take-out containers
l  Microwaveable containers
l  Bottle caps
l  Straws
Why It’s Food Safe:
l  Withstands high temperatures
l  Excellent chemical resistance
l  Does not leach toxins under heat
Bonus: PP isdishwasher and microwave safe, making it perfect for reusable food containers.
6. PS (Polystyrene) – #6
Polystyrene can be rigid (like cutlery) orexpanded into foam (like disposable coffee cups). Its food-grade status isdebated.
Common Uses:
l  Disposable cutlery and plates
l  Meat trays
l  Egg cartons
l  Foam take-out containers
Why It’s (Sometimes) Considered FoodSafe:
l  Approved for limited, single-use food contact
l  Stable at room temperature
Caution:
Polystyrene may leach styrene when heated or with acidic/oily foods, so it’snot recommended for microwaving or reuse.
7. Other Plastics – #7 (IncludingPolycarbonate and Bioplastics)
Category #7 includes plastics notclassified in the other six groups. It’s a broad category with varying safetyprofiles.
Common Uses:
l  Reusable water bottles
l  Baby bottles (older versions)
l  Food storage containers
l  Biodegradable plastics (PLA)
Why It’s Food Safe (Case-by-Case):
l  Some #7 plastics like polycarbonate were widely used, but concernsabout BPA (Bisphenol A) have led to a shift toward BPA-free alternatives.
l  Bioplastics like PLA (Polylactic Acid) are increasingly used incompostable food containers and cutlery.
Important:Always check for “BPA-Free” or FDA-approved labeling when using #7 plastics forfood.
                              
Final Thoughts
Understanding the 7 types of food-gradeplastic is essential for safe food storage, packaging, and handling—whetheryou're a manufacturer, distributor, or everyday consumer. While many plasticsare safe under normal use, always pay attention to:
l  Intended use (e.g., microwave or freezer safe)
l  Manufacturer certification (FDA, EFSA, etc.)
l  Signs of wear or damage, which may compromise safety
By choosing the right type of plastic foryour needs and handling it correctly, you can ensure better food safety andenvironmental responsibility.
After reading this article if you are stillunsure about which plastic is food grade or what type of plastic should be usedfor your product, contact REGO, as a professional injection molding manufacturer, we canprovide you with professional advice and help you choose the right material,saving you the trouble.





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