Whether you’re looking for retail reusable shopping bags, promotional wine totes, pharmacy bags, deli bags, produce bags, clamshell containers, or any other foodservice material, the team at Servous can and will help. We are the leading provider and wholesaler of food packaging solutions for the retail and hospitality industry.
As leaders, we understand that every business and industry is unique, so we take a tailored approach to meeting your needs. In addition to a catalog of supplies and solutions, we regularly provide customers with education. Why? Because we believe that more informed customers are better customers. To that end, let’s take a closer look at polyethylene materials.
What Is Polyethylene Packaging Material
Using polyethylene (PE), a very popular plastic, in food packaging materials is common. There are different types of PE that vary in their physical properties and applications. While polyethylene materials are not biodegradable, these materials are recyclable and reusable. This makes them an important part of today’s culture.
Types of Polyethylene Materials & Applications
Polyethylene is used across the foodservice industry in several forms.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is regularly used for plastic films. It’s inexpensive, transparent, soft, flexible, glossy, and boasts a high level of resistance to chemicals, tearing, and moisture. This material may be used for:
- Flexible lids
- Frozen food packaging
- Squeezable food bottles
- Bread packaging
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
This material is very similar to LDPE, but offers more impact strength and tensile strength as well as bolstered heat sealing qualities. LLDPE offers the highest level of flexibility among polyethylene sheets materials. It’s regularly used for:
- Shrink wraps
- Bottle caps
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is the most commonly used material for food packaging film. It’s the strongest, but least flexible of all films. Because of its strength, HDPE is perfect for applications that need rigid shape, or heavier items with dull edges such as:
- Deli storage containers
- Water bottles
- Deli Bags
- Deli Sheets
- Seafood Bags
- Umbrella Bags
- And more
HDPE is a good way to use thinner film to hold the same weight as long as there is not a leading requirement for tear resistance. For instance, an HDPE deli bag can use 36% less plastic to hold the same amount of deli meat and/or cheese.
Environmental Benefits of Polyethylene Packaging
The recycling process of polyethylene helps to reduce the need for new packaging and is more eco-friendly than using many other plastics. In addition, many forms can be recycled infinitely without losing their integrity which makes them a great alternative
PE and its offspring have become one of the favored materials within foodservice due to its versatility in design, low cost, and ability to be recycled. Specifically:
- Polyethylene packaging material is recyclable, durable, and reusable
- Can be used in any foodservice business- restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, food trucks, etc.
- Polyethylene materials are very affordable
Recycling Polyethylene
Since polyethylene is recyclable, it can be reused. The recycling process of PE involves a long sequence that starts with sorting the materials. Then they are cleaned, shredded, washed, melted down to form pellets, and finally turned into new plastics for reuse. Films and products created with PE can be melted down and reused into other plastics.
- PE Can be recycled several times with no loss of quality.
- Industrial recycling allows for the production of new plastics that can be reused in other products
- Foodservice suppliers may use PE to package their products or create custom packaging
FDA-Approved Polyethylene Food Packaging & Storage Solutions
Food-grade plastics, such as polyethylene, are made to high standards by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a process that is meticulously monitored.
- Safety is ensured by the FDA’s monitoring process
- Does not pose a risk to human health
- A low-cost option for all types of foodservice needs (restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, food trucks, etc.)
Contact Servous for Polyethylene Food Packaging Products
Don’t settle for good enough! At Servous, you’ll enjoy the best of it all. We offer the best products at the best price backed by world-class customer service. From start to finish, we will guide you through the process and look to exceed your expectations at every turn. By partnering with Servous, you’ll enjoy:
- Unwavering commitment to customer service
- Tailored solutions at every step
- Exceptional value throughout the process
- Flexibility in design, color, and style
- Fast order fulfillment and shipping
- Excellent quality
Contact Servous today!