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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Qubic Containers

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

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.

L314 Lid

L314

Buy Now >>
L410 Lid

L410

Buy Now >>
L602 Lid

L602

Buy Now >>
L607 Lid

L607

Buy Now >>
L801 Lid

L801

Buy Now >>
L808 Lid

L808

Buy Now >>
L40GTS Lid

L40GTS

Buy Now >>
L40GTSRS Lid

L40GTSRS

Buy Now >>

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.

{"statementLink":"","footerHtml":"","hideMobile":false,"hideTrigger":false,"disableBgProcess":false,"language":"en","position":"left","leadColor":"#146ff8","triggerColor":"#146ff8","triggerRadius":"50%","triggerPositionX":"right","triggerPositionY":"bottom","triggerIcon":"people","triggerSize":"medium","triggerOffsetX":20,"triggerOffsetY":20,"mobile":{"triggerSize":"small","triggerPositionX":"right","triggerPositionY":"bottom","triggerOffsetX":10,"triggerOffsetY":10,"triggerRadius":"50%"}}