Within the injection molding process, food grade plastics are suitable for direct contact with food. These materials comply with strict regulations and do not release harmful substances into food.
Top 5 food grade plastics for injection molding:
1. Polyethylene (PE)
PE is one of the most commonly used food grade plastics due to its high chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. The material is safe, flexible, and widely used in packaging and food containers.2. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is highly suitable for food applications because of its chemical resistance and temperature resistance. It is widely used in packaging, trays, and medical applications.3. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is available in food grade variants and is used in mechanical components within the food industry. The material is wear-resistant and does not absorb moisture, which contributes to hygiene.4. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is available in food grade grades and is used for transparent applications such as drinking cups and containers. The material offers high strength and dimensional stability.5. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide is available in food grade variants and is often used in technical components within food processing. It offers high mechanical strength and wear resistance.Important to know: Food grade means that the material complies with regulations such as EU 10/2011 or FDA, but this only applies to specific grades and not automatically to every variant of a plastic.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
Which plastics meet food-grade requirements?
- Which plastics are flame-retardant?"
Within the injection molding process, there are various plastics that can be made flame-retardant either naturally or with the use of additives. This is especially important for applications in electronics, automotive, and industrial environments where fire safety is essential.
Top 5 flame-retardant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is naturally difficult to ignite and often achieves high fire safety ratings such as UL94 V-0. In addition, it offers high impact resistance and dimensional stability, making it highly suitable for technical components.2. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide is often made flame-retardant using additives and is widely used in electrical components. The material combines high mechanical strength with good heat resistance.3. PC/ABS
This blend combines the flame-retardant properties of polycarbonate with the processability of ABS. This makes it ideal for complex injection-molded parts such as electronic housings.4. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT can be made highly flame-retardant and is widely used in electrical engineering applications. The material offers high dimensional stability and excellent electrical insulation.5. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
PPS is a high-performance plastic that is naturally highly flame-retardant. The material is extremely heat-resistant and chemically resistant, making it suitable for demanding applications.Important to know: Flame-retardant properties depend not only on the material itself, but also on additives, product design, and wall thickness. Therefore, standards such as UL94 are often considered when selecting the right material.
If you need advice on choosing the right plastic, feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are heat-resistant?"
Within the injection molding process, there are various plastics that are highly resistant to high temperatures. These materials retain their mechanical properties and shape even under prolonged thermal stress, which is essential for technical and industrial applications.
Top 5 heat-resistant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate offers high heat resistance up to approximately 135°C while maintaining its strength and impact resistance. This makes it suitable for applications where both mechanical stress and temperature play a role.2. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide is resistant to higher temperatures and is often used in technical applications such as under-the-hood components. The material retains its strength and stiffness even at elevated temperatures.3. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT has good thermal stability and is widely used in electrical and electronic components. The material maintains its dimensional stability and insulating properties at higher temperatures.4. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
PPS is a high-performance plastic with very high heat resistance (well above 200°C). The material remains stable under extreme conditions and is ideal for demanding applications.5. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK is a top-tier plastic that can continuously withstand high temperatures up to approximately 250°C. The material retains excellent mechanical properties and is suitable for highly critical applications.Important to know: The heat resistance of a plastic depends on factors such as load, duration of thermal exposure, and product design. Therefore, it is important to evaluate this for each specific application.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are impact-resistant?"
Within the injection molding process, impact-resistant plastics are essential for applications where impacts, shocks, or drops may occur. These materials absorb energy without breaking and maintain their functionality under load.
Top 5 impact-resistant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is known for its exceptionally high impact resistance, even at very low temperatures. The material combines toughness with dimensional stability, making it ideal for technical and protective applications.2. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
ABS is a versatile and impact-resistant plastic widely used in housings and consumer products. The material is strong, easy to process, and provides a high-quality surface finish.3. PC/ABS
This blend combines the extreme impact resistance of PC with the flexibility of ABS. The result is a material that is both highly impact-resistant and suitable for complex injection-molded products.4. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is relatively cost-effective and offers good impact resistance, especially in copolymer form. The material is tough and resistant to stress, making it suitable for products that are regularly subjected to load.5. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide offers high mechanical strength and good impact resistance, especially when reinforced. The material is widely used in technical applications where durability and load-bearing capacity are important.Important to know: The impact resistance of a plastic can vary depending on temperature, wall thickness, and any reinforcements such as glass fiber. This makes material selection highly application-dependent.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are best for color retention?"
Within the injection molding process, color retention is important for products that need to maintain their appearance over time, even when exposed to light, UV radiation, and regular use. Some plastics retain their color better than others, depending on their composition and stability.
Top 5 plastics for color retention in injection molding:
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate has good color stability and is resistant to UV radiation, especially when UV-stabilized. This allows the material to remain clear or colored for a long time without rapid discoloration.2. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
ABS offers an attractive surface finish and is easy to color, making it popular for visible parts. For long-term color retention, UV stabilizers are often added.3. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT naturally has good color stability and retains its appearance well under heat and use. This makes it suitable for both technical and visual applications.4. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is easy to color and retains its color reasonably well in indoor applications. With additives, its UV resistance - and therefore color retention - can be further improved.5. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide can be colored effectively, but stabilizers are required for optimal color retention. In technical applications, it is often chosen for its combination of performance and aesthetics.Important to know: Color retention strongly depends on factors such as UV exposure, pigment selection, and additives. The injection molding process itself can also influence the final color and finish.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are UV-resistant?"
Within the injection molding process, UV resistance is important for products used outdoors or exposed to sunlight for extended periods. UV-resistant plastics discolor less quickly and better retain their mechanical properties.
Top 5 UV-resistant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate naturally offers good UV resistance and is highly suitable for outdoor applications, especially when UV-stabilized. It retains its strength and transparency over time.2. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide can be made highly resistant to sunlight with UV stabilizers. This allows the material to maintain its mechanical strength even during long-term outdoor exposure.3. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT has good UV resistance and retains its shape and properties well when exposed to sunlight. It is widely used in technical outdoor applications.4. Polyethylene (PE)
PE has moderate UV resistance, especially when enhanced with additives such as carbon black. This makes it suitable for applications like outdoor storage and packaging.5. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
PPS is highly resistant to UV radiation and maintains its properties under extreme conditions. It is used in applications where durability and stability are critical.Important to know: UV resistance strongly depends on additives and colorants. Without UV stabilizers, many plastics can still discolor or degrade under exposure to sunlight.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are wear-resistant?"
In injection molding, wear resistance is important for components that are continuously in motion or exposed to friction. Wear-resistant plastics last longer, reduce maintenance, and ensure reliable product performance.
Top 5 wear-resistant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM, also known as acetal, is known for its low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance. The material is highly dimensionally stable and ideal for moving parts such as gears and bearings.2. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide offers high mechanical strength and is highly wear-resistant, especially in applications involving load and movement. It is widely used in technical components such as conveyor wheels and bearings.3. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK is a high-performance plastic with excellent wear resistance, even at high temperatures and under heavy load. The material is used in demanding industrial applications.4. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT offers a good balance between wear resistance and dimensional stability. It is often used in components where both mechanical load and durability are important.5. Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)
UHMW-PE has extremely low friction and very high wear resistance. This makes it ideal for applications where components continuously move against each other.Important to know: Wear resistance depends not only on the material, but also on factors such as load, speed, and contact surface within the design.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are scratch-resistant?"
Within the injection molding process, scratch resistance is important for products where appearance plays a major role. Scratch-resistant plastics maintain their look for longer and are better suited to withstand daily use and contact.
Top 5 scratch-resistant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is naturally impact-resistant and can be made highly scratch-resistant with coatings or specialized grades. This makes it suitable for applications where both strength and aesthetics are important.2. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT has a relatively hard surface and retains its appearance well during use. This makes it suitable for technical components where light wear and scratches may occur.3. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide is wear-resistant and can therefore withstand surface damage well. In technical applications, it offers a durable solution in situations involving contact and movement.4. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
ABS has an attractive surface and is often used for visible parts. Although it is less scratch-resistant than engineering plastics, it can be improved with coatings or textures to better resist scratches.5. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK has very high hardness and wear resistance, which contributes to good scratch resistance. It is used in demanding environments where durability is essential.Important to know: Scratch resistance is strongly influenced by surface finishing, coatings, and product design, not just by the choice of base material.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are chemical-resistant?""
Within the injection molding process, chemical resistance is important for products that come into contact with aggressive substances such as acids, bases, or solvents. The right plastic prevents degradation, deformation, or premature wear.
Top 5 chemical-resistant plastics for injection molding:
1. Polyethylene (PE)
PE has excellent chemical resistance to many acids, bases, and solvents. It also absorbs hardly any moisture, making it highly suitable for applications such as packaging and storage tanks.2. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is highly resistant to chemicals and is widely used in the chemical and medical industries. The material combines chemical resistance with low moisture absorption and good processability.3. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is resistant to fuels and organic solvents while maintaining its mechanical properties. The material is also dimensionally stable because it does not absorb moisture.4. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide is resistant to bases, oils, and solvents, but less resistant to strong acids. It is often used in technical environments where chemical exposure is combined with mechanical stress.5. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
PPS has very high chemical resistance and remains stable in aggressive environments and at elevated temperatures. This makes it suitable for demanding industrial applications.Important to know: Chemical resistance strongly depends on the type of substance, concentration, and temperature, which means the material must always be evaluated per application.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
- Which plastics meet food-grade requirements?"
Within the injection molding process, food grade plastics are suitable for direct contact with food. These materials comply with strict regulations and do not release harmful substances into food.
Top 5 food grade plastics for injection molding:
1. Polyethylene (PE)
PE is one of the most commonly used food grade plastics due to its high chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. The material is safe, flexible, and widely used in packaging and food containers.2. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is highly suitable for food applications because of its chemical resistance and temperature resistance. It is widely used in packaging, trays, and medical applications.3. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is available in food grade variants and is used in mechanical components within the food industry. The material is wear-resistant and does not absorb moisture, which contributes to hygiene.4. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is available in food grade grades and is used for transparent applications such as drinking cups and containers. The material offers high strength and dimensional stability.5. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide is available in food grade variants and is often used in technical components within food processing. It offers high mechanical strength and wear resistance.Important to know: Food grade means that the material complies with regulations such as EU 10/2011 or FDA, but this only applies to specific grades and not automatically to every variant of a plastic.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are food-safe?"
Within the injection molding process, food safe means that a plastic can be safely used in contact with food without the risk of harmful migration. This goes beyond certification alone and also considers the actual application and conditions.
Top 5 food safe plastics for injection molding:
1. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is one of the most commonly used food safe plastics and is known for its chemical resistance and stability at higher temperatures. This makes it highly suitable for reusable food packaging and applications in the food industry.2. Polyethylene (PE)
PE is safe for food contact and is widely used for packaging, cutting boards, and containers. The material absorbs hardly any moisture and is highly resistant to chemicals.3. Polyoxymethylene (POM)
POM is often used in food safe applications with moving parts, such as in food processing machinery. The material is wear-resistant, dimensionally stable, and hygienic due to its low moisture absorption.4. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK is suitable for food safe applications in demanding environments, such as high temperatures or mechanical stress. The material retains its properties and is highly resistant to wear and chemicals.5. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PBT can be used in food safe applications in specific grades and offers good dimensional stability and durability. It is often used in technical components within the food industry.Important to know: Food safe means that a plastic is safe to use, but this always depends on selecting the correct grade, processing, and application, including temperature and duration of food contact.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
" - Which plastics are most suitable for recycling?"
Within the injection molding process, recyclability is playing an increasingly important role. Some plastics are more reusable than others without significantly losing their material properties. This makes them suitable for circular applications.
Top 5 most recyclable plastics for injection molding:
1. Polyethylene (PE)
PE is one of the most widely recycled plastics worldwide and retains its properties relatively well after recycling. Due to its simple structure, the material can be easily reprocessed for various applications.2. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is highly recyclable and is increasingly reused in injection molding applications. The material retains a large part of its mechanical properties and is widely applicable.3. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
PET is highly recyclable and is reused on a large scale, for example from bottles. After recycling, the material can be used again for technical or packaging applications.4. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
ABS is technically recyclable and is often reused internally within production processes. The material reasonably retains its strength and impact resistance after reprocessing.5. Polyamide (PA / Nylon)
Polyamide can be recycled, although this is more complex due to moisture absorption and variable composition. With proper processing, the material can be reused in technical applications.Important to know: The recyclability of plastics depends not only on the material, but also on contamination, additives, and how the product is designed and collected.
Do you need advice on choosing the right plastic for your application? Feel free to contact us.
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Home FAQ Frequently Asked Questions about properties of plastics Which plastics meet food-grade requirements?
