When manufacturing plastic products that will contain or come in contact with food or beverages. It is strongly advised that the type of plastic material used is investigated to ensure that it is safe for use. In order to ensure the safety of the plastic product to the end consumer. It should be noted that certain types of plastic are used to fulfill certain roles and applications. The types of plastic have different characteristics which allows them to be suitable for certain products. Whereas as some types of plastic it is highly advised to not be used for some products. For instance one type of plastic used to produce water bottles, will not be suitable to contain dairy products or hot food. Certain types of plastic may also be affected by heat that can be hazardous.Read below for more.
Information on the right type of plastic
Manufacturers use common international symbols to indicate the type of plastic materials used within certain products. It is located on the bottom as a graphic symbol consisting of three arrows forming a triangle. In the middle of the triangle there is a number from 1 to 7.
Types of plastic
1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
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Properties: Transparent, lightweight, and highly resistant to impact. PET continues to be the most widely used plastic in food packaging.
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Sustainability Advances: In 2025, a growing percentage of PET packaging is being produced from recycled PET (rPET), reducing the reliance on virgin plastic. It is now more common to see brands adopting a “closed-loop” recycling system, which allows PET packaging to be recycled into new food-safe containers.
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Key Applications: Soft drink and water bottles, salad and vegetable packaging, and bakery containers.
2 – HDPE
- Properties: Durable, with good chemical resistance and strength. HDPE is a non-toxic material widely recognized for its safe food-grade qualities.
- Sustainability Insight: As of 2025, more HDPE is being sourced from recycled materials. Additionally, HDPE is becoming part of the circular economy with more manufacturers focusing on recyclability and lowering the carbon footprint of production.
- Applications: Dairy product containers, juice bottles, and food storage containers.
3 – PVC
- Properties: PVC offers excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for packaging foods that require long shelf lives. It’s particularly used for wrapping meats and cheeses.
- Health & Safety Trends: PVC-based products are being phased out in favor of safer, more sustainable materials. PVC’s potential to release harmful chemicals such as Dioxins during its lifecycle has led to increased regulation.
- Regulatory Update: In 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued stricter guidelines on the use of PVC in food contact materials, pushing the industry toward safer alternatives.
4 – HDPE
- Properties: Durable, with good chemical resistance and strength. HDPE is a non-toxic material widely recognized for its safe food-grade qualities.
- Sustainability Insight: As of 2025, more HDPE is being sourced from recycled materials. Additionally, HDPE is becoming part of the circular economy with more manufacturers focusing on recyclability and lowering the carbon footprint of production.
- Applications: Dairy product containers, juice bottles, and food storage containers.
5 – PP
- Properties: PP is valued for its high heat resistance, making it perfect for microwaveable containers. It also offers good barrier properties for preserving food freshness.
- Environmental Considerations: Advances in bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) are contributing to reducing the environmental footprint of this widely used plastic. Bio-PP is derived from renewable resources, providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional PP.
- Applications: Microwave-safe containers, yogurt cups, and deli trays
Types of plastic
6 – PS
- Properties: While PS is popular for its transparency and rigidity, it’s faced increased regulatory scrutiny in recent years due to environmental concerns about its impact on marine life.
- 2025 Trends: The use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is increasingly banned in many regions, especially in food packaging like coffee cups and food trays. Manufacturers are turning to alternative materials like biodegradable plastics and molded paperboard.
- Environmental Note: Many countries are phasing out EPS foam in food containers, including in major markets like the European Union, the U.S., and Canada.
7 – OTHER
These other types of plastic should never be re-used. Including Baby bottles, microwave oven ware and eating utensils. This type of plastic includes many types of harmful chemicals. That can cause injury or death if ingested.
PolyCyclohexylendimethylene Terephthalate Glycol plastic (PCTG).
This material is tough, strong and chemical resistant. It is clear and transparent. This type of plastic is used in manufacturing plastic dishes, credit cards, blister packaging, rapid deployment flood walls, and bags. From an aesthetic stand point, PCTG plastic offers a matte or glossy finish depending on the print temperature. What makes Essentium PCTG unique is its superior Izod Impact Resistance. This means it can withstand much higher impacts than similar filaments while still maintaining similar tensile strength and heat resistance.
So what types of plastic are suitable for production of plastic cups and containers?
Plastic cups and containers can be successfully made of PC, PET or PCTG material. But these plastics will have different characteristics and as a result will be suitable for different functions.
One of the most important requirements in producing such items .Is the question whether the plastic product is dishwasher safe.
Heating certain types of plastic can be inadvisable due to the effect upon the chemical structure. This can cause the plastic product to deform or melt when heated. When heating any type of plastic in the microwave or dishwasher it is strongly advised to check that the type of plastic is safe for these appliances.
Before manufacturing of your plastic dishes start. It should be noted that PET will melt at temperatures higher than 70C (the upper limit for dishwasher water). PC is heat resistant. However it releases BPAs, which makes it acceptable only for hand washing. PCTG material can withstand various chemicals and cleaning agents as well as high temperatures. It does not contain BPAs, which makes it the most suitable option.
Making the Right Choice for Your Food Containers in 2025
- Consider Health and Safety: Make sure that the plastic chosen is approved for food contact by relevant authorities like the FDA or EFSA. Plastics with potential health risks (e.g., BPA, PVC) are increasingly being phased out.
- Think Sustainability: Look for materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from renewable resources. Choose plastics with lower environmental impacts to align with consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
- Choose the Right Properties for Your Product: Ensure that the chosen plastic offers the right balance of properties (e.g., flexibility, temperature resistance, shelf-life protection) based on the type of food being packaged.
At ODM we advise that PCTG is used. It is heat safe or in this case dishwasher safe. As it can be hazardous to put certain types of plastic products into this appliance. Manufacturers also strongly recommend that PCTG plastic is used as it is the most safest material and will not cause harm or injury to the user.
What types of plastic are not safe to be used for food packaging?
PVC, Polystyrene and other categories of plastics (excluding plastics made of PC, PP, LDPE, HDPE, PET or PCTG material) are not safe for food contact. They contain chemicals that are harmful to consumers when ingested.
When should I use plastic packaging?
Use plastic when : 1. The Product requires protection from contamination/damage done by moisture, humidity, gases, micro-organisms, insects, or light. Plastic prevents particles from penetrating into the packaging. 2. The Product has a relatively short shelf-life. Plastic is used to preserve goods that are vulnerable to deterioration, such as food. 3. The Packaging requires complex details and information. Plastic is durable and versatile; therefore it can be moulded into different shapes and designs that will suit the brand’s products.
Which type of plastic is heat resistant?
The most durable and heat-resistant type of plastic is PCTG Plastics. It can endure different types of cleaning solutions and retain its chemical structure under high temperatures (285 °C) without releasing any Bisphenol A (BPAs). PCTG plastics are highly recommended by the ODM Group.
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