Written by: Emily Joswiak • March 20, 2025• Business

4 Types of FDA-Approved Plastics Used in Manufacturing

Manufacture your products with safety in mind. Design your next project using one of these four FDA-approved plastics to ensure compliance and durability.

Blue plastic caps sitting on a conveyor machine before they are dropped into a large bin full of other plastic caps.

In manufacturing, it’s important to use materials that are safe for employees and consumers alike. Plastic goods provide benefits such as chemical resistance, malleability, and longevity. Gain these advantages by learning about the different types of FDA-approved plastics used in manufacturing.

1. Polyethylene

Polyethylene is a versatile plastic. Manufacturers often use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for products like food containers. Meanwhile, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) provides durable support for film applications like plastic bags and wraps. Polyethylene’s affordability, chemical resistance, and lightweight properties provide many benefits for manufacturing polyethylene caps and more.

Despite these advantages, polyethylene has a relatively low heat resistance, which may limit its applications in high-temperature environments. Before you use this material, confirm that it’s right for your products’ temperature requirements.

2. Polypropylene

Known for its durability and heat resistance, polypropylene is an FDA-approved plastic many manufacturers implement in their product designs. This material is ideal for food packaging, medical equipment, and reusable containers. It offers a high melting point and resists cracking under pressure, so it’s perfect for rigid and flexible product designs.

While durable, polypropylene plastics lack transparency in their design. If your project requires a translucent material or a visually appealing exterior, this plastic might not be the best choice.

3. Polycarbonate

Food, medical, and automotive devices like plastics in airplane manufacturing benefit from using polycarbonate. Its shatter-resistant qualities make it an excellent choice for manufacturing products like eyewear, water bottles, and machine guards. Additionally, its lightweight nature and ability to withstand high temperatures guarantees a reliable structure in demanding applications.

That said, manufacturers on a strict budget may find polycarbonate out of their price range. This material is more expensive than other FDA-approved plastics, so weigh the costs and benefits for your manufacturing process before investing.

4. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is a recyclable material commonly found in food and beverage bottles, explaining why it’s an FDA-approved plastic used in manufacturing. It’s highly transparent and lightweight, and it provides an effective barrier to gases. Beyond food applications, manufacturers also use PET plastic to craft durable fibers and films.

However, PET has its limitations in applications. For instance, if your products require high degrees of impact resistance, PET might not be the material for you.

Before you settle on a plastic material for manufacturing, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective material or something malleable for your products, these FDA-approved materials are sturdy resources to use.

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