Food-contact plastics
Food-contact plastics must comply with FDA 21 CFR (US) or EU 10/2011 (Europe). PP, PET, HDPE and specific grades of PC, PEEK, silicone and PSU dominate depending on temperature, transparency, and processing needs.
What to look for
- FDA 21 CFR or EU 10/2011 compliant grades available
- Migration limits respected under intended-use conditions
- Suitable for wash cycles / autoclave / microwave if needed
Top materials for food-contact plastics
- #1ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A tough engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive, consumer products, electronics and 3D printing.
- #2PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #3PLAPolylactic Acid
A biodegradable, plant-based thermoplastic and the most popular 3D printing filament.
- #4HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene
A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.
- #5PolypropylenePolypropylene
A lightweight, fatigue-resistant polymer ubiquitous in packaging, textiles, and living hinges.
- #6POM (Delrin)Polyoxymethylene
A stiff, low-friction acetal polymer engineered for precision gears and mechanical parts.
- #7PET UnfilledPolyethylene Terephthalate Unfilled
Good stiffness, strength, and barrier properties. Often used in packaging and fibers.
- #8PSU StandardPolysulfone Standard
High temperature resistance, good mechanical strength, and transparency.
- #9SAN StandardStyrene Acrylonitrile Standard
Good transparency, stiffness, and chemical resistance compared to polystyrene.
- #10MABS TransparentMethacrylate-Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Transparent
Clear, tough, and good chemical resistance.
- #11LDPE Film GradeLow-Density Polyethylene Film Grade
Flexible, transparent, and easy to process polyolefin for films, bags, and packaging.
- #12LLDPE Film GradeLinear Low-Density Polyethylene Film Grade
High tensile strength and puncture resistance for demanding film applications.
- #13MDPE Pipe GradeMedium-Density Polyethylene Pipe Grade
Good rigidity and stress crack resistance for pipe applications.
- #14HDPE Injection MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Injection Molding
Rigid, strong, and chemically resistant material for crates, caps, and household goods.
- #15HDPE Blow MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Blow Molding
Durable and chemically resistant for bottles, drums, and tanks.
- #16PP Homopolymer InjectionPolypropylene Homopolymer for Injection Molding
Rigid, tough, and excellent chemical resistance for containers, caps, and automotive parts.
- #17PP Impact Copolymer FilmPolypropylene Impact Copolymer Film
Tough and dimensionally stable film with good barrier properties.
- #18PP Random Copolymer InjectionPolypropylene Random Copolymer for Injection Molding
High clarity, good flexibility, and low sealing temperature for clear containers and packaging.
- #19EPP AutomotiveExpanded Polypropylene for Automotive Applications
Lightweight, energy-absorbing foam with excellent thermal insulation and chemical resistance.
- #20PS Crystal Injection MoldingGeneral Purpose Polystyrene (Crystal) for Injection Molding
Transparent, rigid, and easily processed material for disposable cutlery, packaging, and CD cases.