Are All Plastic Buckets Food-Grade?

Introduction

Not all plastic buckets can be safely used for food storage. Determining whether a plastic bucket is food-grade requires attention to specific symbols and certifications that indicate the material’s suitability for food contact.

The resin identification codes, along with other markings, provide critical information about the bucket’s material composition and its compatibility with food storage, which must be understood carefully when making a selection.

Identifying Food-Grade Plastic

The most straightforward way to identify food-safe plastic is by examining the markings on the bucket or container. Plastic containers, including buckets, often display a recycling code—a number inside the recycling arrow triangle—which specifies the type of plastic material used.

For example:

Polypropylene (PP): Denoted by the number “5” within the recycling triangle, polypropylene is a strong plastic material, highly resistant to heat and chemical reactions, making it suitable for hot filling. Its structural integrity and resilience against cracking and stress make it a preferred choice for food storage.
Polyethylene (PE): Marked with the number “2” (for high-density polyethylene) or “4” (for low-density polyethylene), this type of plastic is often used for lids and containers that need flexibility for repeated use. Both variants are safe for food applications and exhibit a high melting point, making them suitable for hot contents.

The food-safe symbol, often represented by a wine glass and fork, can be an indicator that the plastic is certified for food contact. However, it’s always advisable to verify with certification for extra assurance.

Certifications for Food-Grade Plastics

For any business or individual seeking to use plastic containers for food, it’s crucial to ensure that the product carries the appropriate food safety certification. Certifications such as BRC (British Retail Consortium) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) guarantee that the plastic container has been manufactured following stringent food safety guidelines.

All of our polypropylene (PP) buckets and pharmaceutical-grade containers are made from virgin plastic and are certified as food-grade. Virgin plastic, unlike post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, has not undergone any prior usage, eliminating concerns of contamination from previous contents like peanuts or paint.

Material Type	Recycling Code	Characteristics	Food-Safe Use
Polypropylene (PP)	5	High melting point, strong, crack-resistant	Yes
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)	2	Strong, flexible, chemical-resistant	Yes (for lids, containers)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)	4	Flexible, suitable for repeated use	Yes (for lids)

Importance of Virgin Plastic

Virgin plastic refers to plastic that has not been previously used or recycled. It is manufactured from brand-new plastic granules and is often certified as food-grade. This ensures the absence of contaminants that could compromise the safety of food stored in these containers. In contrast, recycled plastics may carry the risk of contamination if they were previously used for non-food applications, making them unsuitable for food storage.

Reuse and Recycling of Plastic Buckets

While plastic buckets offer excellent reusability, their sustainability extends even further. Once a plastic bucket has fulfilled its primary purpose, it can either be reused or recycled. We advocate for proper recycling to prevent plastic waste from ending up in landfills. Our food-safe plastic buckets are 100% recyclable, but it’s always essential to check with your local recycling facilities for guidelines on disposal.

In summary, not all plastic buckets are food-grade, but by paying attention to the materials, symbols, and certifications, you can make informed decisions to ensure food safety. Whether you are using polypropylene or polyethylene containers, the right choice of plastic bucket can help you store food safely and responsibly.