Is Polypropylene Safe?

Polypropylene (or PP for short) is a widely used plastic that can be seen all around us. Almost everywhere we look in modern society, you will find plastic, and boba shops are no different. Polypropylene is commonly used for plastic cups through which boba fans get a window into your bubble tea creations. But is polypropylene safe?

Is Polypropylene Safe for Bubble Tea Cups?

Fast Facts:

• Is polypropylene BPA-free? Yes, it is naturally BPA-free.

• Is it safe for hot drinks? Yes, up to approx. 100°C – ideal for most teas.

• Is it recyclable? Yes, PP is widely recycled (Resin ID Code #5).

• Does it release microplastics? Possible over long-term or extreme heat exposure. Use with care.

What Is Polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene (PP) is a durable, lightweight plastic commonly used in food packaging, medical equipment, and bubble tea cups. It’s known for its clarity, heat resistance, and safety. This makes it a go-to material in foodservice.

Is Polypropylene Safe?

Yes, polypropylene (PP) is widely considered safe for food and drink use. It has been approved by trusted regulatory authorities including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). WebMD also classifies polypropylene as a low-toxicity material commonly used in medical and food-related products.

PP does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to potential health concerns. Unlike some other plastics, polypropylene is inherently BPA-free, offering peace of mind for consumers focused on safety.

Microplastics and Safe Use Tips

While polypropylene is food-safe, concerns around microplastics have emerged in recent years. Here are tips to minimise risks:

• Avoid extreme heat exposure. Don’t microwave or pour boiling water into PP cups. First cool them off with a shaker cup.

• Use with lukewarm or cold drinks for best longevity and safety.

• Choose products labelled BPA-free to ensure no harmful additives.

Is Polypropylene Sustainable?

Sustainability is the buzzword of the day. Sustainability, in its simplest sense, can be thought of as meeting the needs of today and facilitating the needs of tomorrow. The main sustainability advantage that pp has over other materials is its ease of recycling. Requiring small amounts of energy to recycle and retaining its strength during the process, the recyclability (and reusability) of pp cups make them one of the most sustainable options on the market.

Although in the future we may see other sustainable cup materials such as bamboo or bagasse. But, today these products are not available at competitive prices. Because we aim to provide our customers with cost-efficient products, we currently offer a range of PP cups in our online shop.

Comparison: PP vs PET vs PLA

What Does Taipec Offer?

Here at Taipec we are passionate about bubble tea. It's why we do what we do. And we love being able to help you share your passion for bubble tea with your customers. To this extent we supply a wide range of bubble tea products. From ingredients and consumables to equipment and training, Taipec is the number 1 bubble tea supplier in the UK. Interested? Get in touch today.