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 food processing equipment. However, not all plastics are safe for food contact. To ensure 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 7 main types of food-grade plastic, how to identify them, their common applications, and what makes them safe for food contact.

 

Understanding Food-Grade Plastic

Food-grade plastic refers to plastic materials that meet strict standards established by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and other national or international health authorities. These plastics are tested to ensure they don’t contain harmful toxins, won’t react with foods, and are safe under expected usage conditions (e.g., heat, cold, acidity).

 

Most food-safe plastics fall under one of the seven major resin identification codes, which are typically printed on the bottom of containers inside a triangle of arrows.

The 7 Types of Food-Grade Plastic

1. PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – #1

PET is a lightweight, strong, and clear plastic 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 for its 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: HDPE is dishwasher safe and recyclable.

 

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – #3

PVC is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or flexible. However, its use in food applications is limited and highly regulated.

 

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 citric acid esters) for flexibility

l  Must comply with strict standards due to potential presence of phthalates or chlorine

 

Note: Not all PVC is food-safe—only specially manufactured formulations are approved for food contact.

 

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – #4

LDPE is softer and more flexible than HDPE and 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: LDPE is microwave-safe in many applications, but it's best to check labels.

 

5. PP (Polypropylene) – #5

Polypropylene is one of the most heat-resistant food-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 is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it perfect for reusable food containers.

 

6. PS (Polystyrene) – #6

Polystyrene can be rigid (like cutlery) or expanded into foam (like disposable coffee cups). Its food-grade status is debated.

 

Common Uses:

l  Disposable cutlery and plates

l  Meat trays

l  Egg cartons

l  Foam take-out containers

 

Why It’s (Sometimes) Considered Food Safe:

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’s not recommended for microwaving or reuse.

 

7. Other Plastics – #7 (Including Polycarbonate and Bioplastics)

Category #7 includes plastics not classified in the other six groups. It’s a broad category with varying safety profiles.

 

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 concerns about BPA (Bisphenol A) have led to a shift toward BPA-free alternatives.

l  Bioplastics like PLA (Polylactic Acid) are increasingly used in compostable food containers and cutlery.

 

Important: Always check for “BPA-Free” or FDA-approved labeling when using #7 plastics for food.

 

Summary Table: 7 Types of Food-Grade Plastics

Final Thoughts

Understanding the 7 types of food-grade plastic is essential for safe food storage, packaging, and handling—whether you're a manufacturer, distributor, or everyday consumer. While many plastics are 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 for your needs and handling it correctly, you can ensure better food safety and environmental responsibility.

 

After reading this article if you are still unsure about which plastic is food grade or what type of plastic should be used for your product, contact REGO, as a professional injection molding manufacturer, we can provide you with professional advice and help you choose the right material, saving you the trouble.