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Why Is Polypropylene Used for Food Storage?

Under the standards of government requirements, polypropylene can be used for the storage, freezing and microwave reheating of food. It has many characteristics that make it suitable and safe for storing food.

  1. Polypropylene Is A Plastic

    • Polypropylene is an inexpensive plastic. The primary function of food packaging is to protect the quality of food during shipping, handling, merchandising and storage. In many cases, plastics offer the most efficient and cost-effective protection for food products.

    Tensile Strength

    • High tensile strength makes polypropylene a good material for containers.

      Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand when subjected to tension, such as the pressure applied to a cap while screwing it on to a bottle. According to the American Chemistry Council, polypropylene has a high tensile strength, making it a good material for food containers with lids that are screwed down tightly over threaded openings.

    Fatigue Resistance

    • Fatigue is the weakening or breakdown of material subjected to prolonged or repeated stress. Polypropylene has good resistance to fatigue, which makes it useful for flip-top bottles, hinged caps and other food containers with moveable parts.

    High Melting Point

    • Polypropylene containers can be used for food that requires incubation, such as yogurt.

      Polypropylene has a high melting point, 160 degrees C (320 degrees F) and remains usable at low temperatures. Food containers made from polypropylene will not melt in the dishwasher or microwave, according to the University of Southern Mississippi Polymer Science Learning Center. Many food products such as juice, ketchup, syrup and sports drinks are hot-filled then allowed to cool in the bottle. Polypropylene containers are ideal for hot-filled products and can also be used for foods that require incubation, such as yogurt.

    Versatility

    • According to Ceresana Research, polypropylene is resistant to many solvents, bases and acids, and this resistance minimizes leaching of chemicals into food products. Polypropylene containers are lightweight, flexible and can be molded into many forms. Containers made with polypropylene can be colored or translucent. The versatility of polypropylene makes it an attractive choice for food containers.

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