Is PETG Food Safe?

December 14, 2025
Is PETG Food Safe?

Introduction

Have you ever imagined creating the perfectly shaped cookie cutter for a birthday party, a custom coffee stencil with your business logo, or unique kitchen tools designed just for you? With 3D printing, these ideas can become a reality. But when your creations come into contact with food, a critical question arises: is it safe? This is where food safe filament comes in. For Australian makers, hobbyists, and small businesses, understanding the nuances of food safe 3D printing is essential for creating items that are not only innovative but also safe for you, your family, and your customers.

This comprehensive guide focuses on one of the most popular and reliable materials for this purpose: PETG. We'll explore why PETG food safe properties make it a top choice, delve into Australian safety standards, and provide practical, actionable advice to help you print with confidence. Let's dive into the world of food grade filament and unlock a new level of creativity in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

What Exactly is a "Food Safe Filament"?

The term "food safe" or "food grade filament" means more than just being non-toxic. It refers to a 3D printing material that can safely come into contact with food without leaching harmful chemicals or contaminants. There are several key considerations:

  • Material Composition: The base polymer must be inherently safe for food contact. This means using virgin (new) filament, not recycled materials which could contain unknown contaminants.
  • Additives and Colourants: Many filaments contain additives to improve printing performance or colour. For a filament to be truly food safe, these additives must also be certified as safe for food contact.
  • Regulatory Compliance: In Australia, materials intended for food contact must be fit for purpose and comply with guidelines set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). While there are no specific regulations for home 3D printing, commercial businesses must ensure any food-contact items they produce meet these standards.

Essentially, a food safe filament is one where the entire supply chain, from raw polymer to the final spool, has been managed to ensure purity and safety for food contact applications.

Why PETG is the Go-To for Food Safe 3D Printing

While materials like PLA have their place, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) consistently comes out on top as the premier choice for food safe PETG applications. It strikes an excellent balance between safety, durability, and printability.

A collection of 3D printed cookie cutters made from coloured PETG filament.

Key PETG Properties for Food Safety

  • Certified and Accepted: PETG is widely accepted as food contact safe and is approved by the FDA in the USA for food contact, a standard often recognised in Australia.
  • Non-Toxic and BPA-Free: High-quality PETG does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) and does not leach harmful chemicals into food.
  • Excellent Chemical Resistance: It holds up well against acids, bases, and oils, meaning it won't degrade when in contact with various foods.
  • Good Heat Resistance: PETG can withstand temperatures up to 70-80°C, making it more suitable than PLA for items that may contact warm food or be washed in warm water.
  • Durable and Impact Resistant: It’s a tough material, meaning your cookie cutters or utensils won't easily snap during use.

Important Limitations to Consider

Even the best food safe PETG has a critical vulnerability inherent to FDM 3D printing: porous layer lines. The microscopic gaps between printed layers are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. For this reason, 3D printed items are generally not recommended for long-term food storage or contact with raw meat unless they are properly sealed. Furthermore, PETG is not dishwasher safe at high temperatures, as the heat can cause warping and create micro-cracks, worsening the bacteria issue.

Best Practices for Food Safe Printing in Australia

Creating genuinely food safe items involves more than just choosing the right filament. Your printing process is just as important. Follow these steps for responsible food safe printing in Australia.

  1. Use a Dedicated, Clean Setup: To avoid cross-contamination, use a dedicated nozzle for your food-safe projects. Crucially, use a stainless steel nozzle instead of a standard brass one. Brass nozzles can contain small amounts of lead, which can leach into your prints. Keep your print bed exceptionally clean.
  2. Choose High-Quality Virgin Filament: Always source your filament from a reputable supplier like Blue Ember that can provide information on material composition. For food-contact items, avoid recycled filaments. Our PETG Black and PETG White are popular choices for clean, professional-looking kitchen tools.
  3. Optimise Print Settings: Print at a slightly higher temperature and with a lower layer height. This promotes better layer adhesion, reducing the size of the gaps where bacteria can hide.
  4. Apply a Food-Safe Coating: For any item that will be reused or have prolonged food contact, sealing the print is the most important step. Applying a certified food-safe epoxy resin or sealant will create a smooth, non-porous, and easily washable surface. This step effectively eliminates the risk of bacteria hiding in layer lines.
A box of Christmas themed cookie cutters made with PETG filament.

The demand for custom 3D printed items is growing rapidly in Australia, from small bakeries to home enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular applications for food safe filament:

  • 3D Printed Cookie Cutters: This is the number one application. They are perfect for short-term, single-use contact with dough. Both PETG and PLA filaments are excellent for this, but PETG offers superior durability.
  • Fondant & Cake Decorating Tools: Custom embossers, texture mats, and cutters allow for incredible creativity in baking.
  • Chocolate Molds: PETG's better heat resistance makes it a good candidate for molds, provided they are properly sealed to achieve a glossy, food-safe surface.
  • Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets: With a food-safe coating, you can create spatulas, spoon rests, measuring scoops, and custom organisational tools.
  • Drink Accessories: Items with indirect contact like bottle holders, coasters, and drink markers are fantastic and safe projects.

While ABS filament is a common 3D printing material, it is not recommended for food contact applications due to the potential for styrene to leach into food.

Frequently Asked Questions about Food Safe PETG

Is all PETG filament food safe?

No, not necessarily. The "food safe" status depends on the manufacturer using virgin, FDA-compliant base resin and ensuring that any colourants or additives are also certified food-safe. Always buy food grade filament from a trusted supplier that is transparent about their materials.

Can I put my 3D printed PETG items in the dishwasher?

It is not recommended. While PETG has better heat resistance than PLA, the high temperatures in most dishwashers (especially during the drying cycle) can cause the print to warp or deform. This can also create micro-cracks in the surface, making it harder to clean and increasing the risk of bacteria. Always hand wash with warm, soapy water.

Do I really need to seal my prints with a food-safe coating?

It depends on the application. For single-use items like cookie cutters that only touch dough for a few seconds, it's less critical. However, for any item that will be reused, used with wet foods, or have prolonged contact (like a spatula or a cup), sealing is essential to create a non-porous, truly food-safe surface.

What's the best way to clean 3D printed kitchen tools?

Hand wash immediately after use with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use a soft brush to gently clean any crevices. Avoid abrasive sponges that could scratch the surface. You can also sanitise items using a food-safe sanitising solution.

3D Printing PETG