PET vs HDPE Plastic

PET vs HDPE Plastic

Launch a new brand, but can’t decide your packaging materials? Plastic is a more cost-effective choice, but there are too many types of plastics. Choosing which type is best for your product may be a minefield! PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are the two most popular choices in the food, beverage, beauty, and chemical industries; but what are the main differences between them?

Opacity

The most obvious difference between PET plastic and HDPE plastic is opacity. PET is usually transparent, which makes it a perfect choice for displaying colorful beverages, or even just to make it easier for you to have labels and brands that will not conflict with the color of your container.

HDPE is translucent, which means it is opaque from a distance, but it also allows you to see the filling level of the product through the material at close range.

Barriers

PET plastic is strong but light and flexible; it looks very much like glass. It acts as a strong barrier to prevent water vapor, gas, oil, alcohol, and dilute acid, making it a perfect packaging choice for food and beverages. It is essential to prevent product contamination.

On the other hand, HDPE is hard and has a natural milky white surface treatment. The strength of the material means that the plastic is difficult to crack, making it a suitable packaging choice for food and beverages, as well as chemicals and industrial cleaning products!

Recycling capacity

In terms of recycling, there is not much difference between the two plastics. Approximately 92% of local councils collect PET and HDPE; so be sure to write clearly on your product label to ensure that your packaging is disposed of responsibly. PET plastic can be recycled into a variety of new materials, including fabrics and new food packaging, while HDPE can be turned into garden furniture, trash cans, and pipes!

So, which method is right for your product?

HDPE Plastic Bottle

Based on the above differences, you can decide for yourself which plastic is suitable for your product. If you are still struggling to choose, we have made a list of the most common products, packaged with each material to help you.

PET: water bottles, soda bottles, food cans, oven-ready trays, jam bottles.

HDPE: baby bottles, chemical barrels, jam jars, children's toys, household and kitchen utensils, cable insulation, carrier bags.

We are HDPE plastic bottle suppliers. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our products.