One common question as packaging suppliers we get asked all the time is, “What is the difference between PET and HDPE plastic?” We understand that this may be something you have not encountered before so we wanted to create this article to help you understand what separates these two plastics from each other.
PET
Our PET plastic bottles and jars are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate. The benefits of Plastic Bottles made from PET over other plastics are that they have great barrier properties and are easily recycled under the code of 1. Common uses of PET bottles for cosmetic packaging are lotion bottles containing active essential oils, tinted bottles with pumps or sprays and packaging, pharmaceutical bottles and capsule bottles. One of the main limitations of Plastic Bottles made from PET especially for use in cosmetic packaging is its low heat tolerance, so when filling at higher heats other materials should be considered. In its uncoloured natural bottle state, PET Plastic Bottles are best described featuring a gloss finish and high clarity similar to water bottles. We utilise our ever-expanding stock moulds and shapes to manufacture in the colour as per your specific needs and then decorate with multi coloured screen printing to highlight your brand. Our PET Plastic Bottles are BPA free and made from food grade approved plastic resins.
HDPE
Our HDPE plastic bottles and jars are made from High Density Polyethylene. The benefits of Plastic Bottles made from HDPE over other plastics are that they have a good oxygen barrier, are squeezable, have great impact strength (i.e. if the product is dropped) and easily recycled under the code of 2. Our HDPE Plastic Bottles are also BPA free and made from food grade approved plastic resins. Common uses of HDPE bottles for personal care packaging are Shampoo and Conditioner packaging due to its squeezable nature, pet care packaging due to its impact strength and convenience plus more specific applications such as roll on deodorant packaging. One of the main limitations of Plastic Bottles made from HDPE especially for use in cosmetic packaging is when essential oils are used in higher levels, they will attack the inside walls of the bottle, causing the bottle to suck in or panel. HDPE In its uncoloured natural bottle state are best described featuring a matte finish and is cloudy semi opaque like milk or juice bottles. All of our HDPE bottles can also be made in any pantone colour and can be directly silk screen printed. For more information on PET and HDPE bottles please do not hesitate to get in touch with someone from our team. Hope to hear from you soon!