Polypropylene tub
Moderate releasePolypropylene, PP (#5)
The short answer
One of the more thermally stable food plastics, which is why it is used for yogurt and microwave containers. Stability is relative though: PP is still a carbon-chain polymer, and it is usually the format people microwave.
What actually drives release
- Direct contact with the contents across the whole tub
- Heat, when used for reheating
- Abrasion from cutlery and dishwasher cycles when reused
When it gets worse
- Microwaved, whatever the "microwave-safe" label implies
- Reused for hot or oily leftovers
- Scratched or cloudy from repeated dishwashing
Better options
- Glass container
- Stainless steel tin
- Buying the glass-jar version of the product
Where you'll find it
Yogurt potsMargarine tubsTakeaway containersHummusReusable food boxes
Scan what you actually buy
Packaging changes the answer more than the brand does. Scan your product with MicroPlastics for a 0–100 exposure score and a lower-plastic version of the same thing.
Scan my productFrequently Asked Questions
Does polypropylene leach microplastics?
One of the more thermally stable food plastics, which is why it is used for yogurt and microwave containers. Stability is relative though: PP is still a carbon-chain polymer, and it is usually the format people microwave.
What makes polypropylene tub worse?
Microwaved, whatever the "microwave-safe" label implies. Reused for hot or oily leftovers. Scratched or cloudy from repeated dishwashing.
What should I use instead of polypropylene tub?
In order of preference: Glass container, Stainless steel tin, Buying the glass-jar version of the product. Packaging is usually the cheapest variable to change in any product decision.
Sources
- Earth Action with rePurpose Global (2026). Microplastic migration from food and beverage packaging (reported May 2026). Forbes.
- Qian N, Gao X, Lang X, et al. (2024). Rapid single-particle chemical imaging of nanoplastics by SRS microscopy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
- Winkler A, Santo N, Ortenzi MA, et al. (2022). Does mechanical stress cause microplastic release from plastic water bottles?. Water Research.
- Hernandez LM, Xu EG, Larsson HCE, et al. (2019). Plastic teabags release billions of microparticles and nanoparticles into tea. Environmental Science & Technology.