When it comes to packaging and storing food products, plastic is the most commonly used material to get the job done. Not only do these substances keep food fresher for longer, but they also make handling a cleaner and simpler overall process. However, because of the nature of plastic products, not every plastic is safe to be in close proximity to consumables. As such, it’s important that you’re aware of the different FDA-approved plastics for food contact to keep yourself and consumers safe.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
The most common household plastic, HDPE is found primarily in plastic juice bottles, milk jugs, cereal box liners, and butter containers. This material is safe in close proximity to food and is one of the leading choices for many food packaging businesses. HDPE plastics are also resistant to corrosion and can absorb moisture—which makes it the perfect option for storing beverages.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Similar to HDPE plastics, LDPEs offer the same benefits with the added perk of being softer and more flexible in nature. This makes them better suited for condiment squeeze bottles and the wrappings that seal meat products and baked goods. Furthermore, this plastic also has great chemical resistance and a lot of impact strength, ensuring that it won’t be easily punctured in transport.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Found in soda bottles and peanut butter jars, PET plastic also doesn’t corrode and repels any microorganisms that may come into contact with the container. This makes them not only extremely durable, but also keeps the food inside from being contaminated by outside particles. PET plastics are also one of the only plastic materials that are still FDA approved for use on food even after they’ve been recycled.
Polypropylene (PP)
This plastic is very useful for packaging single-serving containers that need to be frozen or microwaved to be stored and consumed. Along with prepackaged foods, PP plastic is also commonly used in reusable storage containers to preserve the freshness of leftovers. As an added advantage, polypropylene also doesn’t react with other types of materials. So PP packaging can contain any type of food, regardless of acidity.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a reusable material that’s often used in water cooler bottles and baby bottles. Perfectly safe for storing both hot and cold liquids, PC plastics make it easy to handle these products with little worry about leaching chemicals.
At Royal Bag, we know full well that certain plastic bags aren’t appropriate for particular jobs—and food handling is one of these very situations. This is why we set out to provide each of our customers with the right plastic products they need to complete their custom tasks. For food, we offer our clear resealable bags for wholesale. Made with quality polyethylene, these bags are made to adhere to all designated safety guidelines.