5 Most Commonly Used Food-Grade Plastics in Food Service Businesses
30 May 2022When it comes to foodservice businesses, most business owners would invest in products and tools made from food-grade metals. Food-grade metals can benefit the applications of these businesses since they are easy to clean and sanitise. They are also strong and durable.
But aside from food-grade metals, foodservice businesses have also adopted the use of food-grade plastics. Food-grade plastics are plastic materials that can be used alongside consumable food or drink products without ruining or spoiling them. After all, these materials do not allow chemicals and other elements from leaching into foods or drinks.
Many types of food-grade plastics can be utilised for manufacturing, packing, packaging, storing, or transporting food and drink products. Some of them are as follows.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE)
PET or PETE is one of the most maximised food-grade plastics in foodservice businesses right now thanks to their excellent wear resistance and high strength. It also boasts superior dimensional stability, making it resistant to impact. This material can be used in producing single-serving beverage bottles, condiment bottles, and peanut butter jars.
- Polypropylene (PP)
PP is another food-grade plastic that has excellent thermal resistance and a high melting point. These qualities make the material good for products intended for microwaves and dishwashers. Foodservice businesses also use PP tools and products as they do not generate a reaction whenever they are exposed to acids, bases, or detergents. They can even withstand fracturing and stress. PP can be used to produce dairy containers and food storage boxes.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a food-grade plastic that has a high strength-to-density ratio. This characteristic allows the food-grade plastic to be lightweight and strong. It can also resist mildew, mould, insects, rot, corrosion, weathering, and cracking. These qualities make the material good for producing juice and milk jugs, squeeze bottles, and grocery bags.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is thinner than other types of food-grade plastic. It is, however, tough and flexible. LDPE can likewise resist chemicals and impact, making it useful for sealing and rigid applications. Some notable uses of LDPE are can lids, bread bags, and produce bags.
- Polycarbonate (PC)
One more food-grade plastic that can be useful for foodservice businesses is PC. PC exudes excellent heat resistance and thermal stability. It also has high impact resistance, dimensional stability, and minimal upkeep. Since PC can be cleaned and sterilised very quickly, it can be utilised in producing bottles, food containers, tableware, and pitchers.
What is common about these food-grade plastics is they have excellent wear resistance. They also have high strength and flexural modulus as well as superior dimensional stability. If you require food-grade products and tools for your foodservice business, you can contact us at Sandabe Industries.
We are a plastic injection moulding company specialising in producing custom moulded plastics of almost any size for various industries and applications. We can produce custom moulded plastics of almost any size depending on your requirements. We offer our services Australia-wide with a commitment to provide the highest standards of quality and customer service.
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