News

Choosing the right mold material is one of the most important steps in food packaging production. Whether you’re designing PP Plastic Round Food Storage Containers, PS Dessert Cups, IML Packaging, or Disposable Rice Husk Boxes, your material choice determines not only the product’s durability but also its safety and appeal.

So, how can you make the right decision? Let’s take a closer look at the main factors that influence mold material selection.

1. Understand Your End Product’s Purpose

The first step is simple — ask yourself: What will this container hold?

• Hot food or liquids: Choose PP Plastic Mold. It’s heat-resistant up to 120°C (248°F) and perfect for microwaveable or hot-fill packaging.

• Cold or display packaging: Go for PS Plastic Mold. It’s clear, shiny, and ideal for desserts, salads, or snack cups.

• Eco-friendly applications: Try Disposable Rice Husk Mold. Made from renewable materials, it’s biodegradable yet strong enough for light food packaging.

If your product needs both visual clarity and heat resistance, consider IML Mold (In-Mold Labeling), which integrates design and functionality beautifully.

2. Evaluate Durability and Production Volume

Your expected production volume affects the mold material and structure.

• For high-volume manufacturing, PP molds are excellent because they offer consistent results and withstand thousands of molding cycles.

• PS molds are more suited for short-term or seasonal runs, as they may wear faster due to the brittleness of PS material.

Durability also depends on mold steel quality and precision design, which Baolin Mould pays close attention to in every project.

3. Consider Heat and Cooling Requirements

Different materials react differently to temperature changes:

• PP: Requires higher mold temperatures but offers stronger, more flexible parts.

• PS: Cools faster, enabling shorter cycle times but is less resistant to heat.

If your production line prioritizes speed, PS might be cost-effective. But if longevity and performance matter more, PP is the clear winner.

4. Transparency and Surface Finish

Sometimes, visual appeal is everything. PS Plastic provides a glass-like clarity, which is ideal for retail display packaging.

PP Plastic, however, is slightly opaque but can achieve a clean, smooth finish with proper mold polishing and cooling design.
For branded or decorative packaging, IML Molds allow custom graphics to be embedded directly into the container surface—no peeling, no printing fade.

Pretty cool, right?

5. Environmental Impact and Sustainability

With growing awareness of sustainability, many brands are moving toward eco-friendly materials.

• PP: Recyclable and reusable.

• PS: Recyclable but less preferred due to its brittleness.

• Rice Husk Mold: Fully biodegradable, made from natural by-products.

If your company wants to enhance its “green” image, Rice Husk or PP-based molds are better long-term choices.

6. Cost vs. Performance

Of course, cost matters!
PP molds typically have a higher upfront investment but deliver longer service life and lower maintenance.
PS molds are cheaper initially but may need frequent replacement for high-usage production.

It’s like the saying — you get what you pay for.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right mold material is all about balance: between functionality, appearance, cost, and sustainability.
If your goal is durability and versatility, PP Plastic Mold is the top choice.
If you value clarity and fast-cycle production, PS Plastic Mold fits better.
And for eco-friendly brands, Disposable Rice Husk Mold provides the perfect green solution.

At Baolin Mould, we don’t just produce molds—we help our clients make smarter decisions.
From mold structure design to mass production support, our one-stop service ensures every mold meets your functional and aesthetic needs.