Polyethylene is used for different purposes depending on its type and composition. Food and non-food polyethylene can be distinguished. Consideration of each of these types will allow you to understand how they differ from each other.
Non-food polyethylene
Non-food polyethylene is used to package various types of non-food products. It can take different forms, each with its own strength and aroma resistance. Non-food packaging must be made according to the requirements of functionality and correspond to the image of the manufacturer of the product.
Non-food packaging is intended for packaging hygiene products, cosmetics, household chemicals, fertilizers, soil and so on. Depending on the purpose, polyethylene is produced in a special form. For example, packaging for wet wipes is made from a plastic film that consists of two or three layers. It has a lock and fluorographic printing. Such a package may contain a lid or a valve. Manufacturers must take into account hygiene standards and produce it with a strong weld.
Packaging for cosmetics has recently begun to appear. They include a plastic container in which bath salts, face masks and so on are placed. For their manufacture, a multilayer film is used, the inner layer of which is made of special PE polyethylene, which gives stability to the bag.
Non-food polyethylene is manufactured according to strict rules, as it is intended for the movement of non-food substances, which in their free form should not penetrate into the environment.
Food grade polyethylene
Food grade polyethylene, in contrast to non-food grade, does not contain harmful toxic impurities. Its quality is being tested, so it is safe. This is due to the fact that it is used to store food, which then enter the human body.
Food grade plastic wrap is commonly used as a wrapping material that allows packaging of various bulk products. However, products are not stored in it for a long time. Also this film is used for non-hot food.
High-quality food films have the following features: absolute safety, high moisture - and airtightness, strength, and a high degree of transparency.
Non-food polyethylene does not possess these features, therefore it cannot be used for storing edible supplies. At the same time, food grade polyethylene is poorly suited for storing non-food items. Therefore, when purchasing any package or film, you need to understand what exactly they will be used for.
