Plastics for Bakery and Confectionery

Plastics Used in Food Technology (NAICS 3118)

Like other materials, plastics have their own part to play in bakeries. They see use in the conveyor systems that automate food processing and cooking and in the general transportation of food. Food safe plastics such as UHMW that feature excellent chemical resistance are easier to sanitize than other materials and are in general more durable, making them an often superior choice when durability, lower maintenance, and part longevity are important.

Properties

Lightweight
Generally durable materials
More wear-resistant than metal
Generally chemically resistant
Part longevity

Applications

Conveyor systems
Cutting boards
Dairy crates
Pallets
Equipment seals

Industries

Bakeries
Manufacturing
Food

Bakery Materials Overview

How is plastic used in the bakery industry?

Plastics see use in many aspects of the bakery industry. In the manufacturing process, several materials are used in the various machines and systems:

UHMW's chemical resistance, wear resistance, and low coefficient of friction make it a versatile plastic that's used as part of conveyor belts, guides, and chutes to help move bakery products through the baking process.
PTFE's non-stick properties, chemical resistance, and heat resistance make it exceptionally well-suited to baking. Release sheets that transfer baked products from one surface to the next are made from PTFE, and it sees use in non-stick coatings for ovens, sheets and molds.
Acetal is a lightweight material with great mechanical strength and wear resistance. These properties allow it to serve as long-lasting parts in connveyor belts.
Polyurethane is flexible, durable, and has excellent wear and tear resistance. Its flexibility allows it to be used for belts that fit machines of all sizes and shapes.

Outside of the manufacturing process, plastics such as polycarbonate and acrylic are used for commercial display stands in bakeries and HDPE makes up a significant amount of cutting boards.

Materials for bakeries fall under NAICS #311811, 311812, 311821, and 333241 as well as SIC #2045, 2051, and 3556.

Bakery Materials Resources & PDFs

Customers Also Asked:

What is the plastic used in baking?

A variety of food grade plastics are available for use in the baking industry. From LDPE, PET, and polypropylene packaging to UHMW, nylon, and acetal parts for conveyor belt systems, plastics are used throughout the baking and bakery manufacturing process. In commercial bakeries, HDPE cutting boards provide a longer-lasting and more easily cleaned alternative to wooden butcher blocks, while plastics such as polycarbonate and acrylic are used in commercial display stands to hold and showcase baked goods.

Does the FDA allow plastic in food?

The FDA does allow certain types of plastic, known as "food grade," FDA compliant, or food-safe plastics to come into contact with food. These plastics include UHMW, PEEK, PPS, PET, PTFE, HDPE, acetal, natural nylon, and polypropylene.

Is PP5 safe for food?

Polypropylene, PP, or reycling number 5, is a FDA-approved plastic that is safe for food contact. Polypropylene is BPA-free and has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It's typically used in the food industry for food containers and jugs.

What are the common plastics used in food packaging?

The most common plastics used in food packaging include PET, HDPE/LDPE, PVC, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Ethyl acrylate, CAS 140-88-5, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including N,N-Dimethylformamide, CAS 68-12-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including METHYLPYRROLIDONE, CAS 872-50-4, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.