Food Packaging Glossary: Packaging Terms Explained

Food Packaging Glossary: Terms Explained

Plain-English definitions of the packaging terms used across our range — written for buyers, not manufacturers. Every term links to the real product or guide that matters.

The glossary

Food-grade plastic
Plastic safe for direct food contact. Our tubs, cups and lids are made from food-grade PP/HDPE. See the material guide.
PP (polypropylene)
The plastic used in most of our tubs and lids — heat-resistant, food-grade, widely recycled.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
A stiffer, more chemical-resistant food plastic. Good for containers that need strength. See PP vs HDPE.
BPA-free
Made without bisphenol-A. Our food-contact products are BPA-free.
Snap-on lid
A lid that clicks onto a tub rim for a secure closure. We stock 68mm to 153mm sizes.
Clip-on lid
A lid that clips over the tub — our 99mm silicone clip-on is the most flexible fit.
Overcap
A cap that fits over an existing closure, used to protect or add a second seal. We stock 73mm and 189mm.
Airtight lid
A lid designed to minimise air exchange — the 480ml airtight lid is our best sealing option.
Cone lid
A pointed dome lid, common for ice cream cups — we stock 64mm.
Dome lid
A rounded lid that gives headroom for toppings and sprinkles — we stock 64mm.
Tub
A food container with a lid, used for sauces, samples, meal prep and deli portions.
Portion pot
A small container for single portions — our 35ml sample pot is the smallest we stock.
Deli tub
A tub used for deli counter portions and meal prep — the 480ml round tub is our workhorse.
Sampling cup
A single-use cup for product sampling and QC tastings — the 65ml acrylic tasting cup.
Dosing cap / dosage cap
A cap with a built-in measuring chamber for repeatable liquid doses — we stock 10ml.
Vial
A small storage bottle for samples and supplements — we stock 10ml, 20ml and 30ml.
Tamper-evident
A closure that shows if it has been opened. We do not currently stock tamper-evident closures — ask us via the quote form.
Carton quantity
The number of units per wholesale carton. All our pricing tiers are based on carton quantities.
Stackable
Containers designed to stack safely on top of each other. The 480ml tub stacks well.
Nesting
Containers that fit inside each other when empty to save space. See the stacking and nesting guide.
Microwave-safe
Safe to reheat in a microwave. Our PP tubs handle reheating — see the microwave tub guide.
Leak-resistant
Designed to minimise liquid leakage under normal transport and storage. See leak-resistant lids.
MOQ
Minimum order quantity. Every product page lists the minimum carton order.

New to packaging? Use the Packaging Finder to match a container to your product, or browse the full range.

Need a term we have not covered or a product we do not list? Ask us — if it is not stocked we will tell you honestly and suggest the closest option.

📦 Looking for Wholesale Quantities & Trade Pricing?

Mitrend Products supplies commercial catering equipment, hotel hangers, tasting cups and food packaging containers across South Africa. Direct factory dispatch from our Midrand warehouse with fast tracked courier delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What does BPA-free mean?

BPA-free means the plastic does not contain bisphenol A, a compound some food brands avoid in food-contact packaging. Our food-grade containers and lids are BPA-free where product contact applies.

What is the difference between PP and HDPE?

Polypropylene (PP) is clear, rigid and suits snap-on closures, while HDPE is softer and more impact-resistant. See the PP vs HDPE guide for the full comparison.

Common packaging terms at a glance

A short glossary of the terms buyers see most often when specifying food packaging. Each entry links to the product or guide that explains it in full.

Material acronyms explained

The plastics you will see in food packaging, decoded.

  • PP (polypropylene) – clear and rigid, used for tubs and lids. See PP vs HDPE.
  • PE / HDPE (polyethylene) – flexible and tough, used for closures. See the material comparison.
  • PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – clear and recyclable, common in beverage and display packaging.

Related: bpa free food packaging explained