Plastic is a versatile material that plays a crucial role in many industries, including food service, hospitality, and healthcare. Understanding the different types of plastic can help you make informed decisions about the products you purchase and offer to your customers. We'll explain the unique properties and special applications for some of the most prevalent plastics available on the market today.
Different Types of Plastic
If you've been confused by terms like "polyethylene" and "polycarbonate" while shopping for restaurant supplies, you're not alone. Many names for plastic sound very similar. We made this guide to help you understand the different types of plastic better so you can choose the right products for your kitchen. These are the 10 types of plastic most commonly used in restaurants:
Polypropylene, often abbreviated PP, is a versatile plastic material commonly used in the foodservice industry due to its durability, heat resistance, and low cost. It is made through a polymerization process where propylene gas is combined with a catalyst to form long chains of polymer molecules. This process results in a strong and rigid plastic that can withstand high temperatures without deforming or releasing harmful chemicals.
In foodservice, polypropylene is used to make a variety of products such as food containers, cups, cutlery, and food storage bins. Its heat resistance makes it ideal for microwave and dishwasher use, making it a popular choice for takeout containers and reusable food storage containers. Polypropylene is also impact-resistant, making it suitable for high-traffic environments like restaurants and catering services.
- Benefits: Freezer-safe, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, chemical- and heat-resistant
- Most Common Products: Food-grade bags, food storage containers, pizza dough pans, plastic serving utensils, food pans, bus tubs
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Yes; code 5
Polyethylene is a durable, and cost-effective plastic that offers excellent resistance to chemicals, moisture, and impact. Polyethylene is commonly found in food packaging, food storage containers, disposable cutlery, trash can liners, and food preparation surfaces.
Besides regular polyethylene, there are three other types used in foodservice: high-density (HDPE), low-density (LDPE), and linear low-density (LLDPE). HDPE is known for its strength and rigidity, making it ideal for food storage containers, milk jugs, and bottles. LDPE, on the other hand, is more flexible and has a lower melting point, making it suitable for plastic bags, wraps, and squeeze bottles. LLDPE has the same benefits as LDPE but with higher tensile strength, so it is primarily used in film wrap and can liners.
- Benefits: Chemical-resistant, impact-resistant, freezer-safe, dishwasher-safe
- Most Common Products: Cutting boards, plastic bags, can liners, bottles, storage containers, disposable cutlery, plastic utensils
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Yes; Polyethylene is 1; HPDE is 2; LDPE and LLDPE are 4
In foodservice, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used for items such as clear plastic bottles, food containers, and disposable cups. Its transparency and durability make it a popular choice for storing beverages, condiments, and other food items. PET is also known for its excellent barrier properties, which help to keep food fresh and prevent contamination.
One key difference between PET and other plastics is its ability to be easily molded into various shapes and sizes while maintaining its strength and clarity. PET is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option for food packaging.
- Benefits: Light weight, crack-resistant, good clarity
- Most Common Products: Disposable cups, take-out containers, deli containers, souffle cups
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Yes; code 1
Polystyrene is widely used in the foodservice industry for products such as disposable cutlery and takeout containers. Its ability to insulate and protect food makes it a popular choice for packaging hot and cold items. The affordability of polystyrene and ease of production make it a practical option for single-use items in commercial settings.
One key difference between polystyrene and other plastics is its brittleness. Polystyrene is a rigid plastic that can easily break or crack under pressure, unlike more flexible plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene. This characteristic makes it suitable for applications where rigidity is desired, such as for food containers that need to maintain their shape.
- Benefits: Light weight, rigid material, durable, moisture-resistant, moderate heat resistance for holding hot foods but not microwave-safe
- Most Common Products: Serving utensils, straws, plastic cutlery, clamshell containers, food trays, plates, bowls, cups
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Not under most recycling programs; code 6
In foodservice, polycarbonate is commonly used to make items such as food storage containers, reusable drinkware, and dinnerware. Its durability and resistance to impact make it ideal for busy commercial kitchens where breakage is a concern. Polycarbonate products are also often preferred for their clarity, allowing for easy identification of contents and enhancing the presentation of food and beverages.
One key difference between polycarbonate and other plastics is its high impact resistance. Polycarbonate is much stronger than traditional plastics like acrylic or PET, making it less likely to break or shatter. Additionally, polycarbonate can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in dishwashers and microwaves.
- Benefits: Impact-resistant, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, durability, clarity
- Most Common Products: Reusable plastic drinkware, food storage containers, plastic food pans, dinnerware
- BPA-Free? No
- Recyclable? Not under most recycling programs; code 7
Expanded polystyrene, also known as EPS, is a light weight foam plastic widely used for packaging and insulating food and beverages. Common products made from EPS include foam cups, food containers, and packaging materials for shipping perishable goods. Its excellent insulation properties make it ideal for keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, making it a popular choice for takeout containers and disposable drinkware.
EPS typically comes in the form of white foam-like material, with a smooth texture and a slightly glossy finish. Unlike traditional plastics that are dense and heavy, EPS weighs very little, making it a cost-effective option for foodservice businesses looking to keep their products fresh and at the right temperature.
- Benefits: Extremely light weight, insulates well, moisture-resistant, economical
- Most Common Products: Foam takeout containers, disposable cups for hot and cold beverages, disposable soup cups and bowls
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Not under most recycling programs; code 6
Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, is a synthetic polymer that is known for its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. In the foodservice industry, PVC is commonly used to make disposable vinyl gloves, cling wrap, and food trays.
One of the key benefits of PVC is its resistance to moisture and liquids. Vinyl gloves made from PVC are waterproof, making them ideal for tasks that involve handling wet or oily food items. PVC is also a flexible material, allowing for comfortable and dexterous hand movements, which is crucial for tasks that require precision and dexterity, such as food preparation and handling.
- Benefits: Non-porous, waterproof, flexible material
- Most Common Products: Vinyl disposable gloves, trays, food wraps
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Yes, code 3 or code "V"
SAN plastic is a transparent material that closely resembles glass in appearance. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to impact, making it ideal for foodservice applications where clarity and strength are essential. SAN plastic is also known for its ability to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in both hot and cold food and beverage containers.
One key difference between SAN plastic and other plastics is its clarity and glass-like appearance. While other plastics may have a more opaque or colored appearance, SAN plastic allows for the visibility of the contents inside, making it ideal for showcasing food and beverages.
- Benefits: Economical, great clarity, heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, durable
- Most Common Products: Plastic tumblers, reusable cocktail glasses, beverage pitchers
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Not under most recycling programs; code 7
Tritan™ plastic is a unique and popular material manufactured by the Eastman Chemical Company. It's a type of copolyester resin made through a process called polymerization. In simpler terms, Tritan™ plastic is created by combining two different types of molecules to form a strong and versatile material.
One of the key features of Tritan™ plastic is its resistance to impact, shattering, and staining, making it ideal for high-traffic environments like restaurants and catering services. Its exceptional clarity also allows for a glass-like appearance, making it a preferred choice for serving beverages and showcasing food presentations.
- Benefits: Impact-resistant, stain-resistant, good clarity, dishwasher-safe
- Most Common Products: Blender containers, plastic tumblers, wine glasses, pitchers
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Yes; code 7
Polylactic acid (PLA) plastic is a type of plastic that is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. This material has gained popularity in the foodservice industry due to its sustainable properties. The main selling feature of PLA is that it is considered more eco-friendly than the other types of plastic on our list.
Even though it's considered a sustainable plastic, polylactic acid does have some downsides. The material cannot yet be produced at a large industrial scale, it has a low melting point, and it's fairly permeable. It's not a good option for storing food in the long term. That being said, it's ideal for disposable foodservice items like plastic straws and cutlery.
- Benefits: Freezer-safe, made from a renewable resource, compostable under the right conditions
- Most Common Products: Disposable cups, cutlery, straws, food containers
- BPA-Free? Yes
- Recyclable? Not under most recycling programs; code 7
The recycling number you find on your plasticware indicates how to recycle your items. As a general rule, the smaller the number, the more common it is for the plastic to be recycled. Here are some basic rules, but always check with your recycling facility for more specific information:
- Codes 1 and 2: These codes are easy to process and are taken by almost all recycling facilities.
- Codes 3, 4, 5, and 6: These codes may be more difficult to recycle, depending on your local facility. Check with them before recycling.
- Code 7: Plastics with code 7 are rarely recyclable, but you can check with your local recycling facility to confirm.
We answer some commonly asked questions about plastic below:
What Is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of certain types of plastics, including polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is commonly found in food and beverage containers, as well as in other consumer products. Due to concerns about the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided guidance on the use of BPA in food packaging.
Is BPA Safe?
The FDA has conducted extensive research on the safety of BPA and has determined that current levels of exposure from food packaging do not pose a risk to public health. However, the FDA continues to monitor new scientific evidence and research on BPA to ensure that their guidance remains up to date.
In 2012, the FDA banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, as there was some evidence to suggest that infants and young children may be more sensitive to the potential effects of BPA exposure. The FDA's decision to ban BPA in these specific products was a precautionary measure to further protect vulnerable populations.
What Types of Plastic are BPA-Free?
The most common types of plastic that contain no BPA are polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Tritan™ and SAN plastic are also made without BPA.
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