Toggle Nav
Search Keyword, SKU, Product ID

Can Polypropylene Be Autoclaved?

Autoclaving is the use of high temperatures and pressurized steam to sterilize various plastic and glass containers, as well as medical tools, by killing microbes, viruses, spores and other microorganisms. An autoclave is a high-tech machine in which items are placed inside and sterilized. Autoclaving is an important method especially in industrial, scientific research and healthcare fields as steam sterilization is fairly inexpensive and non-toxic.

Can you autoclave polypropylene? Yes. Polypropylene is a low-density thermoplastic polymer that features excellent chemical and impact resistance.

A worker is seen loading plastic containers and bottles into an autoclave.A worker is seen loading plastic containers and bottles into an autoclave.

Properties of Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a durable and versatile plastic resin that can be used in various industries including packaging, medical, air filtration food and more. Some polypropylene containers have good temperature tolerance and can be used for hot fill applications. PP is typically translucent or opaque but can be colored. It is a flexible material with relatively low hardness and thermal conductivity.

Polypropylene bottles are commonly used for spices, sauces, syrups, beverages and more. Plastic polypropylene vials are commonly used for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Process of Autoclaving Polypropylene

Typically when autoclaving polypropylene, you will want to place the empty container in the autoclave and run the cycle at 250°F (121°C) and a PSI of 15.

PSI, or pounds per square inch, measures the pressure that results from the force of a pound being applied to the unit area of a square inch. For example, PSI can be used to measure the air pressure inside a tire.  It is important to confirm the autoclave cycle settings based on your specific containers before proceeding.

The most traditional autoclave cycle is the gravity cycle, where steam enters the chamber and cold air is pushed out. Other autoclave cycles include the vacuum, liquids, and flash cycles.

Polypropylene is labeled as PP on a piece of material. Polypropylene is labeled as PP on a piece of material.
Polypropylene is labeled as PP on a piece of material. Polypropylene is labeled as PP on a piece of material.

Process of Autoclaving Polypropylene

Can you autoclave polypropylene? Yes. Typically when autoclaving polypropylene, you will want to place the empty container in the autoclave and run the cycle at 250°F (121°C) and a PSI of 15. 

PSI, or pounds per square inch, measures the pressure that results from the force of a pound being applied to the unit area of a square inch. For example, PSI can be used to measure the air pressure inside a tire.  It is important to confirm the autoclave cycle settings based on your specific containers before proceeding.

The most traditional autoclave cycle is the gravity cycle, where steam enters the chamber and cold air is pushed out. Other autoclave cycles include the vacuum, liquids, and flash cycles.

The word "autoclave" is seen by its definition in a dictionary.The word "autoclave" is seen by its definition in a dictionary.

Benefits & Limitations of Autoclaving Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a low-cost material that can be autoclaved multiple times without losing its strength.

Distortion of polypropylene typically occurs between 240° to 275°F as it has low thermal stability. It’s important when autoclaving to ensure that the bottle does not have a cap tightened down. Caps can be set on top of the bottle at an angle. The container needs to be vented or it could implode or collapse. Although polypropylene has good pressure resistance, the type, application and wall thickness impact its abilities.

The word "autoclave" is seen by its definition in a dictionary.The word "autoclave" is seen by its definition in a dictionary.

Benefits & Limitations of Autoclaving Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a low-cost material that can be autoclaved multiple times without losing its strength.

Distortion of polypropylene typically occurs between 240° to 275°F as it has low thermal stability. It’s important when autoclaving to ensure that the bottle does not have a cap tightened down. Caps can be set on top of the bottle at an angle. The container needs to be vented or it could implode or collapse. Although polypropylene has good pressure resistance, the type, application and wall thickness impact its abilities.

Best Practices for Autoclaving Polypropylene

There are some general practices for autoclaving polypropylene, but it’s important to check the item manufacturer’s guidelines and confirm that the item is autoclavable.

1. Arrange

Make sure your container is clean and that it is uncapped or has a cap placed on top loosely and at an angle. You’ll want to arrange the containers to have space between one another in the autoclave so that the steam can properly sterilize them.

2. Let Them Cool

After the autoclave cycle is complete, allow the hot containers to cool in the autoclave before opening the door to avoid any drastic temperature changes. Handle them with caution if they are still hot when being removed.

3. Clean & Inspect

Select a mild cleaner solution and avoid any strong acids or other cleaners when cleaning the autoclaved polypropylene. Inspect the containers after the autoclave cycle to see if any damage has occurred. If there are cracks or discoloration it is time to replace the items.

4. Storing

Store the autoclaved polypropylene containers in a dry place away from direct heat and UV light to keep them in good condition.

Alternative Sterilization Methods

Gamma radiation and ethylene oxide sterilization are alternative methods to autoclaving.

While autoclaving uses high temperature and pressurized steam, gamma radiation uses ionizing radiation beams. This method is more expensive when compared to available autoclave equipment. Gamma radiation is commonly used for single-use medical equipment.

Ethylene oxide sterilization uses a gas to sterilize materials at lower temperatures. It is typically used for medical device items sensitive to high temperatures but has longer cycles and generally higher costs.

Metal medical tools are placed into an autoclave to be sterilized.Metal medical tools are placed into an autoclave to be sterilized.

Why Choose The Cary Company

At The Cary Company, we understand the importance of sterilizing your polypropylene containers for various fields and uses. Have any further questions about the autoclaving process and which polypropylene containers can be autoclaved? Contact our product specialists at 630.629.6600 or email sales@thecarycompany.com.

SHOP ALL PLASTIC POLYPROPYLENE BOTTLES

  1. 24 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 120mm 120-400

    24 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 120mm 120-400

    Part #: 67W24W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1.50 ea.
    • 55 $1.25 ea.
    • 550 $1.20 ea.
    • 1,925 $1.15 ea.
    • 3,850 $1.07 ea.
  2. 20 oz. White PP Straight Sided Jar, 89mm 89-400

    20 oz. White PP Straight Sided Jar, 89mm 89-400

    Part #: 67WW20
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1.09 ea.
    • 84 $0.87 ea.
    • 504 $0.74 ea.
    • 2,520 $0.62 ea.
    • 5,040 $0.59 ea.
  3. 16 oz. Natural PP Plastic Wide Mouth Jar, 89mm 89-400

    16 oz. Natural PP Plastic Wide Mouth Jar, 89mm 89-400

    Part #: 67WN16
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.57 ea.
  4. 1/4 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/4 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30W14N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.16 ea.
    • 2,000 $0.12 ea.
    • 8,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 16,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 32,000 $0.08 ea.
  5. 1/4 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/4 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30WW14
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.14 ea.
    • 2,000 $0.12 ea.
    • 10,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 20,000 $0.09 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.08 ea.
  6. 1/4 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400, front view, top view

    1/4 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30W14B
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 10,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 90,000 $0.10 ea.
  7. 1/2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 67WN12
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.18 ea.
    • 1,500 $0.13 ea.
    • 15,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 63,000 $0.08 ea.
  8. 0.5 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 67WT12
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.15 ea.
    • 1,500 $0.13 ea.
    • 15,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 63,000 $0.10 ea.
  9. 1/2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    1/2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 30W12W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.15 ea.
    • 1,664 $0.14 ea.
    • 6,656 $0.13 ea.
    • 9,984 $0.12 ea.
  10. 1 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    1 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 67W01N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.37 ea.
    • 644 $0.31 ea.
    • 3,220 $0.27 ea.
    • 6,440 $0.21 ea.
    • 13,524 $0.19 ea.
  11. 1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 67W01W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.32 ea.
    • 800 $0.27 ea.
    • 4,000 $0.23 ea.
    • 8,000 $0.20 ea.
    • 16,800 $0.18 ea.
  12. 1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 38mm 38-400

    1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 38mm 38-400

    Part #: 67WW01
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.41 ea.
    • 700 $0.27 ea.
    • 2,800 $0.25 ea.
    • 9,800 $0.23 ea.
    • 29,400 $0.19 ea.
  13. 2 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02C
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.27 ea.
    • 910 $0.23 ea.
    • 4,550 $0.20 ea.
    • 9,100 $0.17 ea.
    • 18,200 $0.15 ea.
  14. 2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.48 ea.
    • 441 $0.39 ea.
    • 4,410 $0.34 ea.
    • 9,261 $0.29 ea.
    • 18,522 $0.27 ea.
  15. 2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 67WT2N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.30 ea.
    • 425 $0.28 ea.
    • 2,125 $0.25 ea.
    • 4,250 $0.23 ea.
    • 8,925 $0.20 ea.
  16. 2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.25 ea.
    • 910 $0.22 ea.
    • 4,550 $0.20 ea.
    • 9,100 $0.18 ea.
    • 18,200 $0.17 ea.
  17. 2 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02B
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.29 ea.
    • 910 $0.23 ea.
    • 4,550 $0.20 ea.
    • 9,100 $0.17 ea.
    • 18,200 $0.15 ea.
  18. 2 oz. Amber Plastic Oval Bottle with Child Resistant Cap, front view, graduation marks

    2 oz. Amber Plastic Oval Bottle w/Child Resistant Cap, 100/cs

    Part #: 30WD18
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $55.74 case
    • 10 $48.78 case
    • 20 $45.29 case
    • 48 $41.11 case
  19. 3.5 oz. Natural PP Plastic Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    3.5 oz. Natural PP Plastic Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    Part #: 68WPP3
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.71 ea.
    • 704 $0.57 ea.
    • 2,112 $0.52 ea.
    • 4,224 $0.46 ea.
    • 18,304 $0.44 ea.
  20. 4 oz. Natural PP Plastic Square Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    4 oz. Natural PP Plastic Square Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    Part #: 30WPP4
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.76 ea.
    • 637 $0.59 ea.
    • 1,911 $0.54 ea.
    • 3,822 $0.50 ea.
    • 11,466 $0.47 ea.
  1. 24 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 120mm 120-400

    24 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 120mm 120-400

    Part #: 67W24W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1.50 ea.
    • 55 $1.25 ea.
    • 550 $1.20 ea.
    • 1,925 $1.15 ea.
    • 3,850 $1.07 ea.
  2. 20 oz. White PP Straight Sided Jar, 89mm 89-400

    20 oz. White PP Straight Sided Jar, 89mm 89-400

    Part #: 67WW20
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1.09 ea.
    • 84 $0.87 ea.
    • 504 $0.74 ea.
    • 2,520 $0.62 ea.
    • 5,040 $0.59 ea.
  3. 16 oz. Natural PP Plastic Wide Mouth Jar, 89mm 89-400

    16 oz. Natural PP Plastic Wide Mouth Jar, 89mm 89-400

    Part #: 67WN16
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.57 ea.
  4. 1/4 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/4 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30W14N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.16 ea.
    • 2,000 $0.12 ea.
    • 8,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 16,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 32,000 $0.08 ea.
  5. 1/4 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/4 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30WW14
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.14 ea.
    • 2,000 $0.12 ea.
    • 10,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 20,000 $0.09 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.08 ea.
  6. 1/4 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400, front view, top view

    1/4 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 30W14B
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 10,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 90,000 $0.10 ea.
  7. 1/2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 67WN12
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.18 ea.
    • 1,500 $0.13 ea.
    • 15,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.10 ea.
    • 63,000 $0.08 ea.
  8. 0.5 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    1/2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 33mm 33-400

    Part #: 67WT12
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.15 ea.
    • 1,500 $0.13 ea.
    • 15,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 30,000 $0.11 ea.
    • 63,000 $0.10 ea.
  9. 1/2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    1/2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 30W12W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.15 ea.
    • 1,664 $0.14 ea.
    • 6,656 $0.13 ea.
    • 9,984 $0.12 ea.
  10. 1 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    1 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 67W01N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.37 ea.
    • 644 $0.31 ea.
    • 3,220 $0.27 ea.
    • 6,440 $0.21 ea.
    • 13,524 $0.19 ea.
  11. 1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 67W01W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.32 ea.
    • 800 $0.27 ea.
    • 4,000 $0.23 ea.
    • 8,000 $0.20 ea.
    • 16,800 $0.18 ea.
  12. 1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 38mm 38-400

    1 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 38mm 38-400

    Part #: 67WW01
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.41 ea.
    • 700 $0.27 ea.
    • 2,800 $0.25 ea.
    • 9,800 $0.23 ea.
    • 29,400 $0.19 ea.
  13. 2 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. Clarified Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02C
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.27 ea.
    • 910 $0.23 ea.
    • 4,550 $0.20 ea.
    • 9,100 $0.17 ea.
    • 18,200 $0.15 ea.
  14. 2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.48 ea.
    • 441 $0.39 ea.
    • 4,410 $0.34 ea.
    • 9,261 $0.29 ea.
    • 18,522 $0.27 ea.
  15. 2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    2 oz. Natural PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 43mm 43-400

    Part #: 67WT2N
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.30 ea.
    • 425 $0.28 ea.
    • 2,125 $0.25 ea.
    • 4,250 $0.23 ea.
    • 8,925 $0.20 ea.
  16. 2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. White PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02W
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.25 ea.
    • 910 $0.22 ea.
    • 4,550 $0.20 ea.
    • 9,100 $0.18 ea.
    • 18,200 $0.17 ea.
  17. 2 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    2 oz. Black PP Plastic Jar, Straight Sided, 53mm 53-400

    Part #: 67W02B
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.29 ea.
    • 910 $0.23 ea.
    • 4,550 $0.20 ea.
    • 9,100 $0.17 ea.
    • 18,200 $0.15 ea.
  18. 2 oz. Amber Plastic Oval Bottle with Child Resistant Cap, front view, graduation marks

    2 oz. Amber Plastic Oval Bottle w/Child Resistant Cap, 100/cs

    Part #: 30WD18
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $55.74 case
    • 10 $48.78 case
    • 20 $45.29 case
    • 48 $41.11 case
  19. 3.5 oz. Natural PP Plastic Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    3.5 oz. Natural PP Plastic Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    Part #: 68WPP3
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.71 ea.
    • 704 $0.57 ea.
    • 2,112 $0.52 ea.
    • 4,224 $0.46 ea.
    • 18,304 $0.44 ea.
  20. 4 oz. Natural PP Plastic Square Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    4 oz. Natural PP Plastic Square Spice Jar, 43mm 43-485

    Part #: 30WPP4
    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $0.76 ea.
    • 637 $0.59 ea.
    • 1,911 $0.54 ea.
    • 3,822 $0.50 ea.
    • 11,466 $0.47 ea.

Services
Why Cary
Support
Insights