Plastic Resin & Food Safety Guide

Look up whether a plastic resin is generally considered food-safe, view typical temperature ranges, and learn about common applications and recycling information.

Select Recycling Code

Container Type (Optional)

Select Plastic Type

Container Type (Optional)

Key Properties

Recycling Code

Temperature Range

Microwave Safe

Freezer Safe

Dishwasher Safe

Typical Uses

Warnings & Cautions

⚠ Important Considerations

Recycling & Environmental Notes

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This information is general and does not replace product-specific certifications or regulatory guidance. Always confirm food-contact suitability with your supplier and follow applicable regulations.

Understand Plastic Resin Codes & Food Safety

Not all plastics are created equal. Different resins have different temperature tolerances, food-contact rules, durability ratings, and recommended uses. Our Plastic Resin & Food Safety Guide helps you quickly identify whether a material is safe for food storage, how it performs in various conditions, and where it’s commonly used in packaging.

Use this guide to make informed choices for food-grade buckets, lids, bottles, tubs, and bulk storage containers across the food, beverage, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

How This Resin Identification Tool Works

Plastic packaging is labeled with a Recycling Identification Code (#1–#7). Each code represents a resin family—such as PET, HDPE, PP, or PS—each with different safety characteristics. This tool lets you:

Identify a plastic by its recycling code or material name
See whether it’s commonly considered food-safe when properly manufactured
Check its typical temperature limits (freezer, hot-fill, dishwasher)
Review typical applications (buckets, lids, bottles, tubs, films, etc.)
Identify recycling considerations and warnings

This information helps you choose the right plastic for your application—especially for food-grade packaging where safety and durability matter most.

Note: “Food-safe” depends on product formulation, certification, and manufacturing controls. Always verify with your supplier.

When to Use This Plastic Resin Guide

Choosing Food-Grade Containers

Understand which plastics (like HDPE or PP) are widely used for food buckets, lids, tubs, and jugs—and which should be avoided for food contact.

Matching Plastics to Temperature Needs

Some plastics become brittle in freezers, while others deform under heat. Use this tool to match a resin to your process temperatures.

Evaluating Container Durability

Different plastics offer different levels of impact resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility—important for reusable buckets and lids.

Common Plastic Resin Codes (Quick Reference)

Code	Material	Food-Safety Notes	Typical Uses
#1	PET / PETE	Generally food-safe for single-use bottles and jars.	Beverage bottles, food jars.
#2	HDPE	Widely used for food-grade buckets, jugs, and lids.	Buckets, lids, jugs, tubs, bulk containers.
#3	PVC	Not generally recommended for food contact unless specifically certified.	Pipes, shrink wrap, some industrial applications.
#4	LDPE	Often food-safe for wraps, bags, and flexible packaging.	Films, liners, squeeze bottles.
#5	PP	Often microwave-safe and used for food containers and lids.	Lids, yogurt cups, reusable food containers.
#6	PS	Brittle and not ideal for high heat; limited food-safe uses.	Disposable plates, cups, trays.
#7	Other / Mixed	Highly variable; food-safety depends entirely on formulation.	Polycarbonate items, multi-layer packaging.

This chart summarizes common properties. Always confirm food-contact suitability for your specific container.

Plastic Resin Food Safety FAQs

Which plastics are safest for food storage?

HDPE (#2) and PP (#5) are widely used for food-grade containers such as buckets, lids, tubs, and reusable food containers when they are manufactured from food-contact compliant resin. PET (#1) is often used safely for single-use beverage bottles and food jars. PVC (#3), PS (#6), and #7 “Other” plastics should be evaluated carefully and only used for food when the product is specifically certified for that purpose.

Does the resin code automatically mean a plastic is food-safe?

No. The recycling resin code only identifies the plastic family, such as PET, HDPE, or PP. Food safety depends on the exact formulation, additives, colorants, and manufacturing controls, as well as whether the finished product is certified or labeled for food contact. Always review product documentation or supplier statements before using any plastic container for food.

How do I know if a plastic bucket is FDA-compliant?

A plastic bucket that is FDA-compliant for food contact will typically be labeled or described as being made from food-grade resin, often with references to FDA or 21 CFR food-contact regulations. Look for markings or documentation on the product page, technical data sheets, or supplier statements that specifically mention food-contact approval, and confirm that both the bucket and lid are made from appropriate food-safe resins.

For a deeper dive, read our guide on how to identify food-grade buckets and food-grade buckets made in the USA .

What plastics are safe for freezing?

HDPE is commonly used for freezer applications because it maintains impact resistance at low temperatures and is widely used for frozen food containers and buckets. PP can also be suitable for freezing when it is formulated for cold environments. Always check the recommended temperature range and application notes for the specific bucket or container you are using.

Are microwavable plastics marked differently?

Yes. Microwave-safe plastics are normally labeled as such on the product itself or in the packaging copy. Many PP (#5) containers and lids can be microwave-safe when designed for that purpose, but not all PP items are automatically safe for microwave use. Always look for explicit microwave-safe markings or instructions from the manufacturer before heating food in a plastic container.

Where can I learn more about lids and long-term food storage?

If you’re focused on lids and long-term storage, explore our 5-gallon bucket lids guide, our overview of food storage buckets with gamma lids, and our step-by-step guide to installing bucket lids.

Looking for Food-Grade Packaging?

Explore our full range of HDPE buckets, lids, tubs, and containers designed for food producers, processors, and manufacturers of all sizes.

Want to learn more about U.S.-made options? Read Food-Grade Buckets Made in the USA or our deep dive on 5-gallon bucket materials and plastic types.

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