4 Best Types of Frozen Food Packaging Plastic

Behind the convenience of frozen food products lies one crucial component that must not be overlooked: the type of plastic packaging used. Packaging is not just a physical barrier; it’s also a quality keeper that influences the taste, aroma, and shelf life of the product in the freezer.

In the ever-growing frozen food industry, choosing the right type of packaging is no longer just a technical decision—it’s a strategic one. Each product has its own characteristics, and each type of plastic offers different levels of performance in preserving quality.

Also read: 13 Tips and Tricks for Safely Packing Food for Delivery

Commonly Used Plastic Packaging for Frozen Food

Various types of plastic have been used for years in the frozen food packaging industry. Some are known for their structural strength, while others are chosen for their flexibility or crystal-clear appearance.

4 Common Types of Plastic Packaging for Frozen Food

Below are some of the most frequently used types of plastic packaging for frozen food:

Table of Plastic Types and Their Characteristics

Plastic Type	General Characteristics	Temperature Resistance	Reason for Use	Brand Examples	Brief Description
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	Flexible plastic, suitable for light food pouches	-50°C to 80°C	Flexible, lightweight, moisture-resistant, ideal for flexible packaging	Indomie (instant noodles), Aqua gallon seals	Lightweight & flexible, often used for light food wraps and plastic bags
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	More rigid and resistant to low temps	-100°C s/d 120°C	Chemically resistant, strong, ideal for milk jugs & bottles	Le Minerale (bottled water), Sunlight refill	Rigid and chemical-resistant, commonly used for liquid bottles, jugs, and leak-proof containers
PP (Polypropylene)	Suitable for both low and high temperatures	-20°C s/d 140°C	Stable at high temperatures, microwave and freezer-safe	Tupperware	Heat-resistant and microwave-safe, often used for food containers
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	Clear, often used for premium display	-40°C s/d 70°C	Transparent, lightweight, airtight, ideal for beverages	Coca-Cola, Aqua botol, Teh Pucuk	Clear and lightweight, ideal for single-use drink bottles and premium packaging

LDPE

In the frozen food world, LDPE is one of the most flexible plastic options. It is ideal for wrapping lightweight products such as:

1. Cut vegetables
2. Frozen fruits
3. Small portions of meatballs
4. Temperature resistance: -50°C to 80°C
5. Typical storage temperature: ~ -18°C (for fruits and vegetables)

This plastic is easy to seal and conforms well to the shape of the contents, making it popular among small businesses. Its soft texture also gives a practical and lightweight impression, especially when used in large quantities.

HDPE

Unlike LDPE, HDPE is more rigid and thick, ideal for frozen foods with high water content, such as:

1. Fish fillets
2. Cut chicken
3. Seafood (shrimp, squid, clams)
4. Temperature resistance: -100°C to 120°C
5. Typical storage temperature: -20°C to -25°C (for meat and seafood)

HDPE’s resistance to low temperatures makes it a reliable protector against freezer burn and external contamination. Many business owners rely on it as a packaging solution to maintain the freshness of frozen products during storage and distribution.

PET

When product presentation becomes an essential marketing strategy, PET offers the solution. This plastic is transparent and glossy, making it a top choice for visually appealing frozen food products such as:

1. Frozen desserts (premium ice cream, frozen mochi)
2. Pre-cut fruits in cups
3. Attractive frozen snacks
4. Temperature resistance: -40°C to 70°C
5. Typical storage temperature: -18°C to -20°C

PET packaging helps businesses showcase their product contents clearly without the need to open the packaging. In today’s competitive market, a product’s appearance can be a selling point and PET is a go-to material for this purpose.

PP

One of PP’s main advantages is its versatility. Not only is it used for frozen food packaging, but it’s also common for ready-to-eat meals that require reheating. It’s no surprise that this plastic is often found in food trays and containers.

It is commonly used for various frozen food types such as:

1. Frozen rice meals
2. Children’s food (vegetable nuggets, frozen puree)
3. Ready-to-eat meals (frozen soup, rendang, curry)
4. Frozen noodles and pasta
5. Temperature resistance: -20°C to 140°C
6. Storage & heating temperatures: -18°C (storage) to 100°C+ (heating)

PP is not only freezer-safe but also microwave-safe, making it ideal for products intended for immediate consumption after heating. This is why many modern businesses prefer PP for practical frozen food trays or containers.

PP is the most versatile and cost-effective option for various frozen food types from snacks to full meals. With its ability to withstand extreme temperatures while remaining safe for reheating, PP offers maximum flexibility and reduces repackaging costs.

Time to Switch to Smarter, Sustainable Packaging

Despite the many advantages of plastic, one major drawback persists: environmental impact. Plastic is difficult to decompose, can harm ecosystems, and is increasingly being rejected by environmentally conscious consumers.

Now is the time for frozen food businesses to consider new packaging alternatives that are not only durable and temperature-resistant but also functional and professional looking. One solution is the ALVAboard Hot & Cool Box the latest innovation in food packaging.

ALVAboard Hot & Cool Box: A Modern Replacement for Styrofoam

Designed to meet the needs of hot or frozen food delivery, the ALVAboard Hot & Cool Box is a smart and versatile packaging breakthrough. Made from Polypropylene (PP) with a special aluminum layer, this box can maintain stable temperatures for up to 7 hours.

Not only does it serve as an alternative to plastic packaging for frozen food, but ALVAboard can also replace the widely used Styrofoam, which has a significant environmental impact.

Key Features of ALVAboard Hot & Cool Box

1. Maintains stable food/drink temperatures for up to 7 hours
2. 4x more temperature-resistant than StyrofoamFoldable when not in use
3. Waterproof and easy to disinfect
4. Sleek, minimalist black design
5. Heat-resistant up to 130°C
6. Mold-resistant, termite-resistant, and impact-resistant
7. Can be reused up to 100 times
8. Size: 40 x 20 x 20 cm | Thickness: 3 mm

Perfect for frozen food delivery, cold drinks, hot meals, or other culinary logistics needs. For optimal results, use ice packs and pack products tightly.

Smart Packaging Solution for Personal Use and Online Businesses

With its premium appearance and outstanding performance, the ALVAboard Hot & Cool Box is the ideal choice for both entrepreneurs and individuals who want to ensure product quality during delivery. Especially useful for online stores aiming to maintain a professional and clean image with every shipment.

Choose ALVAboard—Keep Frozen Food in Prime Condition Until It Reaches the Consumer

The ALVAboard Hot & Cool Box sets a new standard in frozen food packaging. It meets modern distribution challenges: extreme temperatures, product safety, and packaging appearance that supports branding.

If you want to dive deeper into the various types of plastic for frozen food and how to choose the best packaging for your food business, don’t miss our e-book titled “🔗Packaging Guide for Food Products”—a comprehensive resource full of detailed solutions tailored to the needs of the food industry.

For consultations or recommendations on the best products for your business, feel free to contact our customer service team via WhatsApp at 087793102838. Discover our innovative ALVAboard packaging solutions on your favorite online platforms: Blibli, Tokopedia, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

Also read: Looking for Food Packaging Boxes? ALVAboard Is the Solution!

If you’re looking for long-lasting, multifunctional, and standout packaging solutions, now is the time to switch to ALVAboard. In the food business, packaging is part of the product’s flavor experience. Investing in reliable packaging like this means protecting your product—and your reputation.