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Without reliable plastics, food storage would be an extremely difficult task. Luckily, both polypropylene and polycarbonate are great food storage choices.
Food storage with these plastics is much more efficient. Polypropylene tends to be the safer choice with low chemical levels, but it is not as heat resistant. Polycarbonate is a thicker plastic that will last for a long time. Both of these containers will never break with tight sealing properties.
Polypropylene is a cheaper and less durable type of polymer than polycarbonate. Between the two, it is more common to use polypropylene but polycarbonate is considered the superior choice for cooking and long-term storage. This guide will explain in more detail the key differences between these two container types for food storage.
The key to using plastic the right way is shopping for safe containers and testing out reliable options that work well. Keep reading to learn which type of plastic will work best for your personal food storage needs.
Polypropylene Vs Polycarbonate Food Storage
Polypropylene and polycarbonate food storage containers are two types of materials that are used to store food. These containers can be used to store a variety of food types in different places like pantry storage or freezer storage.
Some people prefer polypropylene for food storage because it is a lot more flexible and has excellent durability and construction. But others think that polycarbonate is better because it has a higher heat and impact resistance making it a strong option.
Polypropylene and polycarbonate are both excellent materials for storing food, but there are some factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing between the two.
Polypropylene is most commonly used as a recyclable and dishwasher-safe pan, making it a highly versatile choice for your kitchen. It is also the less expensive choice between the two if you prefer to shop on a budget.
Ultimately, the better choice depends on what you need most. For example, polycarbonate has a higher melting point than polypropylene. This could be a deciding factor depending on what you need the container for.
Polycarbonate is also slightly better when it comes to durability and construction. This is because it’s harder and less brittle than polypropylene. The higher price is worth the investment if you intend to use your pans or containers to cook at these high temperatures too.
Polypropylene Food Storage
Polypropylene is a type of plastic that's resistant to moisture, light, and heat. It is perfect for storing food for up to a year and it does not typically produce any toxic gasses.
Polypropylene containers are used for storing food items like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds. The number of polypropylene containers is also increasing because it can help cut down on food waste while keeping you safe due to the absence of toxic chemicals.
This is a durable and sturdy material that can be used in a variety of applications, including food storage. This makes them ideal for long-term food storage because they are made to be strong and durable while being lightweight and affordable.
Does Polypropylene Have BPA?
Polypropylene typically has lower BPA levels when compared to the average polycarbonate container. This is important to many people, and sometimes they can be viewed as the overall safer option.
You will notice that nearly every container that uses this plastic is safe and it is also FDA-approved because of its safety and low toxicity.
Polycarbonate Food Storage
Polycarbonate containers are a great option for storing food because they are versatile and protect against heat, light, and moisture. You can use them to store fruits, vegetables, or even an entire meal in one container.
They are great for storing food and other items as they protect from heat, light, and moisture. They are also shatter-resistant and durable, which is why they can be used in a variety of ways.
The material is made up of lightweight and flexible plastic that can have a variety of uses in the kitchen such as storing food, serving dishes, or even cutting boards. There are many benefits to using polycarbonate containers such as being durable and environmentally friendly.
Does Polycarbonate Have BPA?
Polycarbonate does tend to have trace amounts of BPA, but it is still possible to find safe containers that use no BPA at all. This is a thicker plastic so it is known to contain more BPA during temperature changes.
However, if you shop for the right container you will have no issues finding BPA-free polycarbonate food storage containers.
Is It Safe To Use Polypropylene Containers?
These containers are safe to use because they do not use toxic chemicals and it is FDA approved. This is one of the top reasons why polypropylene has been used for so many years in food packaging.
Some people have the misconception that polypropylene is not safe because of its lightweight. However, this type of plastic is FDA-approved and safe to use. It does not use toxic chemicals and can be recycled with other polymers.
Polypropylene containers are the safest to use because they do not use harsh chemicals. They are FDA approved and can be used for food storage or even as water coolers.
Plastic containers, like those made of polypropylene, are safe to use for food storage. They are lightweight and break-resistant too. They can also contain heat for a long time without damage or changes in taste.
Is It Safe To Use Polycarbonate Containers?
Polycarbonate plastic containers are safe to use for food storage. They are less likely to contain BPA than their plastic counterparts, but it is not uncommon to find trace amounts of BPA in some of these containers.
These plastic containers are safe to use for food storage because it is not toxic with long-lasting durability. Polycarbonate containers are widely used for food storage in the kitchen, not just because of their durability but also because it is safe to use.
If you shop for polycarbonate containers, be sure to only look for those with no BPA. This will reduce your risk of exposure to toxins and improve the quality of your health and food storage capabilities.
Because this is the more durable and higher performing option, there are more unsafe polycarbonate containers out there. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe options too as long as you shop safely.
Polypropylene Vs Polycarbonate: What’s Better?
Polycarbonate containers are better than polypropylene because they can last longer and they can withstand higher temperatures. Their material properties make them ideal for packing dry foods like pasta and rice or withstanding the heat when cooking.
They are a bit lighter and hardier than polypropylene containers and can be used in a much broader range of temperatures. They also have a thinner wall and therefore have a better gas barrier.
Polypropylene is still considered to be one of the most popular choices for plastic containers because it has low cost, good flexibility, and high transparency. However, polycarbonate containers are more impact resistant than polypropylene which makes them suitable for food transport or packaging materials.