When sourcing plastic bottles for your product, the two materials you'll most commonly choose between are PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Each has distinct properties that make it suited to different applications.
PET is a clear, lightweight plastic most commonly associated with soft drink and water bottles. It's produced through injection stretch blow moulding — typically starting with an injection-moulded preform that is then blown into the final bottle shape. PET is valued for its clarity, strength-to-weight ratio and barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide.
PET is the right choice for: food and beverage products where clarity matters, pharmaceutical and personal care products, and any application where you want customers to see the product inside.
HDPE is an opaque or translucent plastic known for its toughness and chemical resistance. It's produced through extrusion blow moulding and is the standard material for milk bottles, cleaning product containers and industrial chemical packaging. HDPE handles a wider range of chemicals than PET and is more resistant to impact.
HDPE is the right choice for: cleaning products, industrial chemicals, agricultural chemicals, personal care products that don't require clarity, and any product that needs robust impact resistance.
If your product is a food or beverage and you want consumers to see it — PET. If your product is a chemical, cleaning agent or industrial liquid — HDPE. If you're unsure, the best approach is to discuss your specific product, fill weight and end-use environment with your bottle manufacturer.
FormFill Group manufactures both PET and HDPE bottles from our South East Queensland facility. We can advise on the right specification for your product and application.