Have you ever flipped over a food packaging bag and spotted symbols like triangles, leaves, snowflakes, or barcodes?
These food packaging symbols may seem simple, but each one communicates important information about food safety, usage instructions, or environmental responsibility.
Whether you’re a business sourcing food packaging bags or a curious shopper, understanding these food packaging and plastic recycling symbols can help you make smarter, safer, and more sustainable choices.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important food packaging symbols commonly seen in Malaysia—especially for plastic-based food packaging.
In Malaysia, food packaging symbols go beyond basic icons—they reflect religious, safety, regulatory, and environmental standards that matter both to manufacturers and consumers.
One of the most recognised symbols in Malaysian food packaging is the Halal logo. This symbol confirms that the product adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines, ensuring it is free from prohibited ingredients like alcohol or non-halal meat.
While essential for Muslim consumers, Halal certification is also seen as a symbol of cleanliness, quality, and hygiene by non-Muslims.
These triangle icons made from arrows (Mobius loop) often include numbers between 1 to 7. Each number represents a different type of plastic resin used in packaging.
Understanding these helps businesses and consumers identify which plastics are recyclable, safe for food, or suitable for reuse.
For prepackaged food products, nutrition labels are mandatory. They include information such as calorie content, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, fibre, and sodium. This transparency helps consumers make healthier choices and also aligns with regulatory standards in Malaysia.
Let’s now focus on the key symbols found on food-grade plastic packaging bags—especially relevant for frozen food, snacks, and takeaway packaging in Malaysia.
These triangle symbols, often with a number inside, classify the type of plastic used. Here are the most common ones seen on food packaging bags:
Number | Resin Type | Common Use Cases | Recyclability |
1 | PET/PETE | Bottles, trays | Widely recyclable |
2 | HDPE | Jugs, tubs | Recyclable and sturdy |
4 | LDPE | Plastic bags, wraps | Often reusable |
5 | PP | Food containers, yogurt cups | Heat-resistant |
Understanding these codes helps both suppliers and consumers select suitable packaging and improve recycling practices.
Read more about the meaning behind plastic recycling symbols.
This mark indicates the plastic is free from Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical that may leach into food, especially under heat. BPA-free packaging is a must when storing hot food, acidic items, or baby products.
If you see a snowflake or similar icon, it means the packaging is suitable for freezing. Products like Teong Chuan’s Freezy and Tapao lines carry this symbol to ensure the plastic won’t crack or become brittle at low temperatures.
This clock or calendar icon is usually printed next to a specific date. It informs users of the ideal time to consume the product for maximum quality and freshness.
Indicates that the packaging does not contain any artificial fragrances, dyes, or chemical additives—making it safer for sensitive food types like baby food or organic produce.
Although not widely used, this icon appears on bulk packaging materials and helps indicate that the plastic is designed to withstand damage from pests, ideal for warehouse storage.
Seen on commercial or wholesale food packaging, this symbol usually includes a weight range (in KG). It guides businesses in selecting the right packaging for transport or bulk sales.
Some plastic packaging bags come with a graphic that shows the packaging can be reused or is part of a recycling program. This promotes sustainability and reduces single-use plastic consumption.
Understanding these symbols isn’t just about regulation—it’s about making informed, responsible choices. In a fast-paced market like Malaysia’s, where food safety, Halal compliance, and environmental responsibility are increasingly important, these symbols offer clarity.
For businesses, especially in F&B, it’s about compliance and customer trust. For consumers, it’s about choosing safe, ethical, and environmentally friendly products.
If you’re sourcing packaging for your food brand, here’s a quick guide:
Criteria | Why It Matters |
Food-safe material | Prevents contamination and ensures safety compliance |
BPA-free and eco logos | Builds consumer trust and supports sustainability |
Freezer-safe and storage icons | Ensures product quality throughout supply chain |
Recycling numbers | Encourages proper disposal and recycling |
Weight/load info | Ideal for commercial and bulk use |
Teong Chuan is a trusted supplier of food plastic packaging in Malaysia, offering high-quality products under brands like Freezy and Tapao. Their packaging includes all the essential food packaging symbols—ensuring safety, usability, and compliance.
Food packaging symbols are more than just decorative icons. They’re vital communication tools that inform buyers about food safety, material quality, recyclability, and compliance. By learning what these symbols mean, you make better decisions as a supplier, buyer, or end-user.
Whether you’re sourcing freezer bags or takeaway containers, make sure your packaging displays the right symbols—because clear information builds better trust, safer food systems, and a more sustainable future.
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