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Complete Guide to Food Packaging Plastic Types and Their Differences

Updated: Oct 24

Complete Guide to Food Packaging Plastic Types and Their Differences

It is important to know the types of plastics used in food packaging. This is not just about recycling. It also relates to food safety and sustainability. This knowledge helps you pick the right material. Every plastic has its own pros and cons. Some keep oxygen out. Others are good with heat. A few can break down naturally. Knowing what each code means helps everyone choose better.

Main Categories of Food Packaging Plastics

Comparison of rigid and flexible food packaging plastics with examples like bottles, trays, films, and wraps.
rigid-vs-flexible-plastics-comparison

Types of Food Packaging Plastics: Rigid Plastic; Flexible Plastic

Rigid

It is characterized by being sturdy, durable, and resistant to deformation and breakage. Commonly used in bottles, jars, boxes, etc.

Flexible

It features a soft texture and lightweight quality, often used for snacks, frozen foods, and vacuum-packed meats. Commonly used products include films, bags, and wrapping papers.


Plastic Types by Resin Identification Code (1–7)

Plastic recycling triangle symbols with codes 1–7 and corresponding plastic types for food packaging.
plastic-recycling-codes-guide

This numbering system is the Resin Identification Code (RIC). It is the triangle with numbers 1–7. It shows the type of plastic resin used.


1. PET / PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate

Diagram detailing Plastic Resin Identification Code 1 (PET/PETE), showing its features like being clear, strong, and having excellent gas barrier properties. Common uses include beverage bottles and microwave trays, with notes on recyclability and heat limitations.
Plastic Recycling Code 1 (PET/PETE): Properties and Common Uses

2. HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene

Infographic for Plastic Resin Code 2 (HDPE), highlighting its durable, moisture-resistant features and common uses like milk jugs and detergent bottles, with safety and reuse notes.
Plastic Recycling Code 2 (HDPE): Features and Applications

3. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

Chart explaining Plastic Recycling Code 3 (PVC), its flexibility from plasticizers, uses in food packaging and wraps, and notes on potential chemical migration and safer alternatives.
Plastic Recycling Code 3 (PVC/V): Characteristics and Safety

4. LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene

Visual guide for Plastic Resin Code 4 (LDPE), describing its soft, flexible nature, common applications in bread bags and cling films, and its safety for cold food storage.
Plastic Recycling Code 4 (LDPE): Flexibility and Food Safety

5. PP – Polypropylene

Informational graphic for Plastic Code 5 (Polypropylene/PP), showcasing its high heat resistance, common uses in microwave-safe containers and straws, and its status as a safe plastic for food.
Plastic Recycling Code 5 (PP): Microwave-Safe and Durable

6. PS – Polystyrene

Diagram of Plastic Resin Code 6 (PS/Polystyrene), differentiating between rigid and foamed forms, their uses in disposable ware, and notes on heat instability and recycling challenges.
Plastic Recycling Code 6 (PS/Polystyrene): Types and Concerns

7. Other Plastics (PC, PLA, etc.)

Overview of Plastic Recycling Code 7 (Other Plastics), including Polycarbonate (PC) and Polylactic Acid (PLA), their historical and current uses, and important notes on BPA and biodegradability.
Plastic Recycling Code 7 (Other): PC, PLA, and Bioplastics

Additional Food Packaging Plastics Beyond the 1–7 Codes

New packaging often uses special plastics. These are not in the basic code system.


CPET – Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate

It is a special PET made to handle high and low temperatures.

  • Features: It is opaque and rigid. It works from -40°C to 220°C.

  • Applications: Oven-ready trays and frozen food packs. These go from freezer to oven.


PVDC – Polyvinylidene Chloride

  • Features: It is a very good barrier against oxygen and moisture.

  • Applications: Sausage skins, vacuum-packed meats, and high-barrier films.

  • Notes: It is often used as a layer inside other packaging. This keeps food fresh.


EVOH – Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer

  • Features: It is an excellent oxygen barrier. But it is poor against moisture.

  • Applications: Ketchup bottles, soy sauce bottles, vacuum bags.

  • Notes: It is usually placed between layers of PE or PET. This protects it.


Tritan™ – BPA-Free Copolyester

It is made by Eastman. It is a strong, clear, BPA-free plastic.

  • Features: It is crystal clear and hard to break. It is dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant.

  • Applications: Reusable bottles, food storage boxes, blender jars, and kids' cups.

  • Notes: It is a good and safe replacement for PC in food containers.


Overview of various food packaging plastics with labeled examples and applications.
food-packaging-materials-overview

Comparison Table: Overview of Food Packaging Plastics

Chart showing plastic recycling codes 1 through 7 and other common types like CPET and Tritan, with their key features and common uses such as drink bottles, milk jugs, and food containers.
Plastic Recycling Codes & Resin Types Guide: PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, PLA

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FAQs about Food Packaging Plastics

Q1: Which plastic is safest for food storage?

PP (polypropylene) and Tritan are the safest. They are good for hot and cold foods. They are strong and do not leak chemicals.

Q2: Can I microwave PET or PS containers?

No. PET and PS are not heat-resistant. They can release harmful chemicals or melt in the microwave.

Q3: What does the number inside the recycling triangle mean?

It is the Resin Identification Code. It tells you what kind of plastic the item is made from. Numbers 1 and 2 (PET and HDPE) are the easiest to recycle.

Q4: Are biodegradable plastics like PLA really eco-friendly?

Yes, but only if you dispose of them the right way. PLA needs special composting. It will not break down in a normal trash dump.

Q5: What plastic is best for hot food?

Use PP or CPET for hot food. They can handle high heat. They do not release harmful chemicals.


 WhatsApp: +86 13867471335   Email: abel@mana-eco.com

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