Beyond Trays: How Plastics Shape the Modern Food Industry
Plastics play a critical role in today’s food industry, supporting safe storage, efficient transportation, and attractive presentation. While food trays are commonly associated with plastic packaging, many other food-grade plastic products are essential across food processing and distribution.
At Bigmate Philippines, we provide high-quality plastic solutions designed to meet food safety requirements while supporting efficiency and innovation.
Plastic Products Commonly Used in the Food Industry
Food-grade plastics are widely used due to their durability, hygiene, and versatility.
Food Containers
Used for storage, takeaway, and meal preparation, these containers are commonly made from PET, PP, PS, and HDPE.
Cups, Lids, and Bottles
Lightweight and practical beverage packaging typically uses PET, PP, and eco-friendly PLA materials.
Clamshell Packaging
Ideal for baked goods, fruits, and salads, clamshells offer product visibility and protection using PET, PS, or PVC.
Cutlery and Utensils
Disposable utensils are commonly produced from PP, PS, or biodegradable PLA.
Caps, Closures, and Seals
Used to preserve freshness and prevent leaks, closures often use PP, PE, or HDPE.
Food Processing Components
Plastics like HDPE, UHMW, and PTFE are used in conveyor belts, cutting boards, and molds due to their food-safe durability.
Certified Food-Grade Resin Materials
The following resin materials are commonly used in food packaging when certified and compliant with recognized food-contact regulations such as FDA 21 CFR and EU Regulation No. 10/2011:
- PET – Food-grade certified, clear and strong; ideal for bottles and clamshell packaging
- PP – Certified food-contact safe; heat-resistant and suitable for microwave use
- PS – Food-grade compliant; lightweight for disposable foodware
- HDPE – FDA/EU compliant; durable and moisture-resistant
- LDPE – Certified food-grade; flexible for films and wraps
- PLA – Food-contact certified; biodegradable option for cold food packaging
Plastic Forming Processes for Food Packaging
- Vacuum Forming
This is a cost-effective method where a plastic sheet is heated until soft and then shaped by vacuum pressure over a mold. The vacuum pulls the plastic tightly onto the mold, creating the desired shape.
Common applications:
- Food trays
- Clamshells (e.g., for bakery items or fruits)
- Blister packaging (e.g., small food items or candies)
2. Pressure-Air Forming
This method is similar to vacuum forming but uses both vacuum and compressed air, which allows the plastic to form more detailed and precise shapes. It produces stronger, higher-quality packaging.
Common applications:
- Premium food trays
- Retail-ready food containers
In short: vacuum forming = simple, cost-effective shapes, pressure-air forming = more detailed, high-quality shapes.
Why Plastics Are Essential in Food Packaging
Food-grade plastics provide hygiene, durability, flexibility, and cost efficiency—helping food manufacturers meet safety standards while delivering appealing products to consumers.
Bigmate Philippines: Your Food Packaging Partner
Bigmate Philippines delivers reliable plastic packaging and food-grade plastic solutions—from trays and containers to custom-formed products—supporting the food industry with quality and innovation.
Plastics go beyond trays—and Bigmate helps take them further.