15Plastics105Db
Selection guide

Best plastics for dishwasher-safe kitchenware

Dishwashers cycle between 60 and 85 °C with alkaline detergents. PP, Tritan (copolyester), PC, PSU and PPSU pass — PET and PLA do not. Baby bottles and reusable containers have shifted from PC to Tritan and PPSU for BPA-free compliance.

What to look for

  • HDT ≥ 100 °C
  • Resistance to alkaline detergents (NaOH, KOH)
  • No BPA / no phthalates for food contact
  • Passes ≥ 500 dishwasher cycles without stress cracking

Top materials for best plastics for dishwasher-safe kitchenware

  1. #1ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

    A tough engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive, consumer products, electronics and 3D printing.

  2. #2PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

    A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.

  3. #3HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene

    A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.

  4. #4PolypropylenePolypropylene

    A lightweight, fatigue-resistant polymer ubiquitous in packaging, textiles, and living hinges.

  5. #5POM (Delrin)Polyoxymethylene

    A stiff, low-friction acetal polymer engineered for precision gears and mechanical parts.

  6. #6PET UnfilledPolyethylene Terephthalate Unfilled

    Good stiffness, strength, and barrier properties. Often used in packaging and fibers.

  7. #7PSU StandardPolysulfone Standard

    High temperature resistance, good mechanical strength, and transparency.

  8. #8SAN StandardStyrene Acrylonitrile Standard

    Good transparency, stiffness, and chemical resistance compared to polystyrene.

  9. #9MABS TransparentMethacrylate-Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Transparent

    Clear, tough, and good chemical resistance.

  10. #10LDPE Film GradeLow-Density Polyethylene Film Grade

    Flexible, transparent, and easy to process polyolefin for films, bags, and packaging.

  11. #11LLDPE Film GradeLinear Low-Density Polyethylene Film Grade

    High tensile strength and puncture resistance for demanding film applications.

  12. #12MDPE Pipe GradeMedium-Density Polyethylene Pipe Grade

    Good rigidity and stress crack resistance for pipe applications.

  13. #13HDPE Injection MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Injection Molding

    Rigid, strong, and chemically resistant material for crates, caps, and household goods.

  14. #14HDPE Blow MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Blow Molding

    Durable and chemically resistant for bottles, drums, and tanks.

  15. #15PP Homopolymer InjectionPolypropylene Homopolymer for Injection Molding

    Rigid, tough, and excellent chemical resistance for containers, caps, and automotive parts.

  16. #16PP Impact Copolymer FilmPolypropylene Impact Copolymer Film

    Tough and dimensionally stable film with good barrier properties.

  17. #17PP Random Copolymer InjectionPolypropylene Random Copolymer for Injection Molding

    High clarity, good flexibility, and low sealing temperature for clear containers and packaging.

  18. #18PS Crystal Injection MoldingGeneral Purpose Polystyrene (Crystal) for Injection Molding

    Transparent, rigid, and easily processed material for disposable cutlery, packaging, and CD cases.

  19. #19HIPS Injection MoldingHigh Impact Polystyrene for Injection Molding

    Tougher than GPPS, with good processability for appliance housings, toys, and packaging.

  20. #20PVDC Barrier FilmPolyvinylidene Chloride for Barrier Films

    Excellent barrier to oxygen and moisture for food packaging.

Frequently asked

Is PET dishwasher-safe?

No. PET softens and can distort around 70 °C, and repeated cycles cause stress cracking.

What replaces PC for baby bottles?

PPSU and Tritan (copolyester). Both are BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and sterilisable.

Values are indicative and vary by grade and manufacturer. Always confirm against the official datasheet before specification.