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What is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)?

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is – together with polypropylene (PP) – one of the most widely used thermoplastic polymers.

Its main applications include blow-moulded bottles, films, trays, and deli containers. PET is resistant to diluted acids, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, oils, fats, and alcohols, but not resistant to halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, hot water, or alkaline solutions.

One of PET’s key advantages is its low gas permeability for oxygen and carbon dioxide, which makes it particularly suitable for food and beverage packaging. This barrier property allows PET to replace traditional packaging materials such as glass or metal in many areas.

There are two main types: A-PET (amorphous PET): clear and transparent, offering good impact strength and dimensional stability, but somewhat lower hardness and stiffness than semi-crystalline PET. It remains stable up to around +60 °C, but begins to crystallize at temperatures from about +80 °C. C-PET (semi-crystalline PET): opaque to milky in appearance, with high strength and temperature resistance. It can typically be used between –20 °C and +200 °C, although above about +80 °C the material becomes noticeably softer. Amorphous PET remains transparent up to about 5 mm wall thickness and shows good resistance to perchlorinated hydrocarbons.

Both A-PET and C-PET are fully recyclable (recycling code 01) and considered food-safe when produced in accordance with EU regulations.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – Properties & Applications

Criterion Description Practical relevance
Material type Thermoplastic from the polyester family; alongside polypropylene (PP) one of the most widely used plastics worldwide. Combines high strength, transparency and chemical resistance – ideal for food packaging.
Main applications Bottles, films, trays, delicatessen containers and thermoformed packaging. Widely used in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Chemical resistance Resistant to dilute acids, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, oils, fats and alcohols. Not resistant to halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, hot water and alkaline solutions. Suitable for most food and cosmetics applications; avoid contact with aggressive media.
Barrier properties Very low gas permeability for oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Excellent for preserving carbonated beverages, dairy products and vacuum packaging.
Thermal properties Depending on grade: A-PET (amorphous): up to approx. +60 °C C-PET (semi-crystalline): from –20 °C to +200 °C Choose grade according to application – A-PET for cold/ambient use, C-PET for hot applications.
A-PET (Amorphous PET) Transparent, glossy, good impact strength and dimensional stability; crystallises above +80 °C. Ideal for clear packaging, trays and lids; not suitable for microwave use.
C-PET (Semi-crystalline PET) Milky-opaque, higher stiffness and temperature resistance. Suitable for hot filling or ovenable trays; becomes slightly soft above +80 °C.
Optical properties A-PET remains transparent up to approx. 5 mm wall thickness; resistant to perchlorinated hydrocarbons. Enables high-quality, clear display packaging.
Recyclability Recycling code 01 (PET); fully recyclable with EU-compliant processing. Supports closed material loops; approved for food contact when using virgin material or certified rPET.

Note

PET combines transparency, strength and barrier performance and is therefore one of the most important materials in modern packaging. The appropriate grade (A-PET or C-PET) should always be selected based on temperature and product requirements.

Status: 2025 · Source: Bikapack Product Management · All information without guarantee.