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What is PP (Polypropylene)?

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family and is one of the most commonly used plastics for buckets, cups and lids. PP is particularly characterised by its low density, good dimensional stability, relatively high rigidity and good chemical resistance.

With a density of approximately 0.90 g/cm³, polypropylene is one of the lightest standard plastics. Depending on the specific PP grade, its melting temperature is typically around 160 to 165 °C. However, this melting temperature must not be confused with the permissible service temperature of a bucket or cup made from PP.

According to the respective manufacturer specifications, many of our standard PP packaging products are intended for applications from approximately +5 °C. At lower temperatures, PP can become increasingly brittle and therefore more sensitive to impact and drop loads. Selected products that are specifically designed and specified for low-temperature applications may also be suitable for freezing down to −18 °C.

The mechanical properties of PP also change at higher temperatures. The material can become softer and may lose dimensional stability under load. For warm or hot filling applications, the product-specific time-temperature limits and processing instructions must therefore always be observed. The general melting temperature of PP does not constitute approval for use at a corresponding application temperature.

Polypropylene generally offers good resistance to many aqueous media, fats, oils, alcohols and numerous acids and alkalis. However, the actual chemical resistance of a packaging system depends on factors such as concentration, temperature, contact time, mechanical stress and the specific PP grade. For chemical or technical filling products, suitability should therefore be assessed for the specific application.

PP is widely used for food packaging. However, the designation “PP” alone does not automatically mean that a product made from it is suitable for food contact. The specific material composition, manufacturing process and the compliance documentation available for the respective product are decisive. Our PP packaging products intended for food contact are subject to the applicable requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.

Polypropylene carries the plastic identification code 05 (PP) and can in principle be mechanically recycled. Whether a specific packaging product is actually recycled depends, among other factors, on its design and on the available collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure.

Product-specific information regarding material, food contact, temperature resistance and suitability for freezing can be found on the respective product page and in the available technical documentation.

Polypropylene (PP) – typical properties at a glance

Property Typical property of PP What this means for buckets and cups
Material group Thermoplastic polymer from the polyolefin family. PP is a commonly used material for buckets, cups and lids.
Density Typically approximately 0.90 g/cm³. PP enables comparatively lightweight packaging.
Rigidity and dimensional stability Comparatively rigid and dimensionally stable. Well suited to dimensionally stable packaging; actual load-bearing performance depends on the design and the specific product.
Melting temperature Depending on the PP grade, typically approximately 160–165 °C. The melting temperature is not the permissible service temperature of the finished container.
Behaviour at low temperatures PP can become increasingly brittle at low temperatures. For applications below +5 °C, appropriately specified products should be used. Selected products are designed for freezing applications down to −18 °C.
Behaviour at elevated temperatures Rigidity and dimensional stability may decrease as temperature increases. For warm and hot filling, the product-specific time-temperature limits must be observed.
Chemical resistance Generally good resistance to many aqueous media, fats, oils, alcohols and numerous acids and alkalis. Specific suitability must be assessed according to the medium, concentration, temperature and contact time.
Food contact PP is widely used for food contact materials. The type of plastic alone does not constitute food-contact approval. Compliance of the specific product is decisive.
Recycling Plastic identification code 05 (PP); PP can in principle be mechanically recycled. Actual recyclability and recycling depend on the specific packaging design and the available recycling infrastructure.
Typical packaging applications Buckets, cups, lids and other packaging components. Widely used for dimensionally stable plastic packaging in numerous food and non-food applications.

Important

PP describes the plastic material – it does not constitute approval for a specific application. Food contact, hot filling, suitability for freezing, chemical resistance and mechanical performance must be assessed for the respective product and the actual conditions of use.

The information provided on the respective product page and in the available technical and compliance documentation is decisive.