All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(14368 products available)
Plastic pellets are produced and come in various grades depending on their specific purpose and the polymer of which they are composed. In other words, food-grade plastic pellets are suitable for food packaging and storage. Some of the most common types include the following:
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene, one of the most flexible plastic types, is used to produce plastic food containers, bags, and wraps. PE is divided into low-density (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE is more flexible and is used for bags and wraps, while HDPE is more rigid and is used for containers and bottles. Therefore, both types are food-grade approved and widely used in food packaging.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is another widely used food-grade plastic that is strong, heat-resistant, and lightweight. Hence, it is used to make yogurt containers, straws, and microwaveable containers. In addition, it has a higher tolerance to chemicals as well as moisture, which makes it suitable for packaging food products.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
A polymer called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely utilized in the manufacture of bottles and containers for foods and beverages. PET is transparent, lightweight, and rigid, making it suitable for packaging. Due to its strength and recyclability, PET is also widely used and has FDA approval for food contact.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is commonly used in food packaging materials such as disposable containers, cutlery, and foam boxes. It is lightweight and rigid but can be brittle. For instance, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is often used for insulation and cushioning in food delivery. Further, with proper formulations, PS can be made food-safe, although concerns about leaching have reduced its use in recent times.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a highly versatile plastic used in food packaging, such as shrink wraps and rigid containers. Further, it can be made flexible or rigid, depending on the formulation. In addition, food-safe PVC has been used in packaging applications, although its use in food contact has decreased due to concerns about additives and plasticizers.
Manufacturers should know the following key features of food-safe plastic pellets:
Safety and Compliance
Food-grade plastic pellets are manufactured under very strict standards and regulations to ensure that the plastics are safe for contact with food. These are commonly set by the likes of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Moreover, these plastics do not migrate harmful substances into food, ensuring a longer shelf life for the food products.
Durability
These plastic pellets have very high durability. They can be manufactured to be resistant to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. For this reason, plastic containers can be used for both hot and cold food items. In addition, this durability makes them ideal for packaging perishable goods, as it extends the protective quality of the packaging.
Lightweight
Plastic pellets have the advantage of being lightweight compared to metal or glass. For this reason, plastic containers do not add significant weight to food products, which makes them easier to transport. Therefore, this reduction in weight helps to reduce shipping costs and also allows easier handling by both consumers and retailers alike.
Versatility
Plastic pellets can be manufactured into a wide range of packaging solutions. These include flexible plastic bags, rigid containers, and vacuum-sealed packages. Some provided with higher flexibility can better protect the food from damage and contamination, while those that are rigid will provide structural support and convenience for storage.
Barrier Properties
Food-grade plastic pellets can be engineered to provide excellent barrier properties against gases, moisture, and light. They help in preventing spoilage and extending the product's shelf life. For instance, certain plastics are used in vacuum packaging to remove oxygen and keep food fresher for a longer time.
Recyclability
With all the environmental problems facing the world, food-grade plastics can be recycled. Many food-grade plastics can be collected, cleaned, and reprocessed into new products, thus helping to reduce waste. It is worth noting, however, that not all recycled plastics are suitable for food packaging, since it requires stringent sanitation and monitoring of chemical migration.
Food-safe plastic pellets can be used in the following ways:
Food packaging
Plastic pellets are widely used for food packaging, ranging from flexible bags and wraps to rigid containers and bottles. Further, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are commonly used materials for packaging perishable goods, snacks, and frozen foods due to their moisture and airtight properties. In addition, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used for beverage bottles due to its strength, clarity, and recyclability.
Storage containers
Food-grade plastic pellets are also used to manufacture airtight containers for storing dry goods, leftovers, and bulk ingredients. These containers help in prolonging the freshness and preventing contamination of stores, foods through the use of plastics with good barrier properties against moisture, gases, and odors. The handy design allows easy stacking and ensures prolonged shelf life of the food products.
Kitchen Utensils
Food-grade plastics are commonly used to manufacture kitchen utensils like measuring cups, mixing bowls, and food storage containers, as most of these items come in contact with food. These plastics are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, which makes them practical and a successful alternative to more expensive materials like glass or metal.
Dispensing and Serving Solutions
Plastic pellets are commonly manufactured into various foodservice products such as disposable cutlery, plates, straws, and containers for takeout foods. Polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (expanded polystyrene) are used in clamshell containers, foam packaging, and insulated containers for food delivery. Although there are environmental concerns regarding single-use plastics, many eateries and manufacturers are using recyclable biodegradable alternatives.
Vacuum Sealing and Preservation
Food-grade plastic pellets can be formed into flexible films used in vacuum-sealing applications to help in the preservation of food. These films help remove air from the packaging, thus slowing down spoilage and extending the shelf life of perishable foods. These plastics are used in home and commercial food packaging machines for storage and transportation of bulk food items.
To select food-safe plastic resin pellets, buyers should consider the following factors:
Plastic type
Buyers should choose plastic types that are commonly used for food packaging. These include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Buyers should avoid any type of plastic that contains BPA, which is harmful to health.
Plastic form and color
Plastics come in various forms, such as pellets, powders, sheets, and granules. Buyers should choose the type that is most convenient for their purpose. For instance, pellets are easy to melt and mold. Also, plastics can be found in various colors, ranging from transparent to opaque. Thus, if a buyer has a specific purpose that requires a certain color or level of transparency, they should include that as a requirement when purchasing plastics.
Certifications
Buyers should ensure that the plastics have the necessary safety certifications. For instance, in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues pellets that are approved for food contact. In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) performs the same function. Buyers should look for plastics that have passed tests for migration of harmful substances, as well as leaching and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Supplier reputation
Buyers should work with reputable and trusted suppliers that have established records of delivering quality food-grade plastic pellets consistently. They can find out this information by doing due diligence and relying on verified customer reviews and testimonials. Further, buyers should seek suppliers who are able to provide detailed technical data sheets (TDS) and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the plastic.
Quantity and cost
Buyers should consider the quantity of food-grade plastic pellets they require and whether the supplier is able to fulfill the order as well as deliver within a reasonable lead time. Also, it is essential to compare the costs being offered while ensuring that quality is not compromised for price. In other words, the cost should be balanced against quality.
A1. The shelf life of food-grade plastic pellets can vary depending on the type of plastic, storage conditions, and specific use case. Generally, when stored in a cool, dry, and airtight environment away from direct sunlight, they can last several years. However, it is critical to check for any signs of degradation or contamination before use, especially if they have been stored for an extended period of time.
A2. Yes, food-grade plastic pellets can be recycled. Many of these plastics are designed to be recycled, helping to reduce environmental impact. The recycling process involves collecting, cleaning, and reprocessing the plastic into new products. However, recycling food-grade plastics that have been contaminated with food residues requires careful cleaning to ensure they are safe for future food packaging. Furthermore, not all food-grade plastics may be compatible with each other in recycling processes, so proper sorting is necessary.
A3. While food-grade plastic pellets offer safety and convenience, there are negative impacts on the environment, as well. The production and disposal of these plastics contribute to pollution, plastic waste, and damage to natural habitats. Even though many food-grade plastics can be recycled, global recycling rates remain low, leading to accumulation of plastic waste. Therefore, to mitigate the impact, stakeholders should seek more sustainable packaging solutions and incorporate practices like reducing plastic use or increasing plastic capture and reuse.
A4. Yes, many food-grade plastics are designed to withstand heat and can be used for hot liquids or foods. Nevertheless, it is crucial to verify that the specific type of plastic is suitable for the intended use, as some may deform or leach chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. Further, plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC) generally have high resistance to heat and are commonly used for containers and lids that hold hot foods or beverages.
A5. The most common food-grade plastic pellets are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are widely used for packaging, containers, bottles, bags, wraps, and kitchen utensils.
