Omar Khalid
Tupperware is a well-known brand of plastic food storage containers. Most Tupperware products are considered safe, and the company has been making efforts to be more environmentally friendly. However, some Tupperware containers are made from polycarbonate, or plastic #7, which can leach Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful hormone-disrupting chemical, into food after repeated use. The majority of Tupperware containers are imprinted with the number 5, indicating that they are made from polypropylene, a generally food-safe plastic. It's important to be aware of the different types of plastics used in food storage containers and their potential health and environmental impacts, as some alternatives to plastic Tupperware, such as glass and stainless steel, are often considered safer choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Number | #4, #5, #7 |
| Plastic Type | Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polycarbonate |
| Safety | Generally considered safe, but some products contain Bisphenol A (BPA) |
| Reuse | Reusable, but may release microplastics and nanoplastics |
| Heating | Safe to heat, but may leach chemicals if overheated |
| Recyclability | Recyclable, but not always accepted through curbside recycling |
| Environmental Impact | Working towards more sustainable practices |
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What You'll Learn
Most Tupperware is made from #4 or #5 plastics
Most Tupperware containers are made from #4 or #5 plastics, which are considered safe for repeated use in storing food. These plastics are also known as polypropylene, a strong and versatile plastic. While Tupperware is known for its safe and durable products, it's important to use them correctly to avoid potential health risks associated with plastics.
Tupperware has been taking steps to become more environmentally friendly. They introduced ECO+ material, made from recycled plastic waste, and are working on reducing plastic bag usage and recyclability. Additionally, Tupperware has been BPA-free in the US and Canada since 2010, addressing health concerns related to this chemical.
It's worth noting that some older Tupperware products were made from polycarbonate (#7 plastic), which has been associated with leaching Bisphenol A (BPA) into food after repeated use. These products include the Rock 'N Serve microwave line, the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, and the "Elegant" Serving Line. Consumers concerned about BPA exposure should avoid these specific product lines.
When choosing food storage containers, it's important to consider the trade-offs between different materials. Glass and stainless steel are often considered safer alternatives to plastic but come with their own drawbacks, such as breakage and weight. It's advisable to pick materials based on individual needs and priorities, ensuring that containers are used and cared for properly to maintain safety and durability.
To ensure the safe use of Tupperware, it's important to follow the symbols on the products. These symbols indicate whether the container is dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, or freezer-safe. By following these guidelines and using Tupperware as intended, consumers can minimize the risk of chemical leaching and prolong the lifespan of their containers.
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Some Tupperware is made from polycarbonate, #7
Plastic containers, including Tupperware, are typically imprinted with a number from one to seven inside a triangle made of arrows, which indicates whether the product is recyclable and what type of plastic it is made from. Most Tupperware products are considered safe, and the majority are made from plastic #4 or #5, which is generally food-safe. However, some Tupperware products are made from polycarbonate, or plastic #7, which has been shown to leach the harmful, hormone-disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) into food items after repeated use.
Polycarbonate Tupperware products include the Rock ‘N Serve microwave line, the Ice Prisms line, the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, the “Elegant” Serving Line, the TupperCare baby bottle, the Pizza Keep’ N Heat container, and the Table Collection. The last three products on this list are no longer made but may still be found in kitchens. Consumers concerned about the risks of polycarbonate products may wish to avoid these Tupperware lines.
While polyethylene, another common material in Tupperware, is mostly safe, it should not be heated too much or used incorrectly, as this can cause chemicals to leach into food. Water bottles, for example, are often made from the resin #1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), which is safe for single use but can leach chemicals such as DEHA and BBP when reused.
To avoid the potential health risks associated with plastics, consumers can opt for non-plastic alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, or clay containers. However, glass can break easily and may not be suitable for travel or homes with young children. Bamboo containers are another alternative, although they may not be as airtight as other options and cannot be used in the microwave.
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Tupperware has been shown to leak harmful chemicals into food
Tupperware is a popular choice for food storage, but concerns have been raised about the potential for these containers to leach harmful chemicals into food. While most Tupperware products are considered safe, certain Tupperware containers have been shown to release toxic substances over time, particularly when exposed to heat.
The primary chemical of concern in Tupperware is Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone-disrupting chemical found in polycarbonate plastic, identified as plastic #7. BPA has been linked to various health issues, including reproductive disorders, cancer, and metabolic diseases. When heated, BPA can leach into food items, contaminating them. Tupperware products made from polycarbonate plastic include the Rock 'N Serve microwave line, the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, the "Elegant" Serving Line, and the TupperCare baby bottle, among others.
In addition to BPA, other chemicals in Tupperware can also pose risks. For example, some Tupperware may contain phthalates, which are used to soften plastics and are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can leach into food, particularly when heated, and have been associated with reproductive difficulties, liver problems, and increased cancer risk.
Furthermore, a 2023 experiment found that Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) could transfer into food items stored in certain types of plastic, including High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). While HDPE is not currently used for food storage, there are no regulations preventing plastic companies from using it for that purpose in the future. This finding highlights the potential for unintended chemical migration from plastic to food, which could have harmful consequences for human health.
To minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, consumers are advised to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, even those labelled as microwave-safe. The "microwave-safe" label indicates that the plastic will not melt, not that it is safe from chemical leaching. Glass containers, such as Pyrex, are recommended as a safer alternative to plastic for food storage, despite their fragility.
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Tupperware is attempting to use more environmentally friendly materials
Tupperware is a well-known brand of plastic food storage containers. Most Tupperware containers are made from plastics numbered 4 or 5, which are generally considered safe for food storage. However, some Tupperware products are made from polycarbonate, plastic number 7, which has been shown to leach the harmful chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) into food after repeated use. Due to consumer concerns about the health and environmental risks associated with BPA, Tupperware has introduced initiatives to reduce plastic and food waste and adopt more environmentally friendly practices and materials.
Tupperware's vision is to minimise its environmental impact by providing reusable, durable, and easy-to-use solutions that help reduce plastic and food waste. The company introduced its “No Time to Waste" initiative, which includes a commitment to creating products from sustainably sourced materials. As part of this initiative, Tupperware introduced ECO+ material in 2019 with the launch of its Eco Straw in select markets worldwide. Tupperware also aims to reduce waste, increase renewable energy use, and minimise water consumption in its operations.
To tackle the issue of waste, Tupperware encourages consumers to adopt small, everyday changes, such as bringing lunch in reusable Tupperware containers, avoiding plastic bags, and refusing disposable cutlery. Tupperware's products are designed for long-term reusability, helping to reduce the use of single-use plastics that harm the environment and contribute to food waste. The company is also committed to reducing waste at every step of its product's lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to distribution, consumption, recycling, and recovery.
In addition to its efforts to reduce waste and promote reusability, Tupperware is exploring alternative materials for its products. The company has announced that it is one of four companies selected to use a new raw material made from mixed plastic waste. This initiative aligns with Tupperware's focus on continuous innovation and the search for new environmentally friendly source materials. By 2025, Tupperware aims to deliver all its products to consumers in packaging that is compostable or biodegradable.
While Tupperware is taking steps towards more environmentally friendly practices and materials, it is important to note that plastic food storage containers, including Tupperware, have been associated with health concerns due to the leaching of chemicals into food. Consumers concerned about these risks may consider alternative materials for food storage, such as glass, stainless steel, silicone, bamboo, or beeswax wraps, which offer safer and more sustainable options.
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Tupperware is generally safe to use in the microwave
Tupperware is a well-known brand of food storage containers, and most modern Tupperware products are crafted from a variety of plastics, with polypropylene (PP) being the most common. The safety of using plastic containers in the microwave depends on the type of plastic and the product's specifications.
Most Tupperware containers are made from #4 or #5 plastics, which are considered safer options for repeated use in storing food. However, some Tupperware products are made from polycarbonate, #7 plastic, which has been associated with the leaching of Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful hormone-disrupting chemical, into food items after repeated use. These products include the Rock 'N Serve microwave line, the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, and others. Therefore, it is important to check the labels and markings on Tupperware containers to ensure they are microwave-safe before use.
While plastic containers should generally be avoided in the microwave, Tupperware has created a line of containers explicitly labeled as microwave-safe. These products are designed to withstand the heat generated by microwaves without warping, releasing harmful chemicals, or posing safety risks. All Tupperware products sold in the United States since 2010 are BPA-free, making them safer than older models.
It is worth noting that heating plastics can increase the likelihood of leaching, which is the transfer of chemical compounds into food. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to use medium heat settings and reheat food in short intervals, stirring in between. Additionally, allowing food to cool completely before storing it in plastic containers can also reduce the potential for leaching.
In summary, while Tupperware is generally safe to use in the microwave, it is important to check the specific product's markings and follow recommended guidelines to ensure safe usage and minimize potential health risks associated with certain types of plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Tupperware is made from plastic #4, #5 or #7. #4 and #5 are considered safe, but #7 has been shown to leach the harmful chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) into food after repeated uses. Since 2010, Tupperware in the US and Canada doesn't contain BPA.
Plastic #7 is polycarbonate, which is used in some Tupperware products, including the Rock ‘N Serve microwave line, the Meals-in-Minutes Microsteamer, and the TupperCare baby bottle.
Glass, steel, or clay containers are often considered safer alternatives to plastic Tupperware. However, glass can break easily and may not be suitable for travel or homes with young children. Stainless steel is a strong and lightweight option.
