Does PET plastic leach chemicals into food?

Food-grade PET is stable and does not leach BPA (it contains none). Used as intended — for cold or room-temperature food and water, and not for prolonged high heat — food-grade PET is considered safe by food-safety authorities worldwide.

What are Pearlpet jars made of?

Pearlpet products are made of high-quality materials. All materials including PET, PP, Steel and others are BPA-free and food safe.

Are Pearlpet jars food safe?

Yes, Pearlpet jars are food safe. They are made of high-quality materials that are not porous and will not leach chemicals into food.

What are the different sizes and shapes of Pearlpet jars?

Pearlpet jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes, available in sizes ranging from 50ml to 8000ml - from small jars for storing spices to large jars for bulk foods.

What are the different sizes and shapes of Pearlpet bottles?

Pearlpet bottles come in various shapes that you can choose to match your style. Pearlpet bottle sizes range from 500ml to 1000ml.

What are the benefits of using Pearlpet jars for food storage?

Pearlpet jars are airtight and moisture-proof, which helps keep food fresh. They are transparent so you can easily see what is inside, and durable enough to be reused many times.

How do I clean and care for Pearlpet products?

Pearlpet products are easy to clean. Wash them by hand with mild, soapy water and dry thoroughly after washing. Dishwasher-safe products are marked with the proper logo.

How do I store Pearlpet?

Pearlpet can be stored in a cabinet, on a shelf, or in a pantry. Store them in a cool, dry place.

How can I contact Pearlpet customer service?

You can contact Pearlpet customer service by phone, email, or chat. Contact information is available on the Contact Us page.

Where can I buy Pearlpet?

Pearlpet sells to retailers across India. To find one near you, email pearl@pearlpet.com. We also sell online through pearlpet.com and various e-commerce portals.

What are some creative ways to use Pearlpet?

Pearlpet can store food, spices, herbs and other items, and can also be used for crafts, as planters, or as candle holders.

What are some tips for choosing the right Pearlpet jars for your needs?

Consider the size and shape of the jars you need and the type of food you will store. For food that will be frozen, choose freezer-safe jars.

What do I do if I want to return or exchange my Pearlpet product?

If your order arrives damaged or otherwise needs returning, you can return or exchange it by sending the unused product in its original packaging along with the invoice to avail a refund.

Pearlpet Knowledge Centre

Plastics, BPA & food-grade — explained simply

Q: What does BPA-free mean?

BPA (bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical found in some polycarbonate plastics (resin code 7) and certain can linings. BPA-free means the product contains no bisphenol A. PET (code 1) and polypropylene (code 5) — the materials Pearlpet uses — do not contain BPA by their chemistry, so they are inherently BPA-free.

Q: What is PET plastic and is it safe for food?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate, resin code 1) is one of the most widely used food-contact plastics in the world — it is what most water and beverage bottles are made from. Food-grade PET is safe for storing food and water, is BPA-free, and is fully recyclable. Pearlpet uses food-grade PET for its clear jars and bottles.

Q: What does food-grade mean?

Food-grade means the material has been certified as safe for direct contact with food, meeting standards set by bodies such as FSSAI (India), BIS and the FDA. Food-grade plastics are made without harmful additives and are tested so they do not transfer unsafe substances into food.

Q: Can I microwave PET containers?

PET is not designed for microwave heating — it is not heat-stable at high temperatures. To reheat food in the microwave, use a container marked microwave-safe, which is typically made of polypropylene (PP, code 5). Always check the marking on the base of the product.

Q: Can plastic food containers go in the freezer?

Yes. Both PET and PP tolerate freezer temperatures well, so they are suitable for storing food in the freezer. Leave a little headspace as liquids expand when they freeze.

PET, PP, BPA-free, food-grade… the labels can feel confusing. Here is a plain-English guide to what they mean and how to use plastic food storage safely.

Shop Food-Grade Storage

Not all plastics are the same

The word "plastic" covers dozens of very different materials. Some are made for food, some are not. Knowing the difference helps you store food safely and choose containers with confidence. Here is what actually matters for your kitchen.

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What the labels mean

Four terms you will see on food containers — decoded.

PET · Code 1

PET (polyethylene terephthalate)

One of the world's most common food-contact plastics — it's what most water and cold-drink bottles are made of. Clear, lightweight, shatter-resistant, food-safe and fully recyclable. Naturally BPA-free.

PP · Code 5

PP (polypropylene)

A heat-tolerant food plastic used where reheating matters. Microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe when marked. Also BPA-free.

Safety

BPA-free

BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in some polycarbonate plastics (code 7) and can linings — not in PET or PP. So Pearlpet's PET and PP containers are BPA-free by their very chemistry.

Certified

Food-grade

A material certified safe for direct food contact, meeting FSSAI, BIS and FDA standards. It is made without harmful additives and tested so nothing unsafe transfers into your food.

How to read the recycling number

The triangle on the base of any container tells you what it's made of

Code	Plastic	Common uses	Food-safe?
1	PET	Water & drink bottles, clear jars, food containers	Yes — food-grade
2	HDPE	Milk jugs, detergent bottles	Yes
4	LDPE	Bread bags, squeeze bottles	Yes
5	PP	Microwave containers, tubs, caps	Yes — microwave-safe
3, 6, 7	PVC, PS, Other	Pipes, foam, polycarbonate	Generally avoid for food/heat

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Using plastic food storage safely

Simple habits that keep food-grade plastic performing at its best.

Microwave

Only reheat in containers marked microwave-safe (usually PP, code 5). PET is not made for microwave heating — decant into a PP or glass dish first.

Freezer

Both PET and PP freeze well. Leave a little headspace, as liquids expand when frozen.

Washing

Warm water and mild dishwashing liquid are ideal. Avoid harsh scourers on clear PET so it stays glass-clear.

Oils, acids & spices

Food-grade PET doesn't react with oil, salt or spices — which is exactly why it's trusted for pickles and achaar.

Frequently asked questions

What does BPA-free mean?

BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in some polycarbonate plastics (code 7) and certain can linings. BPA-free means the product contains no bisphenol A. PET (code 1) and PP (code 5) — the materials Pearlpet uses — don't contain BPA by their chemistry, so they're inherently BPA-free.

What is PET plastic and is it safe for food?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate, code 1) is one of the most widely used food-contact plastics in the world — the material of most water and beverage bottles. Food-grade PET is safe for storing food and water, is BPA-free, and is fully recyclable.

What does food-grade mean?

Food-grade means the material is certified safe for direct contact with food, meeting standards from bodies such as FSSAI, BIS and the FDA. It's made without harmful additives and tested so it won't transfer unsafe substances into food.

Can I microwave PET containers?

PET isn't designed for microwave heating — it's not heat-stable at high temperatures. To reheat, use a container marked microwave-safe, typically polypropylene (PP, code 5). Always check the marking on the base.

Can plastic food containers go in the freezer?

Yes. Both PET and PP tolerate freezer temperatures well. Leave a little headspace as liquids expand when they freeze.

Does PET leach chemicals into food?

Food-grade PET is stable and contains no BPA. Used as intended — for cold or room-temperature food and water, not prolonged high heat — it's considered safe by food-safety authorities worldwide.

Can I store oily or acidic foods like pickles in plastic?

Yes, when the container is food-grade and designed for it. Pearlpet's PET Martaban jars are made for pickles and preserves — the material doesn't react with oil, salt or spices, doesn't stain, and doesn't absorb odour.

Is Pearlpet plastic recyclable?

Yes. PET (code 1) is one of the most recycled plastics in the world, and PP (code 5) is also widely recyclable. Look for the resin code inside the recycling triangle on the base.

Quick safety checklist

Check the code

Look for the number in the recycling triangle. Codes 1, 2, 4 and 5 are the everyday food-safe plastics.

Match heat to material

Reheat only in microwave-safe PP. Keep PET for cold and room-temperature storage.

Buy food-grade

Choose containers that clearly state food-grade and BPA-free — like every Pearlpet product.

Replace when worn

Retire any container that's cracked, cloudy or badly scratched — worn surfaces trap residue.

Storage you can trust

Every Pearlpet jar and bottle is 100% BPA-free, food-grade and made in India. Want a deeper dive on PET safety? Read our detailed explainer.

Are PET plastics safe? Shop All Products

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