When it comes to packaging food, glass often gets put on a pedestal. It’s seen as more premium, eco-friendly, and health-safe — but is that really the whole truth? Not always. In fact, when you dig into the data, there’s a strong case for HDPE plastic bottles and metal tins — especially when it comes to everyday essentials like cold pressed macadamia oil.
Let’s get something straight: not all plastic is created equal. And when you’re using the right type, in the right way, plastic packaging can be both environmentally responsible and food-safe. Add in the convenience, cost, and reduced wastage, and you’ve got a very practical solution — especially for oils.
So let’s break it down: how plastic stacks up against glass, why HDPE is a smart choice, and what the science actually says about microplastics and food safety.
1. Let’s Talk Packaging Logistics
Glass is heavy. Really heavy. That means higher transport costs, more emissions, and a greater risk of breakage. For a 500ml bottle of oil, the packaging weight alone can be up to 400g if it’s glass — compare that to just 30–50g for a 500ml HDPE bottle. That’s a huge difference when you’re moving product by the pallet.
And breakage isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a waste of product, packaging, and energy. Shattered bottles can’t be recycled, and oil-soaked cartons are written off completely.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottles, on the other hand, are virtually unbreakable, lightweight, and highly efficient to transport. That means lower freight costs, reduced carbon emissions, and fewer losses — all without compromising the product.
For larger volumes, 1.5L cooking oil tins are also a smart move. They’re fully recyclable, keep light and air out (which protects the oil), and reduce the number of smaller packs being produced and discarded.
2. Environmental Benefits: The Data Speaks
Now let’s look at the numbers. While glass is recyclable, its environmental footprint is often higher than that of plastic when you take the full lifecycle into account.
According to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment:
“HDPE plastic bottles typically have 50–70% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to glass bottles when used for edible oils — mainly due to reduced energy use in transport and production.”
That’s a big win for plastic.
And in terms of recycling? HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastics globally. In Australia, it’s identified as Plastic #2 — and kerbside recycling programs accept it in most areas. Better yet, it can be reused multiple times before disposal.
Glass, while infinitely recyclable, has much lower reuse rates due to breakage, contamination, and energy-intensive recycling processes.
So if your goal is to minimise environmental impact, a recyclable plastic bottle or tin container that’s practical, efficient, and reusable makes a lot more sense than you might think.
3. Food Safety: What Does the Science Say?
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: “Is plastic safe to store food in?”
The short answer? Yes — when it’s the right type and used correctly.
HDPE is considered one of the safest food-grade plastics. It’s non-leaching, chemically stable, and doesn’t break down under normal storage conditions. That’s why it’s used widely for milk, juice, and — you guessed it — cooking oil.
Here’s the key point: plastic only poses a risk when it’s heated, scratched repeatedly, or exposed to harsh chemicals. If you’re not microwaving or dishwashing it, you’re good to go.
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ):
“HDPE plastic is suitable for food packaging and storage under normal conditions, provided it is not subjected to high temperatures.”
And on the microplastic front, research from the World Health Organization (2019) concluded:
“There is currently no evidence to suggest that ingesting microplastics in food or beverages poses a risk to human health at current exposure levels.”
In short — macadamia oil stored in a cool, dark place inside a food-grade HDPE bottle is perfectly safe to consume, and the packaging is doing its job without putting you at risk.
4. Minimising Waste, Maximising Usability
One of the biggest upsides of HDPE bottles and tins is how easy they are to use, store, and reuse. Let’s face it — a 500ml glass bottle with a wide mouth isn’t exactly convenient when you’re cooking. It gets oily, it’s heavy, and if you drop it, game over.
The 500ml HDPE bottle we use at Fancy Farmer is easy-squeeze, mess-free, and refillable. It fits neatly into your hand, gives you total control over how much you pour, and makes topping up from your 1.5L tin quick and easy. Less mess. Less waste. Less frustration.
And because they’re food-safe, you can keep refilling them without worrying about contamination — as long as you clean them properly and store them away from heat.
5. Why We Chose This Setup at Fancy Farmer
When we launched our cold pressed macadamia oil, we wanted to find a packaging solution that was practical, sustainable, and safe — without greenwashing or compromising quality.
Here’s why we went with HDPE 500ml bottles and 1.5L refill tins:
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HDPE is 100% recyclable and reusable
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It has lower transport emissions and is less prone to damage
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It offers a safe, stable storage environment for unrefined oil
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The bottles are lightweight, easy to handle, and ideal for kitchen use
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The tins offer bulk value and help reduce overall packaging waste
And most importantly — it keeps the integrity of our oil intact, from press to plate.
Final Word: Practical Packaging for a Better Future
Glass will always have its place. But in the real world — where food needs to be moved, stored, sold, and used efficiently — plastic and tin packaging done right can be the smarter choice.
When you use food-grade HDPE bottles and recyclable tins responsibly, you’re not cutting corners — you’re making a practical, environmentally conscious decision. You’re reducing breakage, saving energy, lowering transport emissions, and getting a safe, high-quality product that’s easy to store and use.
So next time someone tells you plastic is always bad — tell ’em to check the numbers.
Because when it comes to cold pressed macadamia oil, what matters most is what’s inside — and how we deliver it sustainably, safely, and sensibly.