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HDPE vs. PP: How to Choose the Right Plastic for Food Packaging

HDPE vs. PP: How to Choose the Right Plastic for Food Packaging

January 29, 2026 Bryan Wolf

Choosing the right container is about more than just finding a vessel that fits. It’s about protecting your product’s shelf life, ensuring safety during transit, and managing your overhead. And for small to medium-sized businesses, the technical differences between materials can have a massive impact on the bottom line.

Two of the most common materials you’ll encounter are High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). Both are rugged, food-safe plastics, but they excel in different environments. At ePackageSupply, we believe that understanding these differences is key to scaling your business efficiently and protecting your product’s integrity.

What is HDPE? (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high strength-to-density ratio. If you’ve ever handled a heavy-duty industrial bucket or a milk jug, you’ve handled HDPE. It is incredibly impact-resistant and holds its shape well under stress.

Pros

  • Cold Resistance: HDPE performs exceptionally well in freezing temperatures without becoming brittle.

  • Durability: It’s highly resistant to impact and chemicals, making it ideal for bulk storage.

  • BPA-Free: Naturally food-safe and widely recyclable (Plastic #2).

Cons

  • Translucency: It’s naturally "cloudy" or opaque. If you need high clarity to show off your product, HDPE isn't the best choice.

  • Lower Heat Threshold: While it can handle warm liquids, it can’t withstand the high heat levels that PP can.

What is PP? (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is a versatile plastic with a higher melting point than HDPE. You’ll often find it used for things like microwaveable containers, yogurt cups, and lids. It’s stiffer than HDPE and offers a more polished look.

Pros

  • Heat Resistance: PP has a high melting point, making it suitable for "hot fill" applications and microwave use.

  • Clarity: PP can be manufactured to be much clearer than HDPE, allowing customers to see the contents.

  • Lightweight: It has a lower density than HDPE, which can sometimes reduce shipping weight.

Cons

  • Cold Fragility: PP can become brittle when frozen. If your product needs to go from a warehouse to a deep freezer, PP might crack if dropped.

  • Flexibility: While stiff, it lacks the "give" of HDPE, which can lead to stress whitening or snapping under extreme pressure.

Which Should Your Business Use?

Choose HDPE if...

You’re a business that ships bulk ingredients, liquids, or heavy goods. Because HDPE is a "workhorse" plastic, it’s the industry standard for 5-gallon buckets used in food service and industrial applications. If your product needs to survive a rugged supply chain or sub-zero temperatures, HDPE is your best bet.

Choose PP if...

Your product is intended for the end consumer to see or heat up. If you’re selling pre-made deli salads, hot soups, or sauces that require a "hot fill" process, PP is the right choice. Its ability to maintain structural integrity at high temperatures makes it the go-to for reusable food containers and lids.

For the Home Enthusiast: Food Storage Tips

While we specialize in helping businesses scale, these materials are just as vital in the home pantry.

  • For Long-Term Grain Storage: Use HDPE buckets with Gamma Seal lids to keep pests and moisture out.

  • For Meal Prep: Stick to PP containers. They are dishwasher safe (top rack) and won't warp in the microwave like other plastics might.

Your Partner in Packaging

At ePackageSupply, we’re dedicated to providing the same high-quality, American-sourced packaging to a local startup that we would to a large enterprise. Whether you need a single case of PP deli cups or a pallet of HDPE buckets, we offer the low minimums and expert sourcing you need to grow.

Not sure which material fits your specific product? Our team is ready to help you find a tailored solution that fits your budget and your brand. Contact us today to get your questions answered.

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