Food & Beverage Plastic Applications
Food & Beverage Plastics — FDA/NSF-Compliant Materials & Fabrication
Laird Plastics supplies food-safe plastics and components for processing, packaging, and facility safety: HDPE (cutting board), UHMW wear strips, Acetal (POM), PTFE, and PETG/polycarbonate guards. Choose materials engineered for sanitation, abrasion resistance, chemical compatibility, and cleanability—with cut-to-size and custom fabrication.
HDPE (Cutting Board) & Polypropylene
Closed-cell, non-absorbent plastics for cutting tables, wall panels, liners, and worktops. Easy to clean, impact-resistant, and available in color-coded options for HACCP programs.
UHMW & Acetal (POM) Components
UHMW for low-friction guides, rails, star wheels; Acetal for stable, precise parts (sprockets, manifolds, valves). Excellent wear life and dimensional stability in wet environments.
PTFE & Advanced Polymers
PTFE provides broad chemical resistance and release properties for seals, gaskets, and contact surfaces. Consider PEEK/ PPSU for elevated temperature and steam-clean cycles (application specific).
PETG & Polycarbonate Guards
Clear, impact-resistant panels for machine guarding, sneeze guards, and enclosures. PETG offers easy formability and clarity; polycarbonate adds high impact resistance and durability.
Food & Beverage Plastics — Quick Facts
| Compliance | Food-contact grades available (e.g., FDA, NSF) — confirm documentation per SKU |
|---|---|
| Cleanability | Non-porous surfaces; compatible with common CIP/SIP chemicals (verify chemical chart) |
| Temperature | HDPE/UHMW (cold to warm); Acetal (moderate heat); PTFE (broad range, high release) |
| Wear & Friction | UHMW for sliding contact; Acetal for tight-tolerance moving parts |
| Transparency | PETG/polycarbonate for guards where visibility and impact strength are critical |
| Fabrication | Cut-to-size, CNC, routing, welding, forming; color coding & engraving available |
Material Selection — Quick Guide
- HDPE: cutting boards, liners, non-absorbent surfaces.
- UHMW: wear strips, chain guides, chute liners (low friction).
- Acetal (POM): precision parts, gears, manifolds (rigid & stable).
- PTFE: gaskets/seals, high-chemical parts, release surfaces.
- PETG/PC: clear guards, splash protection, enclosures.
Design Tips for Hygienic Applications
- Prefer smooth radii, avoid crevices; allow drainage after washdown.
- Specify color coding for zones/food types (HACCP alignment).
- Confirm chemical compatibility with your sanitizers and temperatures.
- Document traceability and grade certifications for audits.
Food & Beverage Plastics – FAQs
Which plastics are food-safe?
Food-contact grades of HDPE, UHMW, PP, Acetal (POM), PTFE, PETG and others are available. Confirm FDA/NSF status and documentation for your SKU and process.
What material works best for conveyor wear strips?
UHMW provides low friction and excellent wear life for guides, rails, and star wheels in wet/lubricated environments.
Is PETG or polycarbonate better for machine guards?
PETG offers easy forming and clarity; polycarbonate provides higher impact resistance. Choose based on impact risk, cleaning method, and temperature.
Can these plastics withstand sanitizing chemicals?
Many grades are compatible with common cleaners and sanitizers. Always verify chemical resistance and temperature for your specific regimen.
Do you provide cut-to-size and fabricated parts?
Yes—Laird Plastics offers cut-to-size, CNC machining, bending, welding, and assemblies with documentation support. Contact us for a quote.
Need FDA/NSF Materials Cut to Spec?
Work with Laird Plastics to select compliant materials and get parts fabricated for your Food & Beverage line—fast quotes, documentation, and nationwide delivery.
