When it comes to food packaging, choosing the right type of PP (Polypropylene) plastic is a critical decision that can directly impact product safety, freshness, and your brand’s long-term success.
PP plastic has become a top choice in the food packaging industry thanks to its outstanding characteristics. It’s durable, moisture-resistant, food-safe, and handles both hot and cold temperatures extremely well. Whether you’re packaging frozen meals, snacks, or ready-to-eat foods, PP plastic offers a safe, efficient, and long-term solution.
But with so many types of PP plastic available, how do you choose the best one for your business?
Why Choosing the Right PP Plastic Matters in the Food Industry
High-quality PP packaging isn’t just about keeping food fresh—it’s about improving logistics, extending shelf life, and building trust with your customers. In a market where visual appeal and safety go hand in hand, packaging is the first touchpoint between your product and the buyer.
✅ The right plastic packaging can make your operations more efficient while increasing perceived product value.
7 Tips for Selecting the Best Type of PP Plastic for Your Food Products
Before you buy your next batch of food packaging, check out these 7 practical tips to help you choose the right type of PP plastic—balancing safety, durability, and branding.
1. Choose the Right Thickness
The thickness of the PP plastic directly affects the strength of the packaging.
- Thicker plastic is ideal for heavy-duty needs like hot meals or delicate products that need extra protection.
- Thinner PP works well for lightweight items like chips or dry snacks—and it’s more cost-effective.
Match the plastic thickness to the food product to get the best results for protection and efficiency.
2. Look for High Transparency
One of PP plastic’s biggest advantages is its crystal-clear transparency. If your food looks good, why hide it?
Choose high-clarity PP to show off your product on store shelves—especially important for visually appealing items like colorful snacks, layered desserts, or fresh produce.
3. Ensure It’s Heat-Resistant
PP plastic is heat-resistant up to around 248°F (120°C), making it ideal for:
- Microwaveable meals
- Ready-to-eat food
- Products that need to be reheated
If your product goes through a heating process, choose PP plastic that can handle it without melting, warping, or releasing chemicals.
4. Prioritize Moisture & Oxygen Resistance
Exposure to moisture and air is a common cause of food spoilage. Laminated PP plastic (with barrier layers) offers better protection by sealing out air and humidity—perfect for products like:
- Crackers
- Freeze-dried foods
- Spices
- Baked goods
This helps preserve shelf life and product quality for longer periods.
5. Use Only Food-Safe, BPA-Free Plastic
Food safety is non-negotiable. Make sure your PP plastic is:
- Certified food-grade
- BPA-free
- Approved by authorities like the FDA
Using the wrong plastic can lead to contamination risks and damage your brand reputation.
6. Align With Your Branding & Labeling Needs
Can the plastic hold your labels and branding? Good PP plastic should be easy to print on or label, supporting:
- Eye-catching designs
- Easy-to-read product info
- Clear expiration dates and instructions
Branded packaging creates a premium look and boosts product appeal on shelves.
7. Balance Cost with Quality
Yes, quality matters—but so does cost-efficiency. High-quality PP plastic may cost more up front, but it:
- Lasts longer
- Reduces product damage
- Minimizes repackaging or replacements
In the long run, better packaging can save you more than it costs.
What Makes PP Plastic the Right Choice for Food Packaging?
PP plastic combines three major benefits that food businesses care about:
- Durability under extreme temperatures (freezer or microwave)
- Visual appeal for showcasing the product
- Regulatory safety for food contact
But even within PP options, not all are created equal. That’s why it’s crucial to choose PP materials tailored to your specific product needs.
Key Criteria for High-Quality PP Plastic
Here’s what to look for in high-grade PP plastic used in the food and beverage industry:
✅ Food-Grade & BPA-Free: Always choose certified, non-toxic materials for direct food contact.
✅ Temperature-Resistant: Should withstand both freezing and heating (approx. -4°F to 248°F).
✅ Consistent Thickness & Texture: No weak spots or irregular surfaces.
✅ Odor-Free: Shouldn’t give off any plastic smell.
✅ High Clarity (if transparent): For an attractive, professional presentation.
✅ Leak-Proof & Airtight: Especially important for liquids or sauces.
✅ Lab-Tested & Certified: Check for FDA, ISO 22000, HACCP, or MSDS documentation.
How the Right PP Plastic Impacts Your Business
Packaging isn’t just a container—it’s a business strategy. For many food brands, PP plastic plays a key role in:
- Building brand trust (safe, food-grade materials signal quality)
- Reducing logistics headaches (resists melting, cracking, or leaking during shipping)
- Boosting shelf appeal (clear, sleek, and professional look)
- Increasing operational efficiency (ready for freezing, heating, or direct display)
Even global F&B brands rely on PP plastic for everything from frozen meals to bubble tea cups—because it’s flexible, cost-effective, and reliable.
Why ALVAboard Is a Smarter PP Plastic Solution
At ALVAboard, we offer custom-grade PP packaging sheets and boxes that are:
- Lightweight yet structurally strong
- Waterproof, impact-resistant, and food-safe
- Recyclable and reusable—ideal for sustainable operations
Unlike regular cardboard, ALVAboard’s hollow-core PP sheets provide more strength without the extra weight. They’re perfect for:
- Frozen food packaging
- Heavy-duty food hampers
- High-volume logistics
Plus, the smooth surface is easy to print on, helping you elevate your brand image.
Make the Smart Switch to ALVAboard
In a crowded food market, the right packaging isn’t optional—it’s essential.
With ALVAboard’s PP plastic solutions, you’ll get packaging that’s:
- Tough enough for any temperature
- Visually clean and premium-looking
- Eco-conscious and reusable
- Customizable to your brand’s identity
📘 Want to learn more?
Download our free e-book: “The Ultimate Food Packaging Guide“, packed with insights on choosing the best materials for your culinary business.
📲 Have questions or need help choosing the right PP type? Contact our team on WhatsApp at +62 877-9310-2838.
🛒 You can also shop our full packaging range on Tokopedia, Shopee, Blibli, and TikTok Shop.
ALVAboard is here to help you level up your packaging—protect your products, impress your customers, and scale your business sustainably.
