Reduce, reuse, recycle. The initiative to cut back on waste and help save our environment has been going on for nearly 50 years. However, the need for convenience many times trumps the hope for a better tomorrow.
Thankfully, there are a multitude of fantastic, reusable products on the market to help benefit both consumers and mother earth.
For those shopping for eco-friendly alternatives, is PEVA products safe for food storage? We have the details on this pollution solution!
According to the FDA, PEVA bags are safe for food storage. In fact, this material is food-grade waterproof, lightweight, and reusable. It also works well in both cold and room temperature environments.
However, it is not safe for oven or microwave use. That is because heat can cause food contamination.
When shopping for PEVA based products, look for items labeled as “food-grade”. Additionally, always read the fine print on the packaging.
These storage bags can be safe for dishwasher use, but only at certain settings. Finally, if you are looking for products with more versatility, silicone is a great alternative that is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.
The Safe And Reusable Food Storage Alternative — PEVA
PEVA Is A Type Of Reusable Plastic
PEVA is the acronym for polyethylene vinyl acetate. This is a type of plastic that is recyclable, durable, easy to clean, and best of all, it has antimicrobial properties. What does this mean?
PEVA Is Safe For Food Storage In Certain Conditions
According to the Food And Drug Administration, “ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers may be safely used as articles or components of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food.”
Ziplock bags are made from a similar material called low-density polyethylene.
Yet, their one-time use makes them uneconomical and detrimental to the environment. This makes PEVA a spectacular solution to food storage waste!
However, there is one caution to take when using this material. While this type of plastic fares well in room temperature conditions as well as in the fridge and freezer, it is not safe to heat. Therefore, this product should never be used in the microwave or the oven.
Considerations For Safe Food Storage — PEVA Versus PVC
All Plastics Come With Some Concern
Many people find PEVA to be a safer alternative to PVC, which is one of the six types of FDA-approved food-grade recyclable plastic.
Interestingly enough though, PVC is a known carcinogen. Yet, we use it to filter water into our homes and throughout the gardens that grow our food.
This is important to note because while the thought of as a better option, research has also found that “PEVA plastic has adverse effects on living organisms, and therefore it is not a safe alternative to PVC.”
These experiments were done on worms and no further experimentation has been documented at this time.
Moreover, the study also noted that additional testing needs to be conducted to better determine the effects of this material on humans.
Similarly, PETE and PS are not safe for microwave or oven use. Moreover, PVC and PP will not fare well in the freezer. These are all plastic approved for food use by the FDA. Why does this matter?
Every product is going to come with a caveat or an environment that it will not fare well in.
What matters is that you take the time to read up on the materials and use them as directed.
Safe PEVA Products For Food Storage
The company (re)zip features reusable, zipper-sealed food storage pouches that are made from FDA-grade PEVA material.
They are leakproof, lightweight, and provide an airtight seal. Additionally, they are durable, BPA free and washable.
For those who choose this less wasteful alternative to Ziplock bags, make sure to read the fine print. There is one warning. The company advertises that these bags are dishwasher safe.
Upon further review, this statement is only true when the appliance must be placed on low heat. They also indicate that these bags are only safe on the top rack.
As mentioned above, this material does not do well in extremely high temperatures. Disregarding these instructions could cause chemicals to move to the surface of the bags.
This, in turn, will lead to the contamination of your food. To guarantee safety, it is best to hand wash these products with dish soap and warm water.
Alternative Brands: Qinline and IDEA TECH also offer quality and affordable PEVA products with the same features listed above.
Safe Food Storage Substitutes To Disposable Plastic And PEVA
Both PEVA and plastic-based products come with a hefty price tag. Additionally, many consumers remain skeptical in terms of their safety. Here are some other options for safe food storage to consider.
Alternative 1: Silicone
If you would like to err on the side of caution, but still have extreme versatility in your food storage solutions, silicone is a fantastic choice!
Not only is it durable, lightweight, and easily cleaned, but food-grade silicone is also non-toxic.
Therefore, it is free of BPA, latex, and other harmful chemicals. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic and recyclable.
Furthermore, you can use silicone at virtually any level of heat! This means that you can put silicone bags in the fridge, freezer, oven or microwave.
You also have the option to wash silicone bags in the dishwasher on any setting and any rack level.
This lack of restrictions means that there is no worry about dangerous elements leaching into your food. These are benefits that PEVA products cannot provide users.
Both ZipTop and Stasher make platinum-grade silicone storage bags that are perfect for any type of food.
Bake the Stasher silicone bags at up to 425 degrees or use them with sous vide! Conversely, Zip Top only recommends microwave use with their line of silicone bags.
Alternative 2: Bee’s Wrap
Another wonderful alternative to PEVA is Bee’s Wrap. Made with organic cotton, tree resin, beeswax, and organic plant oils, this all-natural fabric is a safe, sustainable, and breathable solution.
Additionally, this wrap is washable, reusable, durable, and biodegradable. Moreover, you can create a seal over containers or individual food products with the heat from your hands.
Unfortunately, this is another product that is not suitable for heated environments.
Additionally, do not use this wrap for raw meat and seafood. Despite these restrictions, Bee’s Wrap is a great substitute for your plastic sandwich bag.
Alternative 3: Glass
Glass is an excellent material for food storage. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it will also have no effect on a food’s flavor, color, or texture. It is easy to clean and it can handle all temperatures.
However, the one problem with this option is that it is fragile. This can make transport a bit of a worry. Moreover, it is not ideal for kids’ lunches or snacks.
Alternative 4: Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a durable choice that can handle all temperatures as well. Nonetheless, microwave use is not safe with stainless steel containers. Additionally, acidic foods will not do well in this type of container.
The good news is that this option can be a great choice for on-the-go lunches. Best of all, there is no worry about dings or drops during transport.
Alternative 5: Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is a simple, affordable, and versatile food storage tool. Unfortunately, this is not as environmentally friendly as the other options on our list, but you can clean and reuse it when necessary.
Furthermore, just like stainless steel, this is not an ideal choice for acidic food types or microwave use.
How To Determine The Best Material For You
Versatility and usability are the top characteristics to look for in food storage solutions. This means finding options that are reusable, easily washable, durable, and lightweight.
It is also important to consider who will be using it, and where you intend to store it. Additionally, how much food will you be storing, and do you hope to heat it?
PEVA Is A Great Option For Kid’s Lunches And Snacks
PEVA and Bee’s Wrap are safe for food storage and perfect for both children and adults alike. However, microwaving these items is not safe.
Alternative Materials Are Ideal For Heating And Storing Large Amounts
Silicone allows for the transfer of the foods from the fridge or freezer directly into the microwave or oven. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prep. It is also a great option for kid’s snack bags.
For larger amounts of food, stainless steel and glass containers are the best choice. These are also a better choice if you intend to cook the foods stored inside.
Final Thoughts
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, “around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year.
In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once — and then thrown away.”
No matter which type of reusable bags or materials you choose, by being conscious of your impact on the world, you can help to reduce waste and pollution.
You can also save money and ensure that you always have what you need on hand!
PEVA is a safe choice for food storage that is a great choice for families who are always on the go.
However, we advise having a selection of storage solutions on hand. This will guarantee that you are ready for any occasion!
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.