Complete Guide to Food Packaging Plastic Types and Their Differences

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

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-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

Attribute	Description
Code	1
Features	Clear, strong, lightweight; excellent oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties.
Common Uses	Beverage bottles, edible oil bottles, peanut butter jars, microwave-ready trays.
Notes	Highly recyclable, but not suitable for high heat (above 70°C). Avoid reusing for hot liquids — PET may leach trace metals such as antimony.

2. HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene

Attribute	Description
Code	2
Features	Opaque or translucent, durable, moisture-resistant, and chemically stable.
Common Uses	Milk jugs, juice bottles, yogurt containers, thicker supermarket bags.
Notes	Considered safe and widely accepted for food use. Long-term reuse can cause bacterial buildup if not cleaned properly.

3. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

Attribute	Description
Code	3
Features	Clear, inexpensive, and flexible when plasticizers are added.
Common Uses	Transparent food boxes, cling films, shrink wraps.
Notes	Controversial due to potential migration of plasticizers and residual monomers. Many food brands have replaced PVC with safer alternatives like PET or PP.（FDA Food Contact Regulations）

4. LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene

Attribute	Description
Code	4
Features	Soft, flexible, transparent, with excellent moisture resistance.
Common Uses	Bread bags, frozen food bags, squeeze bottles, cling films.
Notes	Not very heat-resistant; standard LDPE wraps are unsuitable for microwaving. However, LDPE remains a safe and recyclable choice for cold and dry foods.

5. PP – Polypropylene

Attribute	Description
Code	5
Features	High heat resistance (up to 130°C), oil-resistant, durable, and safe for food contact.
Common Uses	Microwave-safe lunch boxes, yogurt cups, bottle caps, straws.
Notes	One of the safest plastics for food packaging. Ideal for reusable containers and hot food applications.

6. PS – Polystyrene

Attribute	Description
Code	6
Features	Comes in two forms — rigid (clear but brittle) and foamed (light, insulating).
Common Uses	Yogurt cups, disposable cutlery, instant noodle bowls, coffee cups.
Notes	Not heat-stable and may release styrene monomers under high temperatures. Expanded PS (foam) is being phased out in many regions due to recycling issues.

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

Attribute	Description
Code	7
Includes	Polycarbonate (PC), Polylactic Acid (PLA), and newer bioplastics.
Common Uses	PC: formerly used in baby bottles and water jugs (now mostly replaced). PLA: used in cold drink cups, salad boxes, and compostable utensils.
Notes	PC may leach BPA; PLA is biodegradable but requires industrial composting — it will not naturally decompose in landfills or oceans.

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.

food-packaging-materials-overview

Comparison Table: Overview of Food Packaging Plastics

Plastic Type	Code	Key Features	Common Uses
PET	1	Clear, light, gas barrier	Drink bottles, oil bottles
HDPE	2	Opaque, rigid, moisture barrier	Milk jugs, yogurt tubs
PVC	3	Flexible, cheap, controversial	Shrink wrap, trays
LDPE	4	Soft, moisture-proof	Bread bags, squeeze bottles
PP	5	Heat-resistant, safe	Microwave containers, lids
PS	6	Brittle or foamed, insulating	Takeaway boxes, noodle cups
Other (PLA)	7	Biodegradable	Salad boxes, cold drink cups
CPET	–	Heat-safe, rigid	Oven trays, frozen meal trays
Tritan	–	BPA-free, durable	Reusable bottles, storage boxes

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.