Is PP Plastic Considered Food Grade?

Have you ever wondered whether PP (polypropylene) plastic is food grade? As a food business owner, choosing safe and high-quality packaging materials is essential. The right packaging not only protects the product but also preserves its quality and safety until it reaches the consumer. Polypropylene (PP) plastic is one of the most commonly used packaging materials due to its temperature resistance and food protection capabilities.

However, it’s important to ensure that the PP plastic used is food grade. Food grade PP plastic has been tested and meets safety standards set by organizations like the FDA and Indonesia’s BPOM. This type of plastic is safe for direct contact with food, helping to maintain its quality and freshness.

Also read: Unique Food Packaging Boxes Can Attract Consumers?

Is PP Plastic Food Grade?

This article will address the question of whether PP plastic is food grade, its characteristics, and how to choose the right plastic for your food product packaging. We will also show how PP plastic is used by leading brands in the F&B industry to maintain their product quality.

Proof That PP Plastic is Food Grade!

According to the book Polypropylene: An A-Z by J. Karger-Kocsis (18:1998), the PP packaging supply chain highlights the growing interest in using food-grade PP for packaging applications.

PP plastic is one of the most widely used plastics in food packaging. However, not all PP plastics are the same. To determine whether a PP plastic is suitable for food packaging, we must refer to food grade standards that regulate the safety of materials in direct contact with food.

Specifications of Food Grade PP Plastic

Food grade PP plastic is a type that has passed eligibility tests and meets safety standards from regulatory agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States and BPOM in Indonesia. This material is known to be safe because it does not contain harmful chemicals that could leach into food.

Moreover, PP plastic is highly stable, it doesn’t easily react with other substances and remains safe at various temperatures. These properties make PP plastic widely used in the food industry, from snack packaging, beverage bottles, sauce containers, to frozen food products.

How PP Plastic is Used for Food Packaging

Food grade PP plastic is used in various types of food packaging due to several advantages, including resistance to high and low temperatures and moisture durability. It is commonly used in ready-to-eat food containers, snack packaging, plastic cups, and food storage containers.

Leading F&B brands such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Nestlé use food-grade PP plastic in their product packaging. With guaranteed quality, PP plastic offers maximum protection for food products, preserves freshness, and makes them easier to transport and store.

Advantages & Disadvantages of PP Plastic as Food Packaging

Advantages of PP Plastic as Food Packaging

1. Safe and Non-Reactive: Food grade PP plastic does not react with food or beverages, making it a safe choice for food packaging
2. Resistant to Extreme Temperatures: PP plastic can withstand high temperatures up to 100°C, making it ideal for hot or cooked food.
3. Lightweight and Durable: PP plastic is lightweight yet highly durable, making it suitable for packaging that requires strength and resilience.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Compared to other types of plastic, PP plastic is easier to recycle, making it a more eco-friendly option.
5. Transparent and Aesthetic: PP plastic can be manufactured with high clarity, giving the product an attractive visual appearance.

Disadvantages of PP Plastic as Food Packaging:

1. Less Flexible: PP plastic is relatively rigid and less flexible than other plastics such as PE or PVC.
2. Not UV Resistant: PP plastic can degrade when exposed to UV light for extended periods, which may affect the quality of the packaging and the food inside.
3. Relatively Higher Cost: Food grade PP plastic may be slightly more expensive than non-food grade plastics, though it’s a worthwhile investment for food safety.

Tips for Choosing the Right PP Plastic for Your Food Products

Choosing the right PP plastic is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of your food products. Here are a few tips:

1. Check the Thickness: Select PP plastic with a thickness that suits your product needs. Too thin may tear easily, while too thick can reduce production efficiency.
2. Consider Temperature Requirements: Match your PP plastic choice to the food product. While PP plastic can be used for hot food, make sure it offers adequate protection against extreme temperatures.
3. Choose Recyclable Packaging: If possible, choose PP plastic that is easy to recycle to support environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste.

Choose ALVAboard’s Hollow PP Plastic – Safe & High Quality!

For a better and safer packaging solution, consider using hollow PP plastic from ALVAboard. ALVAboard offers ideal PP plastic for your food product packaging.

Also read: Best Food Packaging Innovation – ALVAboard Smart Packaging

With its hollow design, this plastic offers extra strength without added weight and provides better flexibility for various food products. ALVAboard is also committed to sustainability by producing eco-friendly and easily recyclable PP plastic.

Interested in Checking Our Product Catalog?

If you’re interested in learning more about safe and high-quality food-grade PP plastic for your food business, contact ALVAboard Customer Service via WhatsApp at 087793102838 for a consultation. We’re ready to help you find the right packaging solution to ensure your food products remain safe and appealing to consumers.

Also check out ALVAboard products on your favorite marketplaces like ALVAboard Shop, Tokopedia, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. Don’t forget to download our e-book 🔗“Packaging Guide for Food Products” to gain deeper insights into trends and packaging options that support your business success.