How to choose a plastic container for frozen foods?

How to choose a plastic container for frozen foods?

1 August, 2025

Plastic containers for frozen products: tips from Plast-Mould for safe storage

Choosing plastic packaging for freezing — is not a trifle, but an important step towards safe and long-term storage of products. The quality of the packaging directly affects the taste, structure, and even safety of the food. That is why a plastic packaging manufacturer must produce packaging from materials that meet the requirements for storing food products during freezing, so that the products are truly useful and not risky for health.

There are many types of plastic containers on the modern market, but not all of them are suitable for storage in a freezer. It is important to choose plastic containers that are marked as safe packaging for freezing. In addition to containers, it is worth paying attention to plastic buckets, which are often used for large volumes, as well as to plastic cups — a convenient option for individual portion freezing. Neglecting the quality of packaging — is a risk to the products, processes, and business reputation.

Can you freeze in a plastic container?

Yes, freezing products in plastic containers is completely acceptable and safe — provided the right packaging is chosen. Quality plastic, designed for low-temperature storage, does not lose its strength, does not react with products, and provides the necessary airtightness to preserve taste and nutritional properties.

At the same time, you should avoid using cheap containers. Thin plastic not intended for freezing may crack under the influence of low temperatures or release unwanted chemical compounds into the contents — especially with long-term storage. It is also important to consider the durability of the packaging: over time, even the highest quality containers can lose their physical properties. Microcracks, loss of transparency, or elasticity — are signals that the packaging should be replaced.

What containers can be used for freezing?

Not every plastic container is made for the freezer. So, which plastic containers are suitable for this purpose? To ensure proper freezing of products and avoid spoilage of food at low temperatures, choose packaging that meets food standards for freezing. Reliable freezer containers have the following characteristics:

  • Frost-resistant material from which the packaging is made. It must be suitable for freezing products.
  • Tightly fitting lids — they prevent air from entering, the appearance of ice crystals inside, and the products from frosting over.
  • Quality plastic — such material does not crack or deform when the temperature is lowered, which is important for long-term storage.

On an industrial scale, the use of reliable packaging with appropriate properties — is not an option, but a necessity that directly affects the preservation of the product's appearance and quality control. These criteria — are not just recommendations, but minimum requirements for enterprises that work with frozen products. Properly selected plastic packaging for frozen products — is one of the key factors affecting the efficiency of storage, transportation, and sale of frozen products.

What plastic is safe for freezing?

Choosing quality packaging for cold desserts and dairy products — is, first of all, a matter of safety. It is important that the material from which the container is made does not crack, does not release harmful substances, and does not change its properties after several cycles of use. The safest and most practical material is considered to be polypropylene (PP). It is PP that Plast-Mould uses in the production of plastic packaging, because:

  • Polypropylene does not deform under the influence of cold, has high chemical resistance, and is completely safe for food products.
  • It does not absorb odors or get stained, which is especially important when freezing berries, sauces, or meat.
  • Polypropylene withstands multiple freezing/thawing cycles without losing its properties.

Other types of plastic, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PET, are sometimes also used, but PP remains the most versatile and recommended option for daily household or professional use.

How to properly freeze products in plastic packaging?

For freezing to be truly effective, it is important not only to have quality packaging but also to use it correctly. This is a process that requires attention to simple but critical moments. Freezing should be thoughtful and consistent:

  • Cool the food before freezing — do not put hot or warm products into the freezer.
  • Leave space in the container — do not fill it to the top, as the volume of the product may increase during freezing.
  • Close the lids airtightly to avoid air access and foreign odors.
  • Label the containers — indicate the contents and date of freezing for convenience and control of storage periods.

Adhering to these basic recommendations helps to avoid typical mistakes during freezing, keep products fresh, tasty, and visually appealing to the client — without frosting, moisture, or unwanted odors.

Properly selected packaging for freezing — is a reliable solution for stable storage and transportation of products in low-temperature conditions. Quality plastic packaging — is not just a consumable, but an important element of a systemic approach to production and logistics in the food industry. It must be strong, airtight, convenient to use, and made from a safe material suitable for contact with food products.

Plast-Mould offers solutions for businesses that value reliability in daily processes. If you need packaging that can withstand the demands of production and meets technical requirements — we are ready to help. Contact us for a consultation or to select options for your needs.