NJ food packaging companies use a variety of types of plastic for protecting food and beverage products. While each of these types of plastic has its merits, there are two that are extremely common – and arguably the most effective. These are polyethylene and polypropylene and together they make up the bulk of the food packaging industry’s output.
Polyethylene vs. Polypropylene
Which of these two types of plastic is best for packaging food? This depends entirely on what the contents of the package will be. While there are many applications for polypropylene, polyethylene is unparalleled in its versatility. For as many types of food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products as there are, it seems there are just as many types of polyethylene.
The three primary types of polyethylene include low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate in order of density and rigidity.
Low-density polyethylene is perfect for bread, produce, and grocery bags, given its thin, soft texture. High-density polyethylene is better for applications such as milk jugs and juice bottles. The firmest of the polyethylene varieties – PET or PETE – is best used for rigid, durable applications such as protecting sodas from impact and vitamins from outside elements that might compromise the products inside.
Polypropylene is unique among the types of food-safe plastics in that it is both sturdy and flexible – as well as resistant to leaching oils, flavors, colors, and scents from food and other products.
Which Type of Plastic Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the type of food-safe plastic you choose should be determined by how you intend to use it. Do you need a durable plastic that will remain stable on a shelf for months or longer, or simply a thin, convenient wrapper that will get your goods home safely for the consumer? Whatever your choice, as long as you choose your packaging from a reputable plastic retailer, you truly can’t go wrong.