PP (polypropylene)
Features: Non toxic, odorless, with high heat resistance, can be used for a long time above 100 ℃, can withstand high temperature disinfection, has good chemical stability, and is not easily corroded by acids, alkalis, etc. Its texture is relatively hard, with high mechanical strength and good resistance to bending fatigue. The packaging products made of it can be reused repeatedly.
Usage: It is commonly used to make microwave oven lunch box, fresh-keeping box, yogurt cup, soybean milk cup, etc.
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)
Features: High transparency, making the food inside the packaging clear and visible, which can increase the attractiveness of the food. It has good chemical stability and barrier properties, which can prevent food oxidation and spoilage. At the same time, it also has a certain mechanical strength and is not easy to break or deform.
Usage: Widely used in beverage bottles, mineral water bottles, edible oil bottles, fruit packaging boxes, pastry packaging boxes, etc.
PE (polyethylene)
Features: Divided into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE has a soft texture, good flexibility, transparency, and low temperature resistance; HDPE has higher hardness, better mechanical strength and water resistance, and strong chemical stability.
Usage: LDPE is commonly used for making cling film, plastic film bags, etc; HDPE is commonly used in the manufacture of milk bottles, soy sauce bottles, detergent bottles, food packaging bags, etc.
PS (polystyrene)
Characteristics: It has good transparency, insulation, and processing performance, with a hard and brittle texture. The surface of its products is smooth, easy to print and decorate.
Usage: Common ones include fast food boxes, disposable water bottles, fruit trays, cake boxes, etc. However, due to the high temperature resistance of PS and the possibility of releasing harmful substances in some cases, its application in the field of food packaging has decreased in recent years.
PC (polycarbonate)
Features: It has high strength, high transparency, and good heat resistance, and can be used for a long time in the range of -60 ℃ to 120 ℃. It has excellent impact resistance and is not easily broken. But PC materials may release bisphenol A, so there are certain restrictions on their use.
Usage: It was widely used in the manufacture of baby bottles, water cups, etc., but due to safety issues with bisphenol A, its application in baby bottles and other fields has gradually been replaced by other materials. However, it is still used in some sports water bottles, space cups, and other products.
PA (polyamide, also known as nylon)
Characteristics: It has good wear resistance, oil resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, excellent barrier performance, and can effectively prevent the influence of oxygen, water vapor, etc. on food, extending the shelf life of food. Meanwhile, PA also has high mechanical strength and flexibility.
Usage: Commonly used as packaging material for meat, cheese, dry goods and other foods, such as vacuum packaging bags, composite packaging films, etc.
When choosing food grade plastic packaging materials, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the characteristics of the food, packaging requirements, and relevant regulatory standards to ensure the safety and applicability of the packaging materials.
