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Food Grade Plastics
The following is a detailed table of common food grade plastics raw materials and their characteristics for your reference
Food Grade Plastics |
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| Plastic Type | Abbreviation/Code | Common Uses | Temperature Range | Characteristics | Precautions |
| Polyethylene | PE (HDPE/LDPE) | Food bags, cling film, bottle caps, milk jugs | -50°C to 80°C (HDPE higher) | Chemical-resistant, odorless, flexible | Avoid high heat; LDPE not oil-resistant |
| Polypropylene | PP (#5) | Microwave containers, yogurt cups, straws | -20°C to 120°C | Heat-resistant, microwave-safe, rigid | May become brittle over time |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate | PET (#1) | Water bottles, soda bottles, oil containers | -40°C to 70°C | Transparent, good barrier properties | Not reusable; may leach chemicals at high temps |
| Polystyrene | PS (#6) | Disposable cups, foam boxes, coffee lids | -30°C to 90°C | Lightweight, insulating | Avoid heat (potential styrene release) |
| Polycarbonate | PC (#7) | Baby bottles, sports bottles, food storage | -100°C to 140°C | High clarity, impact-resistant | May contain BPA (choose BPA-free versions) |
| Polylactic Acid | PLA (Biodegradable) | Eco-friendly cutlery, food packaging | -10°C to 50°C | Compostable, plant-based | Low heat resistance |
| Polyvinylidene Chloride | PVDC | Sausage casings, vacuum-sealed films | -40°C to 140°C | Excellent oxygen/moisture barrier | Difficult to recycle |
| Polyamide | PA (Nylon) | Food filters, high-temperature pouches | -60°C to 200°C | Heat-resistant, durable | Verify food-grade certification |
| Polymethyl Methacrylate | PMMA (Acrylic) | Food display cases, utensil handles | -40°C to 90°C | Glass-like clarity | Scratches easily |
Additional Notes
- Certifications: Must comply with safety standards (e.g., FDA (USA), EU 10/2011 (Europe), GB 4806 (China)).
- Recycling Codes: Numbers (1–7) inside the triangular symbol indicate resin type, not necessarily food safety.
- Heat Risks: Some plastics (e.g., PET, PS) may release toxins when heated—select materials carefully.
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