Choosing food packaging isn’t just about strength or cost — it’s a compliance decision. Every plastic that touches your product needs to meet food-contact safety standards, and not every material or supplier can prove it.
This guide breaks down the compliance status of the plastics most commonly used in food packaging, so you know what to ask your supplier before you commit.
Key Takeaway
PET (PETE) — FDA-approved for food contact. Used for soft drinks, water, vegetable oil, and peanut butter jars. Not biodegradable.
HDPE — FDA-approved for food contact. Used for milk, juice, butter, and vinegar packaging.
LDPE — FDA-approved for food contact. Used for bread wraps, container lids, and produce bags.
PVC — FDA-approved for food contact. Used for tamper-resistant drug packaging and blister packs (e.g., mints, gum).
PP — FDA-approved for food contact per the FDA’s own packaging guidance. Used for yogurt cups, syrup, and prescription containers.
PS — Commonly used for disposable cups, bakery trays, and egg cartons.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) is a light material that is semi-rigid or stiff to increase impact resistance. This also helps to protect the food or liquids contained within the package.
PET is widely used in food packaging, including soft drinks, sports drinks, water, supplements, vegetable oil, and peanut butter jars. It is FDA approved for food contact and is also recycle-friendly.
However, if we were to consider the environmental friendliness of this plastic, it is not a type of biodegradable plastic.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a complex, transparent plastic that is both lightweight and sturdy. An HDPE milk bottle container, for instance, can weigh only 2 ounces while carrying a gallon of milk.
HDPE is often used in food packaging like juice and milk, squeezed butter and vinegar, chocolate syrup, and supermarket HDPE bags. It is also FDA-approved for food contact and eco-friendly.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is thin and more heat resistant than other polymers. LDPE is generally utilized in packaging applications where heat sealing is required. However, it is also employed in rigid applications because of its toughness and flexibility.
LDPE is extensively used in food packaging. It is used to manufacture container lids, bread wraps, six soda can rings, and LDPE plastic bags for fruit and vegetables. It is FDA approved for food contact and is also recycle-friendly.
Chlorine is the major component of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a typical plastic form that is biologically and chemically resistant. These two properties aid PVC containers in preserving the integrity of their contents, especially pharmaceuticals.
Clear PVC is employed for tamper-resistant over-the-counter drug packaging and shrink wrap for various items.
Vinyl is also used in blister packaging, such as for breath mints or gum. Clear plastic bags are also frequently used for packaging. It is also FDA-approved for food contact and eco-friendly.
Polypropylene (PP) is strong yet not as brittle as other polymers. It can be made transparent, opaque, or a different hue when it is created. PP has a high melting point in general. This makes it especially appropriate for food packaging goods that are microwaved or washed in dishwashers.
As a packaging material, PP is extensively used by producers of yogurt cups, maple syrup, and cream cheese, along with prescription medications.
The fact that the FDA has approved the use of polypropylene for food contact makes it an easy and simple choice for manufacturers. Its recyclability is another feature to be considered.
Polystyrene (PS) is a clear, rigid material with little pliability. When created, it can be formed of Styrofoam or cast into molds and given precise details in its design. For example, in the form of plastic forks or spoons.
What is its function? PS is extensively used in food packaging to manufacture disposable cups, bakery trays, fast food containers, and egg cartons.
Compliance isn’t a checkbox — it’s an ongoing responsibility between you and your packaging supplier. As a plastic company in Malaysia with ISO 9001:2015 certification, Teong Chuan manufactures food-contact-safe packaging with documented compliance, so your brand isn’t left guessing.
Talk to our packaging specialists about compliance documentation for your next order.
