Why does one food container keep your snacks fresh while another leaves them soggy?
The secret lies in food grade plastics, designed to keep your food safe and tasty.
These special plastics guard against spoilage and contamination, ensuring your meals are as good as they can be.
Understanding The Importance of Food Grade Plastics
Food grade plastics are materials deemed safe for contact with food. They do not contain harmful chemicals that could leach into food products. They are manufactured following strict safety standards to prevent contamination. The primary purpose of these plastics is to preserve food quality while ensuring consumer safety.
Food Grade Plastics Available in the Market
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Commonly used for beverage cans and food jars, PET is praised for its strength, thermo-stability, and transparency. It is resistant to microorganisms and does not react with food or drinks, making it a popular choice for packaging.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Known for its high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is widely used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and grocery bags. It is resistant to impact and does not absorb moisture, which helps maintain the integrity of food products.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This flexible plastic is often used for bread bags and squeezable bottles. LDPE is resistant to acids and bases, making it suitable for various food packaging applications.
- PP (Polypropylene): Used in yogurt containers and straws, PP is known for its high melting point, making it safe for microwave use. It offers excellent chemical resistance and is less brittle than other plastics.
Australian Regulations and Standards
In Australia, food-grade plastics must comply with standards set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Australian Standards for Plastics for Food Contact. These regulations ensure that materials used do not transfer harmful substances to food.
Key regulations include:
- Testing and Certification: Food-grade plastics must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety criteria for food contact. This includes checks for chemical migration and structural integrity.
- Compliance Documentation: Manufacturers must provide documentation certifying that their products meet the necessary standards. This is crucial for gaining the trust of retailers and consumers alike.
Importance of Compliance
Adhering to these standards is vital for consumer safety, as non-compliant materials can pose health risks. Moreover, maintaining high standards in packaging helps preserve food quality, extend shelf life and decrease waste.
Trends and Innovations in Food-Grade Plastics
Australia is witnessing a shift towards more sustainable and innovative food-grade plastics. Developments such as biodegradable plastics and plant-based alternatives are gaining traction, driven by regulatory pressures and consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
The packaging industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability drives companies to invest more in research to develop materials that meet environmental goals and comply with safety standards.
Types of Food Plastic Containers by Shape and Design
Plastic containers come in various shapes and designs, each tailored to specific uses and consumer needs. Here’s a look at some common types:
Rectangular and Cylindrical Tubs with Lids
Rectangular and cylindrical tubs with lids are commonly used for packaging products like yogurt, ice cream, and spreads. They come with snap-on or screw-on lids and are convenient for stacking and storage. Consider tubs made from sturdy materials like polypropylene for durability and ease of recycling.
Food Trays
Food trays are shallow, flat containers primarily used for ready-to-eat meals or fresh produce. They can be made from various plastics and may include compartments to separate food items. They offer product visibility, can be customised with dividers, and are lightweight and easy to handle. When selecting trays, consider heat-resistant properties if the product requires heating, ensuring compatibility with microwaves or ovens.
Rectangular Plastic Containers
These containers are versatile and commonly used for takeaway foods and leftovers. They often come with airtight lids to maintain food quality. These containers are space-efficient for storage, reusable, and recyclable. They are commonly used for takeout meals, prepared salads, and baked goods. When choosing these containers, look for BPA-free options to ensure food safety, especially hot foods.
Heat-Sealable Plastic Trays
These trays are designed for film sealing, providing a tamper-evident barrier that extends product shelf life. They are typically used for fresh meats and poultry, ready-to-cook meals, and pre-portioned snacks. The benefits include extended shelf life through vacuum seals, enhanced product safety, and clear visibility for product display.
How to Pick the Right Plastic Containers for Food
When selecting plastic containers for food production and distribution, it’s essential to consider several factors.
These include the specific type of food product being stored, the required storage conditions, transportation needs, environmental impact, the use of food-grade materials, adherence to safety standards, durability of the containers, and cost-effectiveness.
Each factor ensures food products’ safe and efficient storage and distribution.
From now on, whenever you are searching for high-quality and reliable food packaging containers, think of Piber Plastics. We offer various food packaging solutions to meet your specific needs and requirements.
Our containers are made from food-grade materials and adhere to strict safety standards. They are also durable and cost-effective, making them the perfect choice for your food production and distribution needs.
For all your food packaging requirements, rely on Piber Plastics. Your containers will be stored and transported securely and effectively. Schedule your call now!