We all want to keep our food and drinks safe and free from harmful toxins and chemicals. The containers and plastic bags we use to store our consumables at times release these toxins and harmful chemicals. However, not all plastic bags are unsafe.
Here is a write-up on the types of plastic bags which are safe for storing food:
Types of Plastics Bags for Food Storage
If you're keen on these things, you've noticed the numbering, usually 1 to 7, on the side or bottom of plastic containers. This figure is called the recycling number or resin ID code. It offers guidance to clients looking to recycle these plastic containers.
Most plastic packaging bags between 1 & 7 can be recycled. Oftentimes, recycling programs prefer collecting plastic bags from HDPE and PET (number 1&2), though some programs have begun accepting other plastic types.
Again, some programs encourage people to recycle according to the shape of the item, like caps, lids, bottles and containers, while others prefer sorting them by resin ID code.
#1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
If your plastic bag has the recycle number 1, then it falls under the PET category. There are PET plastic containers and bags available. These are clear and lightweight with a smooth feel. Besides, they serve one purpose only.
PET is among the most recycled plastics and is often used for soda, water bottles, peanut butter, and detergent containers. So far, there aren't any known health concerns or problems linked to PET bags.
Further, PET is usually recycled into polyester material and new bottles.
#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Similar to PET, this plastic type is a common, safe plastic bag. It's represented by the recycle number 2 on plastic bags and containers. Typically, these are safe and have had no issues of transference of harmful chemicals to your drinks and food. This makes it safe for storing food safely.
Most of the time, it contains water, milk, shampoo and laundry detergents. Also, like its counterpart, these bags serve one purpose and ought to be recycled after one use. They usually turned into toys, ropes, pipes, and plastic lumber or other containers.
#3 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is a relatively safe plastic that isn't linked to health concerns or issues. That said, producing LDPE releases organic pollutants, which could pollute the environment.
This plastic isn't normally recycled and is frequently handy in packaging frozen food and bread. Also, LDPE is used to make plastic wraps, which should only be used once, then recycled.
#4 PP (Polypropylene)
PP plastic bags won't release unsafe chemicals into your drinks and foods and aren't linked to any health concerns. Polypropylene is handy in manufacturing cream cheese and yogurt containers, maple syrup and prescription containers. Like PVC, PP is among the least recyclable plastics.
#5 PS (Polystyrene)
PS can be either formed (Styrofoam) or stiff. Even though it's possible to recycle polystyrene, it's usually not economically advantageous.
Stiff types of this plastic are present in disposable cutlery and CD cases. On the other hand, Styrofoam is used to make building insulation and egg cartons.
#6 PC (Polycarbonate)
This is a robust heat resistant, transparent and durable thermoplastic utilized for medicine packaging. With a supreme impact resistant and impressive optical clarity, these plastic bags are perfect for shielding your food from weathering, chemicals and scratches.
PC plastic bags are usually used in sterilizable bottles and recyclable water bottles.
These are the seven major types of plastic bags safe for food storage. We all have a few, if not more, plastic bags we use to store our leftover meals daily. While some of us are used to storing our foods in plastic bags, some might feel a bit skeptical and go the eco-friendly way, click here.
For those who prefer plastic bags, be extra careful with those you choose to store your drinks and foods. It might be tricky and unnecessary to shift to other storage options, so make sure you stick to these seven safe options, but avoiding PVC is possible.