Storage boxes, furniture, kitchenware. Cost-driven applications dominated by PP and HDPE.
Most household and commercial storage boxes are made from polypropylene (PP) impact copolymer for indoor and cold-storage units, or HDPE for budget outdoor/garden boxes. PP gives better drop impact at sub-zero temperatures and accepts pigments and prints well; HDPE is cheaper and is typically pigmented with carbon-black masterbatch for UV protection in outdoor use.
Yes — modern plastic kitchenware sold in Europe must comply with EU 10/2011 food-contact regulations, with a Declaration of Compliance specifying the grade and any migration test results. Polypropylene is the dominant material for reusable food storage (it's microwave-safe and dishwasher-resistant); HDPE handles opaque containers and cutting boards. BPA-containing polycarbonate kitchenware has been largely replaced by PP and Tritan copolyester.
Untreated polyolefins (PP, HDPE) degrade under UV exposure — the molecular chains break, causing colour fading and embrittlement. Modern outdoor plastic furniture is formulated with HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilisers) and UV absorbers that extend the service life to 5+ years even under Mediterranean sun. Carbon-black-pigmented HDPE has the longest UV life because the pigment itself blocks UV penetration.
Polypropylene (PP) containers labelled microwave-safe are designed to handle 130–140 °C briefly without deformation. The Tupperware-style food storage boxes sold in Europe are mostly PP. HDPE containers are not microwave-safe — they begin softening above 110 °C. Always check the symbol on the base of the container; the microwave-safe icon is the operative indicator, not the brand.