Plastics 101
Most plastic products are marked with a number inside the recycling symbol, typically found on the bottom of containers. These numbers, ranging from 1 to 7, identify the specific type of plastic resin used in the product's manufacture. Understanding these codes can help you determine recyclability, safety for food contact, and appropriate applications.
| Code | Plastic Type | Common Applications | Properties | Recyclability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 PET or PETE |
Polyethylene Terephthalate | Beverage bottles, food jars, clothing fibers | Clear, strong, lightweight, gas barrier | Widely Recycled |
|
2 HDPE |
High-Density Polyethylene | Milk jugs, detergent bottles, toys, buckets | Stiff, strong, resistant to chemicals, opaque | Widely Recycled |
|
3 PVC or V |
Polyvinyl Chloride | Pipes, window frames, wire insulation | Versatile, durable, resistant to grease/oil | Limited Recycling |
|
4 LDPE |
Low-Density Polyethylene | Squeeze bottles, lids, plastic bags | Flexible, easy to seal, moisture barrier | Sometimes Recycled |
|
5 PP |
Polypropylene | Food containers, medicine bottles, straws | Heat resistant, chemical resistant, barrier to moisture | Sometimes Recycled |
|
6 PS |
Polystyrene (Styrofoam) | Foam cups, takeout containers, packing materials | Lightweight, insulating, brittle | Rarely Recycled |
|
7 Other |
Other Plastics (includes polycarbonate, nylon, acrylic) | Baby bottles, CDs, medical storage containers | Varies by specific type | Rarely Recycled |
Key Point: Recyclability can vary by location. Check with your local recycling program to confirm which plastic types they accept. Many recycling facilities now focus primarily on plastic types #1 and #2, which have higher recycling value.
Food Safety Considerations
When selecting plastics for food storage, types #1, #2, #4, and #5 are generally considered the safest options. Types #3, #6, and #7 often contain chemicals of concern and are best avoided for food applications. Additionally, consider these food safety guidelines:
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers unless specifically labeled as microwave-safe (typically #5 PP)
- Don't reuse single-use containers (#1 PET), as they may leach chemicals when used repeatedly
- Discard scratched or damaged plastic food containers, as they can harbor bacteria
- Avoid exposing plastic containers to extreme heat, which can cause chemical leaching
- Look for "BPA-free" labeling, especially for items that will contain food or beverages
Resin Overview
ePackageSupply offers high quality products that utilize four distinct types of resin. Resin, in short, is the base of all plastic. The choice of resin is important as it determines whether the end product is recyclable, microwaveable, reusable, freezable, and so on. The four resins used in our products are: Random Polypropylene, Impact Polypropylene, High Density Polyethylene, and Linear Low Density Polyethylene. Below are details about each resin type.
Random Polypropylene (PP)
This resin is a common plastic injection that is typically used for clarified plastic containers. Polypropylene is represented by the number 5 and the symbol PP.
Key Characteristics:
- Available in clarified (clear)
- Brittle, NOT crack resistant
- NOT freezer safe
- Microwave safe (reheat only)
Impact Polypropylene (PP)
Impact Polypropylene (PP) is an extremely versatile material. It is durable, yet flexible. It is also represented by the number 5 and PP. It is available in a smoky transluscent color and white.
Key Characteristics:
- Available in translucent and white
- Can be used for freezing, but NOT blast freezing
- Very impact and crack resistant
- Microwave safe (reheat only)
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a durable and stiff resin. It is great for freezing, but not for heating. It is commonly used in industrial settings and is represented by the number 2 and HDPE.
Key Characteristics:
- Available in translucent or white
- Great for freezing, not for heating
- Good for impact and crack resistance
- Do NOT microwave or fill w/ substance over 160° F
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
More commonly known as "the lid resin". Linear Low Density Polyethylene is ideal for lids because of its flexibility and sturdiness. It can be used to create various styles of lids. Represented by 4 and LDPE.
Key Characteristics:
- Available in translucent and white
- Great for freezing, not for heating
- Not recommended for microwave use
- NOT applicable for substances over 160° F
Key Point: Understanding the resin type is crucial for selecting containers suitable for your specific needs, especially when it comes to temperature tolerance (freezing vs. heating) and impact resistance.
Container Types
ePackageSupply proudly offers an ever expanding variety of high quality Berry Global containers. We stock everything from the standard white bucket, to the unique square Qubic containers, and everything in between. Below is an overview of our core container types.
Standard Round Containers
A standard round container is defined as any round plastic container without a handle. Such containers are typically made using a HDPE or a PP resin. These containers offer the most size variations and quantity options. Many are available with matching lids.
Round Buckets
Available in many different styles and sizes, round buckets are essentially standard round containers with the addition of a handle. They are typically mold injected using HDPE resin; however, some smaller sizes are made using a PP resin.
QubicTM Containers
QubicTM containers are a unique style of container developed and exclusively manufactured by Berry Global. They are, as the name implies, a cube shape that allows for easy stacking, maximized shelf space, and simple serving/pouring. Made using Impact Propylene (PP), they are both freezer and microwave safe.
Cups
We offer many different styles and sizes of cups with a variety of lid combinations. These are the same cups you often see at restaurants, convenience stores, and arenas. Our cups are thermoformed with the Random Polypropylene (PP) resin.
Lid Types
A majority of ePackageSupply products can be purchased with accompanying lids. Our lids are commonly made using a Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) mold-injected resin, allowing for flexibility and a snug fit on many different containers. They are freezer grade, but are NOT microwave friendly. Below you will find a breakdown of our various lid types.
Quick Tip: Always ensure you select a lid that matches your container size and type. For optimal performance, purchase lids and containers from the same manufacturer.
Key Terms
The world of plastics can be a confusing one. We've compiled many of the important terms to remember below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our knowledgable customer service team at 1-888-631-0888 or service@epackagesupply.com.
Resin - the base of all plastics
Injection Molding - shaping of plastic articles by injecting heated material into a mold
Thermoforming - process of heating a thermoplastic material and shaping it in a mold
PET - polyethylene terephthalate
LDPE - linear low density polyethylene
HDPE - high density polyethylene
PP - polypropylene
Food Grade - plastic materials that can come in direct contact with food we consume via the harvesting, processing, or packaging of food. Typical food grade containers are made from either HDPE, LDPE, or PP materials.
BPA Free - BPA stands for bisphenol A and can factor into heart disease, type 2 diabetes, brain damage, etc. Certain plastics (HDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, etc.) do not have BPA in them.
Freezer Grade - Plastic materials that can sustain form in freezer temperatures (< -64° F) without cracking or becoming brittle. This does not necessarily mean they can withstand freezing blasts however.
Recyclable - waste that can be converted into reusable material.
Reusable - the ability to reuse a product more than once after proper cleaning
Disposable - products that typically are thrown away after one or a few uses
Sustainable - material that can be maintained at a certain level of functionality for a certain amount of time.
Biodegradable - capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Translucent / Clarified - translucent has a milky / smoky color, while clarified is more clear and easier to see through.
Single Seal Lid - standard one-sided closing ability - typically the lid attaches to the outside of container only
Double Seal Lid - two-sided closing ability - lid attaches to container and container attaches to lid both on outside container
Recessed Lid - single seal where lid attaches to container on the inside of the container
Tamper Resistant Lid - recessed lid where there is a strip that must be broken in order to open the container
Gasketed Tear Strip - removable strip that attaches a lid to its container, with a gasket for packaging liquids
Reike Sr Spout - a flexible plastic spout that can be retracted from the lid and makes pouring liquids and fine grains easier
Plastic Selection Guide Summary
- For microwave use: Choose PP (Polypropylene, #5) for reheating only
- For freezer storage: HDPE (#2), LDPE (#4), or Impact PP (#5) work best
- For clarity/transparency: Random PP (#5) offers the clearest visibility
- For durability and crack resistance: Impact PP (#5) or HDPE (#2)
- For lids: LDPE (#4) provides the best flexibility and seal
Explore Our Plastic Solutions
From food containers to buckets and lids — find the perfect plastic products for your needs.