Common Plastics in Food Packaging: Risks and Safer Alternatives for Restaurants
- Nicole Braganza
- Sep 18
- 9 min read
Picture your trash bins at closing time. Now imagine that same pile 365 times a year. As a café or restaurant owner, this image probably hits home. Why? Because you see hundreds of plastic containers going in and out of the doors of your establishment every week and at some point, we all feel a little guilty.
You've seen firsthand how plastic packaging has transformed the takeout game. It's lightweight, doesn't leak (usually), and keeps your costs manageable in an industry where margins are already razor-thin.
But let's talk shop for a moment. The plastic containers stacked in your storage room are not all pulling the same weight. Some might be leaching chemicals into the very food your team works so hard to prepare, especially when that spicy soup or sauce heats them up. Most are destined for landfills despite your best intentions, because recycling rates barely reach 10% each year.
One thing you may have noticed is the little triangular symbols with numbers on the bottom of each of your containers. These are resin identification codes (RICs) and they are numbered anywhere from 1 to 7, each number meaning something different. We’re here to help you understand what these numbers mean so you can make better decisions that protect your food quality, your customers' health, and eventually, your bottom line.
Let’s jump in.
Food packaging plastics explained: What the numbers 1–7 mean
There's a mix of plastics that keep your food fresh. The Plastics Industry Association (formerly The Society of the Plastics Industry) established the resin identification code system in 1988 to standardize plastic production and recycling. Resin Identification Codes are a guide for producers to ensure products are packaged in appropriate containers and help consumers and recyclers identify different types of plastics.
As a restaurant, cafe or food truck owner or manager, here’s what you should know about these various types of plastic used in food packaging.
#1 PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is lightweight, semi-rigid to rigid, and impact-resistant. It provides excellent protection for food and beverages as it creates a good barrier against oxygen and moisture. PET is commonly used in single-serve water bottles or soft drink bottles, ketchup containers, salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter jars.
While PET doesn't contain BPA or phthalates, it can absorb odors and flavors from foods and drinks stored in it. PET is generally considered safe for single use but may release antimony (a heavy metal) when reused or exposed to heat. It is one of the most commonly recycled plastics worldwide.
In landfills or natural settings, conventional PET can persist for hundreds of years, breaking down only into smaller microplastic particles rather than fully decomposing.
#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is a hard, opaque plastic that's lightweight yet strong, with a high strength-to-density ratio. It’s typically used in milk jugs, yogurt containers, juice bottles, or as cereal box liners.
HDPE is considered one of the safer plastic options for food storage and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct contact with food. While it doesn't contain BPA or phthalates, some containers may be treated with PFAS "forever chemicals". This is why it is best to select from standard, non-floarinated, HDPE for the safest plastic for food contact.
Some HDPE products include oxo-biodegradable additives that promote fragmentation under certain conditions (sunlight, heat, oxygen), which allows microorganisms to consume the smaller fragments eventually. However, the effectiveness and environmental benefits of these additives are debated and not universally accepted as true biodegradation.
#3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC comes in both rigid and flexible forms, showing up in everything from pipes and window frames to everyday items like shrink wrap for meats, cheeses, and produce. Often called the "poison plastic," PVC can contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, lead, and dioxins. These chemicals can leach into food, especially fatty foods, and may disrupt hormone function and potentially cause serious health issues.
PVC is rarely recycled and is difficult to process safely. Here’s a fact that might blow your mind: Vinyl chloride (used to make PVC) was officially classified as a human carcinogen in 1974 and has been banned in hair sprays, refrigerants, cosmetics and drugs.
#4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is thinner and more flexible than HDPE, with strong heat resilience. It’s widely used in film applications where heat sealing is required. Common examples include bread bags, squeezable bottles, frozen food packaging, and plastic wrap.
LDPE is considered relatively safe for food storage because it is chemically resistant and does not contain known endocrine disruptors like BPA or phthalates. However, its recyclability can be limited, depending on local facilities.
#5 PP (Polypropylene)
PP can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for hot food applications. It's semi-rigid, lightweight, and resistant to chemicals and moisture. It is used in products like yogurt containers, microwave-safe food containers, and straws.
PP is generally considered one of the safer plastics for food storage. It doesn't contain BPA and typically doesn't leach chemicals, even when heated.
#6 PS (Polystyrene) - Food service businesses avoid this packaging
PS can be rigid or foamed, with limited flexibility. It provides good insulation for hot foods and beverages. It is commonly used in disposable cups, plates, foam food containers (styrofoam), egg cartons, and meat trays.
The biggest issue is that PS can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen, especially when heated. Studies suggest polystyrene's main ingredient may cause health problems with long-term exposure. This is why many food service businesses have avoided this type of packaging for take-out in recent years.
#7 Other (Miscellaneous)
Category 7 is a catch-all for plastics that don’t fit into categories 1–6. This includes very different materials such as polycarbonate (which often contains BPA or similar chemicals) as well as newer bioplastics like PLA (polylactic acid).
It’s important to note that not all #7 plastics are the same. Many traditional #7 plastics raise health concerns because they can leach chemicals like BPA, BPS, or BPF. However, PLA stands apart: it’s made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane, is certified compostable in many cases, and offers a safer, more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Because PLA shares the “#7” label with less sustainable plastics, it can sometimes be misunderstood. But unlike conventional #7 items, PLA is designed for compostability and a reduced environmental impact.
Further reading: Recycling-What no one told you, What Are Compostable Plastics?
Toxic Plastics: Which Containers May Be Unsafe for Your Customers
Based on current research, here are the plastics to avoid or limit for food storage:
#3 PVC: Contains phthalates, and BPA (or similar), which are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased cancer risk.
#6 PS: Can leach styrene, particularly when heated, which is a possible human carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
#7 Other Plastics: This category includes a wide variety of plastics that don't fit into categories 1-6, ranging from polycarbonate (which often contains BPA or similar compounds that may cause hormonal disruption) to newer compostable and biodegradable plastics. Traditional #7 polycarbonate plastics may pose health concerns. However, many eco-friendly compostable plastics also carry the #7 designation, so it's important to check the specific material composition rather than avoiding all #7 plastics.
Any plastic when heated: What happens when you heat food in plastic? Even "safer" plastics can release chemicals when heated in microwaves, dishwashers, or hot cars. This includes many "microwave-safe" containers, which only indicate the plastic won't melt or warp but doesn't guarantee no chemical leaching.
In a 2021 study where plastic products were evaluated for how much toxic leach occurred, it found that acidic foods are more aggressive towards plastic materials. This means that avoiding plastic packaging with foods that feature tomato-based sauces, spicy ingredients, and fatty foods is particularly important.
The best plastic-free food packaging for restaurants and cafés
As consumers grow more eco-conscious, plastic packaging is a hidden cost to your business: rising disposal fees, potential regulatory compliance issues, and importantly, customer perception issues that impact loyalty and repeat business.
With 72% of diners now considering environmental practices when choosing where to eat, plastic waste is increasingly becoming a business liability. Meanwhile, suppliers continue to raise prices on petroleum-based packaging as extraction costs increase, which directly cuts into your already-thin profit margins.
Here are some plastic-free food packaging alternatives to consider for your food business.
Bamboo Tableware: Durable, Stylish, and 100% Natural
Fast-growing and naturally antibacterial, bamboo is becoming increasingly popular for food service. Some species of bamboo can grow up to 91 cm (36 inches) in a single day, making it one of the most renewable resources on the planet.
Beyond renewability, bamboo has a natural bio-agent called "bamboo kun", which helps the plant resist bacteria, pests, and fungi in the wild. When used in food service products, this property can help inhibit bacterial growth, offering a cleaner, safer option compared to many plastics.
For restaurants, cafés, and catering services, bamboo is not just sustainable, it’s practical. Bamboo plates, napkins, cutlery, and takeout containers are strong, lightweight, and stylish. And when they reach the end of their life cycle, they are fully biodegradable, leaving behind no plastic waste.
Related products: Bamboo Napkins, Biodegradable Bamboo Plates, Bamboo Utensils
Bagasse Packaging: Compostable Takeout Containers Made from Sugarcane
Innovative companies are developing food packaging from materials like sugarcane bagasse (leftover fiber after juice extraction), which is renewable, biodegradable, and in some cases, even compostable at home.
The production process typically involves cleaning the bagasse, pulping it, and then molding it into various food containers. These containers can replace traditional plastic or styrofoam packaging for takeout food, produce, and other applications at an affordable price.
Bagasse takeout containers are also highly functional, they can handle hot, oily, or heavy foods without leaking or breaking down. Most are microwave-safe and can withstand temperatures up to 220°F (104°C), making them an ideal choice for both restaurants and cafés that serve hot meals.
Related product: Sustainable Takeout Clamshell Container | Bagasse Plant Fiber
PLA Bioplastic: A Plant-Based Alternative to Plastic
PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable polymer aka bioplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane. Unlike conventional plastics, PLA breaks down completely in industrial composting facilities.
It offers similar durability and transparency for food packaging while reducing fossil fuel dependency and microplastic pollution. The ability to compost in commercial composting facilities is why restaurants are choosing PLA for their cold drink cups and takeout.
Related products: Compostable Cold Cups | 1000 Count,
The future of food packaging: Moving beyond single-use plastics
The shift away from problematic plastics is part of a global movement toward more sustainable, circular packaging systems that benefit everyone. Every time you choose glass over plastic or select products with minimal, recyclable packaging, you're voting with your wallet for a healthier future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plastics are safest for food containers?
Plastics labeled #1 PET, #2 HDPE, and #5 PP are generally considered the safest for food contact. They are FDA-approved for food storage, don’t contain BPA, and are less likely to leach harmful chemicals under normal use. That said, they are safest when used once and not exposed to high heat.
Which plastics should restaurants and cafés avoid for food packaging?
The biggest red flags are:
Is #5 plastic (Polypropylene) microwave safe?
Polypropylene (#5 PP) is commonly labeled “microwave safe” because it resists heat and doesn’t warp easily. However, microwave safe only means the container won’t melt—it doesn’t guarantee zero chemical leaching. To reduce risk, avoid reheating fatty, oily, or acidic foods in plastic, and switch to glass or ceramic whenever possible.
How can I tell if a plastic container is recyclable?
Look for the resin identification code (numbers 1–7 inside the recycling triangle) on the bottom of the container.
What are the health risks of using plastic containers for hot foods?
Heating plastic—whether in the microwave, dishwasher, or when storing hot foods—can cause chemicals like antimony, phthalates, or styrene to leach into food. Even plastics considered “safe” may release small amounts when heated. For hot foods, restaurants are increasingly turning to compostable fiber containers, bagasse, or bamboo products.
What are the best plastic-free alternatives for takeout containers?
Popular sustainable options include:
Bamboo – Strong, natural, and compostable.
Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) – Durable, heat-resistant, and home compostable in some cases.
Paperboard boxes lined with seaweed – Grease/water resistant and home compostable.
PLA (plant-based bioplastic) – Looks like clear plastic but composts in industrial facilities.
Why is switching away from plastic packaging good for business?
Plastic may look cheap up front, but it has hidden costs:
Rising disposal fees for non-recyclable packaging.
Risk of regulatory fines as cities ban Styrofoam and other single-use plastics.
Customer loyalty—diners are more likely to return to restaurants that align with their environmental values.
Switching to compostable or biodegradable packaging can set your business apart and future-proof your operations.
What does “compostable” really mean?
Home compostable: Breaks down in backyard compost piles without special conditions.
Industrial compostable: Requires high heat and controlled conditions available only at commercial facilities. Always check labeling—PLA containers, for example, need industrial composting, while bagasse and bamboo may be suitable for home composting.
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