Food Safe Packaging vs. Food Grade Packaging: Your Practical Guide

In the world of food, the taste is certainly a significant factor, yet the safety of the so-called outer layer, i.e., the packaging, is, in fact, even more important. We frequently encounter the terms food grade packaging and food safe packaging, and although they seem to be synonymous, there is a lot to unravel. So today we are going to explore these ideas in more detail and assist you in making wise decisions regarding packaging.

Food Safe vs. Food Grade: What’s the Real Difference?

Food grade and food safe may appear to be synonymous at first sight, but on closer examination, there are slight yet significant differences, and they are also interrelated in a gradual manner.

Food grade is simply the quality of the material used to package the food. It implies that the material can be in direct contact with food in normal, anticipated conditions. It will not emit toxic chemicals, will not alter the characteristics of the food (such as taste or smell), and will not be dangerous to health. It is like the bricks that are used to construct a house, they must have some quality standards so that the house can be strong. Food grade materials are well-defined and controlled ingredients and have been through the right safety evaluation. As an example, a food grade plastic resin is manufactured in such a manner that it is absolutely free of toxic chemicals that may leach into food. However, this is only the beginning.

Food-safe, however, is a much more broad and inclusive concept. It expands on the food grade basis and extends to the safety of the packaging in real use. This implies that although a material may be food grade, it may not be food safe when misused. As an example, a food grade plastic container that is not heat-resistant may still leak small quantities of substances when hot soup is served in it, and therefore not food safe in that particular case. Food-safe goes into a lot of details such as packaging design (can it be easily cleaned? are there any hidden corners?), manufacturing environment (is it sterile? is there cross-contamination?), cleaning procedures (use of proper detergents and techniques), and even the way it is finally used (is it within the recommended temperature range? is it past its shelf life?).

Thus, you may imagine it as follows: food grade is the fundamental precondition of food safety, it is the so-called ID card of the material. Food-safe, though, is the more general license to use, which is based on food grade materials, but also takes into account all possible effects during the entire life of the packaging. In order to actually have food safety, the packaging should be first of food grade material and then the design, production, storage, transport and use of the packaging should not in any way damage the food. The visual reminder of the internationally recognized wine glass and fork symbol is a visual indicator that food contact materials are of the food grade standard, which is the initial step in the process of food safety.

Why Safe Packaging is So Important

The importance of selecting safe and reliable food packaging cannot be overemphasized. It is not only about industry standards, but also about social responsibility of a company and even survival and development of a brand.

To begin with, the food industry is concerned with the health of consumers as the number one priority. Packaging of food, which is in direct contact with food, has a direct effect on the health of consumers. Unsafe packaging may serve as a source of entry of harmful chemicals (such as BPA, phthalates, etc.), heavy metals, microbes (such as bacteria, mold), or foreign objects (such as plastic shards) into the food. In case it does, it may be as simple as discomfort or as serious as health emergencies, or even life-threatening. Therefore, food grade and food safe packaging is a basic commitment of a company to its clients.

Second, brand reputation is extremely valuable in the transparent world. Consumers are now more conscious of food safety in a highly competitive market. Social media can easily disseminate any negative news about food safety, whether it is true or false, and destroy the image of a brand. A brand that has been established over the years can be brought down in a matter of seconds by product recalls, loss of consumer confidence, declining sales and even lawsuits. Not only does the use of packaging that is certified as food grade and food safe help prevent risks, but it also conveys a clear message to the market and consumers that the brand is concerned with the quality of its products and consumer health, establishing long-term trust and loyalty.

Thirdly, safe packaging also plays an important role in ensuring the quality of the products. Proper packaging can also be used to seal out external factors such as oxygen, moisture, light and odors, which will aid in slowing down food spoilage and increase shelf life, maintaining food fresh and delicious. In addition, the strength and seal of the packaging can prevent physical damage, crushing, and leaks of food during storage, transportation, and sale. As an example, a leak-proof and heat-resistant paper cup will help coffee not spill on the way and stay warm, preserving food safety and the experience of the customer. Such safeguarding of the internal quality of the product has a direct effect on the ultimate satisfaction of the consumer.

Lastly, the ability to abide by laws and regulations is a fundamental necessity of any business to be legal. The world has stringent laws and testing requirements on food contact materials by countries and regions. As an example, the FDA regulations in the US, the food contact material regulations in the EU, and the national standards of different countries all define what materials may be used to package foods and what the stringent migration limits are of some substances. Products that fail to comply with these regulations risk being prohibited to sell, huge fines or even criminal prosecution. Thus, the packaging that complies with the applicable food grade and food safe standards can be regarded as a kind of a pass to enter the market and guarantee further growth.

Common Food Packaging Materials

There’s a wide variety of food packaging materials, each with its unique physical and chemical properties, and specific uses. Understanding their food grade requirements and how to ensure their food safe performance is key to making smart packaging choices.

• Plastics: As one of the most widely used packaging materials, plastics are popular for being lightweight, durable, versatile, and relatively inexpensive. Common food grade plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET, used for beverage bottles), high-density polyethylene (HDPE, like milk jugs), and polypropylene (PP, for food containers and yogurt cups). These plastics must be strictly controlled during production to ensure they are free from harmful substances like BPA, meeting food grade standards. However, different plastics vary greatly in heat resistance and barrier properties (against oxygen, water vapor), so when choosing, you need to consider the food’s characteristics (frozen, refrigerated, microwavable, etc.) and the usage scenario to ensure its food safe performance under those specific conditions.
• Paper and Cardboard: As a more sustainable option, paper and cardboard are popular for being renewable, recyclable, easy to print on, and shape. They’re commonly used for paper cups, meal boxes, takeout packaging, and dry food packaging. Since paper itself isn’t great at resisting moisture and grease, paper packaging often has an inner lining or coating (like PE film or PLA biodegradable film) to handle liquids or oily foods. Crucially, these coating materials must also be food grade. At YOON, we have deep expertise in this area. We strictly use FSC-certified food grade virgin paper, and offer various eco-friendly coating options, including PLA (polylactic acid), PE (polyethylene), and innovative plastic-free solutions. This ensures our paper cups and food containers not only meet the highest food grade safety standards but also perform food safely in real-world use (like holding hot or cold beverages, oily foods), all while committing to eco-friendly practices.
• Metals: Like aluminum (used for cans, tubes) and tin (for tinplate cans), metals are widely used for canned foods and beverages due to their excellent barrier properties (completely blocking light, oxygen, and water vapor) and great preservation capabilities. Metal containers usually have an inner food grade coating to prevent direct contact between the metal and food, thereby avoiding corrosion or the migration of metal ions into the food, ensuring the food’s safety.
• Glass: Glass is a non-reactive and safe material that will not interact with food or leach into food and is therefore a perfect food grade material. It is very transparent and the consumers can see the food and it can be recycled repeatedly. Glass containers are also very appropriate in packaging beverages, sauces, jams and foods that need long storage or are sensitive to taste. Despite being fragile and heavier, glass has great food safe qualities and can be recycled, which makes it a competitive option in some high-end or niche food markets.

Simplified Food Packaging Materials Chart:

Understanding Certifications & Regulations

In order to be certain that your food packaging is food grade and food safe, it is not enough to trust a supplier. It is important to know and follow the applicable certification systems and legal regulations, which serve as the passport and detector of packaging safety.

Internationally Recognized Certifications: These are standards that are created and managed by third party organizations. They include an overall evaluation of the production processes, quality management systems and product safety performance of the packaging material supplier.

• ISO 9001: While not specifically a food safety certification, it’s an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems. Achieving ISO 9001 means a company has a robust quality management system in place, consistently able to provide products that meet customer requirements and applicable regulations. For food packaging companies, it’s the foundation for standardized production processes and consistent product quality.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): This certification applies to paper-based packaging, indicating that the wood pulp used comes from sustainably managed forests, aligning with eco-friendly principles. Though not a direct food safe certification, it shows a supplier’s commitment to responsible sourcing, which is highly valued by eco-conscious customers.
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The FDA in the US is a globally recognized authority for food and drug regulation. For food contact materials, the FDA has a strict set of regulations and guidelines, specifying which substances can be used in food contact products and their migration limits. Meeting FDA standards is a basic requirement for entering the US market and serves as an important reference for many countries worldwide.
• LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch): This German acronym refers to the German Food, Consumer Goods and Feed Code, a core law within the EU’s food and consumer product sector. LFGB certification is known for its rigorous testing standards, covering various consumer goods, including food contact materials. Achieving LFGB certification indicates that a product meets the EU’s high requirements for food safety and hygiene.
• BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards): Specifically, the BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials is a food safety and quality management system certification for packaging material manufacturers. It requires manufacturers to implement strict risk management, quality control, and traceability systems to ensure that the produced packaging materials are food grade and maintain food safety throughout the supply chain.
• IFS (International Featured Standard): Similar to BRCGS, the IFS Packaging Standard also certifies the production process of packaging materials, aiming to ensure high levels of quality, safety, and legality.

YOON, with over 20 years of industry experience and a commitment to quality, has earned multiple high-standard international certifications, including ISO 9001, FSC, FDA, LFGB, and BRC. These aren’t just papers on a wall; they are powerful proof that YOON strictly follows international production standards, ensuring every step, from raw materials to finished products, meets both food grade and food safe requirements. These certifications mean customers can confidently choose YOON products, knowing they’ve passed the toughest tests.

Choosing the Best Packaging for Your Needs

Selecting the correct food packaging is similar to designing an ideal protective suit to your product, you must make sure that the material is food grade, but more so, that it is food safe in actual application. There are numerous factors to be considered in this decision.

First, know your product well. Is your food solid, liquid or semi-solid? Is it acidic, alkaline or neutral? Does it have oils or fats? Does it require refrigeration, freezing, room temperature storage, or will it be microwaved, oven-baked or even high-temperature sterilized? These characteristics will directly determine the barrier property (moisture, oxygen, light) requirements, temperature stability, and chemical stability of your packaging material. As an example, the packaging that is to be heated in a microwave should be of high heat resistance so that no toxic substances could be emitted during the heating process, and food safety could be guaranteed.

Then, critically analyze the functional requirements of the packaging. Does your packaging require a good seal to avoid leakage or absorption of moisture? Does it require sufficient structural integrity to resist pressure and impact during transport? Should it be easy to open, close or reuse by the consumers? As an example, a takeout coffee cup must be not only food grade but also leak-resistant and heat-resistant so that the coffee could be food safe and could be used with a good experience during transportation and consumption. The needs of various temperature beverages can also be satisfied by customizable structural designs (such as single-wall, double-wall, or ripple cups).

Next, think of the supply chain journey. What storage and transport conditions will your product experience on the way to the consumer, between the production line and the consumer? Will it be land, sea or air? The packaging will be influenced by the ambient temperature, humidity, and possible physical effects on its food safe performance. It is important to select food grade packaging that is able to resist these challenges and guarantee its food safety along the whole supply chain. YOON has a long history of packaging and transport optimization and provides professional advice to customers to maximize the use of containers and reduce shipping costs, but still ensure food safety.

Lastly, focus on sustainability versus cost-effectiveness. Although all food grade and food safe standards are met, the use of more environmentally friendly packaging materials (such as recyclable, compostable, or renewable materials) can not only positively affect the brand image and satisfy the increasing consumer demand in the sustainability area but also result in long-term cost advantages (such as policy subsidies or consumer preference). YOON is unique in its sustainable paper packaging, which provides customers with a perfect option that is both food safe and environmentally friendly. Our products are strictly of the highest food grade and food safe standards and we are dedicated to the promotion of green packaging, which will enable businesses to meet their commercial objectives as well as environmental obligations.

Sustainable Packaging: Safety & Green Solutions

Food grade and food safe are no longer the only criteria to consider when it comes to food packaging in the modern world; sustainability has become a more and more significant criterion. People are increasingly shifting towards eco-friendly brands and products and companies are realizing the added brand value and long-term advantages of green packaging. The greater aim of contemporary packaging is the combination of food grade and food safe with eco-friendly principles, and it is a fundamental promise at YOON.

• Recyclable Materials: The use of packaging materials that can be easily recycled such as paper, glass and some forms of plastics is a good way to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in the landfills and also to recycle resources. In the case of paper packaging, it is important to make sure that its recycling does not pollute the recycling stream and that the materials recovered can be used to make other products.
• Degradable and Compostable Materials: These are materials that can degrade into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under certain conditions (such as industrial composting facilities) and ultimately go back to nature and reduce pollution of the environment to a great extent. Bioplastics such as PLA (polylactic acid) and molded pulp products (such as bagasse tableware) are significant areas of development. YOON is a leader in environmentally friendly coatings and has a range of options such as PLA and plastic-free coatings. This will not only make our paper cups and food containers food grade and food safe but will also be able to be biodegraded or composted in the end, giving our customers the real green solutions.
• Renewable Resources: Packaging that is made of renewable resources such as wood pulp in sustainably managed forests or other plant fibers will minimize the use of natural resources that are limited and will decrease the carbon footprint. One of the most important standards of determining the sustainability of paper raw materials is FSC certification.
• Reduced Material Use and Optimized Design: Another significant sustainable practice is to reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging material and make packaging lighter through smart design. Shipping space can also be optimized by more efficient packaging designs, which will minimize carbon emissions in the logistics. Meanwhile, packaging food to increase shelf life is a way of preventing food waste, which is a major contribution to sustainability.

As one of the leading brands in the area of environmentally friendly paper cups and food containers, YOON is fully aware of the need to find the right balance between environmental protection and safety. Our experience in the industry exceeds 20 years, we have a 16,000 square meters modern factory and over 100 sets of advanced equipment, which means that all the processes, beginning with the raw material (food grade renewable paper, FSC certified) and continuing with production (eco-friendly water-based/soy-based ink printing, various food grade coating options) and quality control (multiple international certifications like ISO 9001, BRC, FSC, FDA, LFGB) are strictly in compliance with the highest standards. This makes our products food grade and food safe besides being environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Food grade packaging and food safe packaging are no longer optional in the constantly changing food industry; they are the key to the success of a brand. The difference between them and the ability to make informed packaging decisions based on this knowledge is a challenge that every responsible food business has to deal with.

This blog has sought to explain the difference and relationship between food grade and food safe where the former is concerned with the intrinsic safety of the material, and the latter involves safety considerations of the whole process of material to use. We have also discussed the most common food packaging materials and their safety properties, described some of the most significant international certifications and regulations, and provided some useful tips on how to select the most suitable packaging solutions.

Looking ahead, as consumer awareness of health and environmental issues grows, sustainability will become as important as food grade and food safe attributes. Choosing packaging suppliers who can offer solutions that are safe and eco-friendly across the entire chain – from materials and production to use and disposal – will be key for food businesses looking to stand out in the market.