Why PP Plastic Is Food Safe & Ideal for Bulk Packaging

It is important to understand what makes a material appropriate for edible storage today, when safety and sustainability are more important than ever in food packaging. Food-grade plastics are designed for food usage to exist safely without leaching into the food. Polypropylene (PP) is one example of many types of food-grade plastics. Comsyn offers high-quality, food-safe PP packaging products that are healthy, durable, and have a reduced environmental impact.

What Does Food Grade Mean in Plastics?

A “food-grade” label on plastic means it has met strict guidelines put in place by governing agencies, such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EFSA (European Food Safety Agency), which ensure the material will not contaminate the food in contact with it. So, what is food-grade PP material? Polypropylene has passed those guidelines and regulations, meaning it is chemically stable and safe to use during its intended use.

Food-Safe vs. Food-Grade: Are They the Same?

While often considered synonyms, there are some differences between “food-safe” and “food-grade.” Food grade indicates that the material has a standard of regulatory compliance for food contact. Food safety indicates that the final product has been manufactured, handled, and stored in a way that preserves suitability for food use. All food-grade materials should be food-safe, but not all food-safe materials will necessarily be food-grade.

What is Polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from the monomer propylene. These characteristics, combined with its semi-crystalline structure, allow PP to have a unique property profile, allowing it to possess good durability and low weight. Its low moisture absorption and high resistance to chemicals allow for a wide variety of applications across industries, including automotive parts, textiles, and much more. But is polypropylene a food-safe plastic? Yes, especially when made to food-grade standards. 

Is Polypropylene Safe for Food Contact?

Yes – polypropylene food-grade plastic has been evaluated widely and is considered safe for food contact. Food-grade polypropylene generally has high heat tolerances and is dishwasher and microwave-safe. A food-grade polypropylene product will not degrade to harmful substances when warming foods. Both the FDA and EFSA have evaluated food-grade polypropylene material and have deemed it reliably safe for storing and packaging food.

Is Polypropylene BPA-Free?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common concern regarding plastic packaging, a chemical known to be associated with health issues. The good news is that polypropylene is inherently BPA-free. That’s why polycarbonate, which uses BPA, has received scrutiny. So, if you’re questioning what food grade PP plastic is and whether it’s BPA-free? The answer is yes, which provides safety and reassurance.

Characteristics and Benefits of Food-Grade Polypropylene

• Durable and lightweight: Excellent for single-use and reusable food containers
• Moisture and chemical resistant: Prevents contamination and extends shelf life
• Microwave and dishwasher safe: Remains intact under heat
• Recyclable and cost-efficient: Good for the environment and your wallet

These qualities are another reason PP plastic is food-safe, with the added benefits of bulk packaging applications.

Common Applications of Food-Grade Polypropylene in the Food Industry

• Food Storage Containers: Airtight and reusable for home and commercial use
• Packaging for Dairy and Snacks: Keeps products fresh and intact
• Reusable lunchboxes and kitchenware: Lightweight, safe, and easy to clean
• Disposable cups and trays: For food service and takeout solutions

These applications showcase what food-grade PP material is and cover multiple needs in the food area.

Types of Other Food-Grade Plastics

1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Great clarity and strength, used in beverage bottles.
2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Found in milk jugs and juice bottles.
3. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Used in flexible packaging and films.
4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Limited food use due to chemical leaching risks.
5. PS (Polystyrene): Used in disposables, though with some safety concerns.
6. Polycarbonate: Once popular, now declining due to BPA concerns.
7. Acrylic: Used in food displays for its clear, glass-like appearance.
8. Nylon: Heat-resistant and durable, ideal for cooking tools.

Safe Plastics Numbers for Food Storage

Plastic containers are often marked with a recycling code (a number inside a triangle). Here’s what they mean and how safe they are for food contact:

Code	Plastic Type	Food Safe?	Common Uses
#1	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	✅ Yes	Water bottles, food jars, soft drink containers
#2	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	✅ Yes	Milk jugs, juice bottles, butter containers
#3	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	❌ No (Use cautiously)	Cling wraps, squeeze bottles (can leach harmful chemicals)
#4	LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	✅ Yes	Bread bags, squeeze bottles, frozen food bags
#5	PP (Polypropylene)	✅ Yes (Best Option)	Yogurt tubs, food containers, reusable lunch boxes
#6	PS (Polystyrene)	⚠️ Limited Use	Disposable plates, cups (concerns over leaching when heated)
#7	Other (includes Polycarbonate)	❌ No (Unless BPA-free)	Baby bottles (older), large water bottles

Plastics to Avoid for Food Storage

• #3 PVC: Potential for harmful chemical leaching
• #6 PS: Health risks linked to long-term use
• #7 Polycarbonate (unless BPA-free): Risk of BPA exposure

9 Other Non-Food Applications of Food-Grade Plastics

Food-grade plastics aren’t just for your kitchen:

1. Pharmaceutical Blister Packs
2. Cosmetic Packaging
3. Medical Syringes
4. Hygiene Products
5. Baby Bottles and Toys
6. Water Filters
7. Pet Food Containers
8. Nutraceutical Bottles
9. Biotech Lab Equipment

These diverse uses further demonstrate how versatile and trustworthy food-grade materials can be.

Comsyn’s Polypropylene Packaging Solutions

At Comsyn, we offer a diverse range of FDA-compliant, food-safe, recyclable, premium-grade polypropylene products. Our food-grade polypropylene options offer consumers and businesses alike peace of mind when packaging grains, dairy products, or ready-to-eat meals for food safety and sustainability. Comsyn offers food-grade polypropylene solutions from woven flexible sacks to corrugated rigid containers and everything in between, so you can feel confident you have performance-proven packaging for your food, healthcare, or personal care applications.

Conclusion

Understanding what food-contact, food-safe, food-grade polypropylene (PP) plastic is and why it’s a good choice for food-contact applications helps consumers and producers make better, safer choices. Food grade PP is durable, looks great, it’s BPA-free, and recyclable. When it comes to bulk packaging, food-grade polypropylene is your only approved option for food safety. Comsyn continues to provide food-and-drug-compliant, sustainable, and compliant PP plastic food-safe packaging solutions that meet the evolving demands of customers around the world.

FAQs

Q: What type of plastic is safe for food?

Plastics like polypropylene (PP), PET, and HDPE are considered food-safe. They don’t leach harmful chemicals and meet regulatory safety standards.

Q: What makes polypropylene food grade?

Food-grade polypropylene is free from toxins, BPA, and additives that could contaminate food. It meets FDA and global food safety standards for packaging.

Q: Is food-grade polypropylene recyclable?

Yes, food-grade polypropylene is 100% recyclable. It can be reprocessed into containers, fibers, and various other products.

Q: What types of food packaging are commonly made from polypropylene?

Polypropylene is used for yogurt tubs, takeaway containers, bottle caps, and microwave-safe trays. Its durability and heat resistance make it ideal for food packaging.