Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used plastic in the world. It comes in several forms:
- HDPE (High-Density): Milk jugs, detergent bottles, toys
- LDPE (Low-Density): Plastic bags, squeeze bottles, flexible lids
- LLDPE (Linear Low-Density): Stretch wrap, flexible tubing
Polyethylene is generally considered one of the safer plastics for food contact and doesn't contain BPA or phthalates. It doesn't leach harmful chemicals under normal conditions.
However, polyethylene still has environmental concerns:
- It's derived from fossil fuels
- It takes hundreds of years to decompose
- It contributes to microplastic pollution
For those seeking to reduce plastic use, alternatives include glass, stainless steel, silicone, or natural materials like wood and cotton.