Is Polypropylene Safe?

Polypropylene, or PP, is a widely used plastic that surrounds us in daily life. From packaging to medical equipment, PP is everywhere, and bubble tea shops are no exception. Many boba shops use polypropylene for cups, giving customers a clear view of your bubble tea creations. But is polypropylene safe to use?

Is Polypropylene Safe for Bubble Tea Cups?

Fast Facts:

• BPA-Free: Yes, polypropylene is naturally BPA-free.
• Safe for Hot Drinks: Yes, it can handle temperatures up to around 100°C, ideal for most teas.
• Recyclable: Yes, PP is widely recycled (Resin ID Code #5).
• Microplastics: There is a slight risk under long-term or extreme heat exposure, so handle with care.

What Is Polypropylene (PP)?

Polypropylene is a durable, lightweight plastic commonly found in food packaging, medical equipment, and bubble tea cups. Its clarity, heat resistance, and safety make it a go-to material in foodservice.

Is Polypropylene Safe?

Yes, experts widely consider polypropylene safe for food and drinks. Authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approve it for use. WebMD also classifies PP as a low-toxicity material commonly used in medical and food products.

Unlike some other plastics, polypropylene does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to health concerns. This inherent BPA-free property gives consumers confidence that their drinks are safe.

Microplastics and Safe Use Tips

Although PP is food-safe, concerns about microplastics have emerged. To minimise risks:

• Avoid extreme heat. Do not microwave or pour boiling water into PP cups; cool the liquid first in a shaker cup.
• Use lukewarm or cold drinks for the best longevity and safety.
• Choose products labelled BPA-free to ensure no harmful additives are present.

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.