Types of plastics used in food packaging
We may have seen the number 1 through 7 on the bottom or side of a plastic packaging container. This number is the plastic “resin identification code,” also known as the “recycling number.” This number can also provide guidance for consumers who want to recycle plastic containers.
Many major types of plastic resins used in packaging (#1 through #7) are recyclable. Most frequently, community recycling programs collect plastic bottles made from PET (#1) and HDPE (#2). However many communities are expanding their programs to collect additional types of plastics. Although most communities instruct residents to recycle by the shape of an item (e.g., bottles, containers, caps, lids). Some communities also refer to the resin identification code.
How do we know the plastic used in food packaging is safe and not toxic?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety of all plastics currently used in food packaging and food contact materials. A list of these approved substances can be found in FDA’s database.
What does the number on plastic mean?
The Resin Identification Code or recycling number on plastic identifies the type of plastic. Below is more information on and examples of the most common plastics used in food packaging, available at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and Plastics Industry Association (PIA), along with safety information from the FDA.
PETE or PET (Recycling number 1 / Resin ID Code 1)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a lightweight plastic that is made to be semi-rigid or rigid which makes it more impact resistant and helps protect food or liquids inside the packaging.
PET is commonly used in food packaging for soft drinks, sports drinks, single-serve water, ketchup, salad dressing, vitamins, vegetable oil bottles, and peanut butter containers.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
HDPE (Recycling number 2 / Resin ID Code 2)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a hard, opaque plastic that is lightweight but also strong. For example, an HDPE milk jug container can weigh only two ounces but still be strong enough to carry a gallon of milk.
HDPE is commonly used in food packaging for juice and milk jugs, squeeze butter and vinegar bottles and chocolate syrup containers, as well as grocery bags.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
PVC (Recycling number 3 / Resin ID Code 3)
The element chlorine is the primary ingredient used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a common type of plastic that is biologically and chemically resistant. These two characteristics help PVC containers maintain the integrity of the products inside, including medicines.
Clear vinyl is used as packaging for tamper-resistant over-the-counter medications, as well as shrink wrap for a variety of products. Vinyl also is used in blister packagings (packaging that has a plastic cavity or pocket) such as in packaging for breath mints or gum, for example.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
LDPE (Recycling number 4 / Resin ID Code 4)
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is thinner than some other resins and also has high heat resilience. Due to its toughness and flexibility, LDPE is primarily used in film applications where heat sealing is needed but also used in rigid applications.
LDPE is commonly used in food packaging to make coffee can lids, bread bags, six-pack soda can rings, as well as fruit and vegetable bags used in grocery stores.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
PP (Recycling number 5 / Resin ID Code 5)
Polypropylene (PP) is somewhat stiff but less brittle than some other plastics. It can be made translucent, opaque or a different color when it is manufactured. PP generally has a high melting point, making it particularly suitable for food packaging products that are used in microwaves or cleaned in dishwashers, for example.
PP is commonly used in food packaging to make yogurt containers, maple syrup containers. It also uses for cream cheese containers, and sour cream containers, as well as prescription drug bottles.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
PS (Recycling number 6 / Resin ID Code 6)
Polystyrene (PS) is a colorless, hard plastic without much flexibility. It can be made into foam or cast into molds and given fine detail in its shape when it is manufactured, for instance into the shape of plastic spoons or forks.
In food packaging, PS is commonly used to make plastic cups, deli and bakery trays, fast food containers and lids, hot cups and egg cartons.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
Other or O (Recycling number 7 / Resin ID Code 7)
“Other” or a #7 symbol on plastic packaging indicates that the packaging is made with a plastic resin other than the six types of resins listed above. For example, the packaging could be made with polycarbonate or the bioplastic polylactide (PLA) for example. Or it could be made with more than one plastic resin material.
In food packaging, the #7 type of plastic is commonly used to make water cooler five-gallon jugs and some citrus juice and ketchup bottles as well as cups, coffee lids, and clamshell containers.
FDA has approved it for food contact.
It’s recycled plastic.
Fillplas has products made of some plastic types above. Please visit us for more information.
