Plastics employed in durable devices and packaging are durable, cost-effective, and pose no health risks to users.
Key indicators
Plastic materials in contact with water should meet US Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 177 (food-grade polymers).
Selected materials are UV resistant (resist yellowing, fading, and degradation); compatible/nontoxic when exposed to halogens, oxidants, or other chemical disinfectants; shatter resistant; and translucent when not tinted.
All materials in contact with drinking water for a drinking water treatment unit should comply with National Science Federation (NSF) Standards 42 and 53 and any other technology specific NSF standard (e.g., 44, 55, 58, 62).
Notes and exceptions
Low-income environments are typically harsh on plastic components—UV protection, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and cost targets constrain material selection.
Tooling costs for plastics are high, but production costs at scale can be less than metal or ceramic.
