PP vs PET vs PS Food Containers: Which Plastic Is Right for Your Menu?

Three resins dominate single-use food packaging. Choosing the right one depends on whether food is served hot, reheated, chilled or displayed.

Polypropylene (PP)

Heat resistant to about 110–120 °C, so it is the only one of the three that is safe to microwave. Semi-translucent to clear, tough, and resistant to oils and acids. Recycling code 5. Best for hot meals, lunch boxes, soups, meal prep and anything reheated.

PET

Glass-like clarity and good oxygen barrier, but softens above 60–70 °C — never microwave. Recycling code 1. Best for cold salads, fruit, desserts and beverages.

Polystyrene (PS)

Lowest cost and very stiff, but brittle and not microwave safe; foam PS is banned in many cities. Recycling code 6. Being phased out of food service.

Our recommendation

For restaurants and delivery, PP is the all-round choice: one material covers hot and cold menus, survives delivery and can be reused by consumers. All PPFOODPACK containers are molded from food-grade virgin PP at our production base.

Related reading

• PP vs PET vs PLA: Cost, Heat and Clarity Compared
• Black PP Container: Premium Deli and Sushi Programs
• Freezer-Grade PP Container: Brittleness and Cold Chain

Models covered on this site: 750 ml PF-GG750 · 1000 ml PF-4C1000 · 900 ml PF-3C900 · see all models in this category.