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PVC vs. PET Plastic Packaging

Posted by Jane White on

pvc vs pet packagingThere are numerous plastic materials used to produce packaging, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have become exceptionally popular for packaging solutions in recent years. Each type of plastic packaging has its own unique advantages and applications in various industries. 

At Printex Transparent Packaging, we offer a variety of plastic packaging options for our customers and can assist in selecting the ideal material. This blog post provides an overview of PVC and PET plastics and offers a comparison of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

What Is PET Plastic? 

PET is undeniably the most common thermoplastic resin of the polyester family due to a high-strength barrier that resists elements and outside tampering. PET is extensively used in the production of fiber for clothing and thermoforming for manufacturing. It is also widely used in the manufacture of containers for liquids and food items. PET is a strong and inert material that doesn’t react with food and beverages, making it ideal for packaging food items.

What Is PVC Plastic?

PVC is arguably one of the most commonly used plastic polymers after PET and polypropylene. PVC is a plastic made through a process known as suspension polymerization. This process produces hard, rigid structures that withstand harsh impacts and extreme temperatures. These properties make PVC useful in the manufacturing of cables, roofing materials, pipes and hoses, faux leather clothing, flooring applications, and commercial signage.

PET Plastic Packaging: Pros & Cons 

Some of the advantages of PET for packaging include:

  • PET is 100% recyclable and one of the most recycled plastics globally. This makes PET environmentally friendly and a sustainable product for packaging. 
  • PET has the ability to take on colorants very well and demonstrates excellent adherence qualities for external printing
  • PET is safe for storing food.
  • PET plastic boasts increased durability, this makes it suitable for almost all thermoformed packaging designs.
  • PET plastic packaging is lightweight, transparent, and shatterproof. Though lightweight, PET is still strong enough to withstand outside elements for a myriad of applications.
  • PET plastic offers more versatility because it can be thermoformed for a variety of applications

PET also has a few disadvantages:

  • PET plastic has a lower heat resistance.
  • PET plastic is partially derived from crude oils.

PVC Plastic Packaging: Pros & Cons 

Here are some pros of PVC plastic packaging:

  • PVC features excellent tensile strength and good resistance to chemicals and alkalis. 
  • PVC ranks well for hardness and durability.
  • PVC boasts exceptional versatility, facilitating a multitude of shapes, designs, and product types.
  • PVC is compatible with most shrink-wrap machinery.

PVC also has some drawbacks to consider:

  • PVC emits hydrogen chloride when burned, which can pose health hazards. 
  • Most U.S. municipal authorities do not accept PVC in consumer recycling programs. 
  • Clear PVC often has a light blue tint compared with Clear PET which is virtually clear.

Plastic Packaging From Printex Transparent Packaging

PVC and PET are two types of plastic packaging used frequently in manufacturing. Although these two types of plastic may often appear identical to an untrained eye, several differences set them apart. If you need help choosing the best material for your specific application, don’t hesitate to contact Printex Transparent Packaging. We are committed to helping you select the ideal material for your needs and walk with you from initial conception and design through final delivery. 

To see how our plastic packaging capabilities can benefit your operation, please contact us today or request a quote.

  • Eco-PET Series can help your company meet its Sustainability goals for 2025 and onwards!

    Our new Eco-PET Series is made from 25% or 50% or 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) PET and it is Recycled and Manufactured domestically here in North America. We are North America’s largest clear folding box manufacturer and the largest to use 100% PCR PET made domestically, here in the United States. Our new Eco-PET Series is made in America and is manufactured into clear folding boxes at both our locations in North America.

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    Eco-PET Series-PTP

  • Clear Folding Boxes and Cartons

    Printex Transparent Packaging manufacturers custom clear box packaging to make any product dramatically stand out on the shelf. Custom designed packaging in unlimited box styles and semi rigid bag configurations! We create all types of clear plastic cartons and boxes for a variety of industries. Offering a full range of decoration options for your package design including offset print, silk screen print, embossing, hot stamping, foil stamping and even a custom fragrance to your packaging! As a full-service shop, we can design your clear plastic packaging boxes from start to finish.

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    Perfume Bottle Packaging

  • Window Boxes

    A duo-carton utilizing foil laminated SBS paperboard attached to clear PET plastic. This vibrant package attracts the eye with its foil accents on the SBS as well as on the clear window area. This window box has opaque as well as translucent print. The PET Plastic part of the box is made from post-consumer recycled material. Recycled water bottles given a new useful life instead of going to land fill.

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    PET clear packaging

  • Clear Tube Packaging

    Don’t hide what’s inside! Clear plastic tubes and cylinders give products high visibility. Opaque and translucent print showcase eye-catching graphics and brand information while Clear PET brings the product closer to the consumer. This clear plastic tube packaging ships flat for efficient transport and storage until filled with product.

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    PET Clear Packaging Feature Section

  • Clear boxes for Automated Assembly

    PET carton erecting made simple with clear printed boxes made for automated assembly. Talk to us about your RF scoring requirements for automated packaging. PRINTEX TRANSPARENT PACKAGING has been using RF technology for over 30 years and is constantly updating both our understanding of the process and the machinery that makes the best use of its capabilities.

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    PET Clear Packaging Feature

  • Clip Strips and Gravity Feeders

    Semi-permanent Point-of-purchase (POP) displays give manufacturers a distinct advantage in the market. PRINTEX TRANSPARENT PACKAGING uses semi rigid plastics to create sturdy and attention-commanding displays that truly present your product in the best light. Ask us about, gravity feeds, DVD displays, brochure pockets, clip strips, shelf flags, neckhangers and on-pack bonus packaging.

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    PET Clear Packaging Feature

Additional Capabilities

Design Services Prototyping Foil Stamping Window Pick & Place Silk Screen Printing