POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
Polypropylene is another common plastic. There’s a good chance that your fridge and cupboards contain something made from polypropylene as the plastic is commonly used for reusable storage containers for food. It’s also the plastic that single-serve tubs such as yogurt containers are made from.
PP plastics have been approved safe for food contact by the FDA. They are an inert material which means that they don’t pose health risks to consumers. It doesn’t interact with food at all. Recycled polypropylene was approved as food safe by the FDA in 2013.
Polypropylene comes with a high melting point that makes it a great choice for microwavable food containers. It is completely non-volatile, not reacting at all to liquids, bases, and acids. This is what makes it so great for storing just about any kind of food, especially sensitive foods.
HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)
HDPE is one of the most common household plastics around. HDPE can be found in the grocery store as it is used for plastic bottles for juice and milk. HDPE can also be found in butter containers, large food buckets, and cereal box liners. This includes supplies for cafeterias and restaurants.
Untreated HDPE is considered safe for food contact. When it comes to recycled HDPE, the FDA has sanctioned it for use with food contact on a case-by-case basis for more than 20 years. HDPE resin is used to create corrosion-resistant and non-absorbent plastics. This makes it great for storing sodas, milk, and other beverages. HDPE containers also don’t leak chemicals into contents like certain other plastics.
LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE)
Low-Density Polyethylene plastics are similar to HDPE plastics but are considered to be less rigid. They are typically used in squeeze bottles, like the ones used for ketchup and other condiments. It’s also used for plastic films like the ones used to wrap commercial meats and baked goods, as well as for six-pack rings.
Untreated LDPE is considered safe for food contact by the FDA. The FDA has approved recycled LDPE/PP blends on just two occasions. Even so, materials that are made from 100% PCR LPDE resin has not been approved for food contact by the FDA.
LPDE is resistant to chemicals, has high impact strength, and is great at absorbing damage. Much like plastics made from PET and HDPE, LDPE is able to hold food products without leaking any chemicals or other harmful materials into food. It also prevents microorganisms from growing and permeating its contents, keeping food safe.
