PET, PP, PE: choose the right plastic for packaging
These are the three most common plastic families for rigid packaging. Each type serves a different function. Choosing incorrectly will affect product quality and brand story.
PET, PP, and PE are the three thermoplastic families that make up most of the bottle, jar, tube, and film packaging on the market. PET is clear, lightweight, and has good gas barrier properties; PP is chemically inert and heat resistant; PE is flexible and has good moisture barrier properties. You need to understand the characteristics of each type to choose correctly based on the contents, not just based on habit or price.
- the bottle needs to showcase the product
- Heat-resistant cream jar and lid.
- moisture-proof soft tube
- film and plastic bags
- a green brand that has not yet used recycled materials
- the product requires very high oxygen barrier using single-layer PP or PE
When it comes to rigid packaging for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or food, most bottles, jars, tubes, and films on the market belong to one of three plastic families: PET, PP, or PE. From the outside, they may look similar. However, in terms of technical properties, each type serves a specific function. Choosing the wrong one will directly affect the quality of the product inside, the printing capabilities, and even the sustainability story of the brand.
PET, PP, PE what are they
These three plastic families are all thermoplastics, meaning they can be melted and shaped using molds. Each type is identified by a code engraved on the bottom of the packaging, according to the code system established by SPI in 1988, now managed by ASTM under the ASTM D7611 standard.
- PET (polyethylene terephthalate), code 1: Clear, lightweight material with a glossy surface. Provides good moisture barrier and moderate oxygen barrier for most common applications, no additional coating needed. Commonly used for drinking bottles, toner bottles, syrup bottles, juice containers. The amber version (brownish-yellow) protects light-sensitive products.
- PP (polypropylene), code 5: Moderately rigid, slightly opaque or milky clear, inert to acids, alkalis, alcohols, oils, and most organic solvents. Better heat resistance than PET. Moderate moisture barrier, but poor oxygen barrier. Commonly used for cream jars, screw caps, and heat-resistant food containers.
- PE (polyethylene), code 2 for HDPE and code 4 for LDPE: Flexible, good moisture barrier. LDPE (softer) is used for films, bags, shrink film. HDPE (harder) is used for pill bottles, shampoo bottles, cleaning bottles. Both have poor oxygen barrier properties.
The common feature of PP and PE is their low surface energy, meaning inks and adhesives do not adhere naturally. Printers must treat the surfaces with corona or plasma before printing directly on these two types. This is information you need to confirm with the contract manufacturer.
When to choose, when not to
Below is the decision framework based on actual functionality:
- Choose PET when: the product needs to showcase the contents through the bottle. PET also provides moisture and gas barrier properties at a good level without needing an additional coating, making it suitable for beverages, toners, serums, syrups, and cooking oil. This is also the choice if you want packaging that is easier to recycle than the other two types.
- Choose PP when: the contents are creams, oils, products with alcohol, or light solvents. PP is also suitable when the packaging is exposed to heat, such as microwave-safe containers or heat-resistant screw caps. Choose PP when you need a sturdy, chemically inert bottle that is less prone to deformation when the cap is tightened.
- Choose PE when: you need flexible, squeezable packaging like tubes, plastic bags, or shrink film. PE is suitable when moisture barrier is a priority, material cost is important, and the product does not require oxygen barrier.
- Do not choose virgin plastic when: The brand positions itself as sustainable but does not have a post-consumer recycled (PCR) version or a recovery plan. Virgin plastic undermines the green story even if the design looks "natural."
- Do not use single-layer PP or PE when: the product needs a high level of oxygen barrier, such as easily oxidizable food. These two types have poor oxygen barrier properties and need to be combined with an additional barrier layer or switched to a complex laminated film.
- Not a good choice for the pure premium segment: PET plastic is quite clear, but the hand feel and inertness still do not match glass in the eyes of premium consumers.
Costs, time and quantity
The material costs of all three plastic families are in the low to moderate range compared to glass or metal. However, if you need bottles in a custom shape, the mold cost is a separate initial investment with the bottle supplier. Bottle molds typically have significant costs and require a large enough production volume to break even. You should ask the supplier directly before deciding on a custom shape.
If using pre-existing bottles from the supplier's sample stock, the production time is much shorter compared to ordering a new mold. In the case of custom shapes, the total time from design confirmation to receiving the goods can extend several weeks, depending on the factory and the complexity of the mold.
Food contact plastic packaging in Vietnam must meet QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT of the Ministry of Health. You need to confirm this requirement with the supplier and request to see the product declaration documents along with the test results according to the standards.
Regarding printing costs: Sinh Vũ does not guarantee printing prices and does not represent the printing house. For all production quotes, you need to confirm directly with the printer or bottle supplier.
Documents to prepare before choosing plastic
To choose the right plastic family and work effectively with suppliers, you should prepare the following information in advance:
- Content containing: What the product is, whether it is liquid or solid, contains oil, alcohol, acid, or special ingredients.
- Number of SKUs: how many product codes and the volume of each type.
- Sustainability requirements: Does the brand have a green positioning, need a PCR version, or have a recovery plan?
- Market and regulations: selling in Vietnam or exporting, whether the product comes into contact with food according to QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT.
- Expected production volume: to consider whether to create a custom mold or use existing bottle samples.
- Timeline: The date you need the actual goods to plan backward for the design and production time.
By confirming the material from this information before finalizing the shape, you will avoid the situation of completing the design only to find out that it cannot be produced with the chosen plastic.
Decision checklist
Topic: PET, PP, PE plastics: how to differentiate for the right choice. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Tick each item that applies or that you can already answer, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
This article provides general information according to the documents in effect as of October 6, 2026. This is not legal advice and does not substitute for a lawyer's opinion for your specific case. Rights and obligations between Sinh Vũ and clients arise only according to the signed contract.
References
Propacks (Plastic Recycling Codes 1 to 7 Explained); BlueSky Solutions (Understanding Plastic Types); Wikipedia (Resin identification code, ASTM D7611); ChemLinked (Vietnam Food Contact Material Regulation QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT); Sinh Vũ's practical experience.
Frequently asked questions
How do PET and PP bottles differ, and can they be distinguished by sight?
PET bottles are usually clearer, have a shiny surface, and produce a distinct sound when tapped. PP bottles tend to be slightly opaque or milky, and feel a bit softer. The most reliable way to identify them is to check the resin identification code engraved on the bottom: PET is code 1, PP is code 5. When requesting a quote from the supplier, confirm the plastic code in the technical documentation.
Can PP and PE be recycled, or do we need to use PET for environmental friendliness?
PET is the most widely recycled plastic today and has a more common collection infrastructure. Technical recycled PP is available, but the actual collection and recycling rates are significantly lower than PET. Soft film PE (LDPE) is usually only accepted at specific collection points and does not enter the mainstream recycling stream. If your brand wants a credible sustainability story, you should ask your supplier about the post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic version corresponding to each type of plastic.
What regulations must food contact plastic packaging in Vietnam meet?
Bottles, jars, tubes, and films made from PET, PP, and PE that come into direct contact with food in Vietnam must meet QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT of the Ministry of Health regarding the safety of synthetic plastic utensils and packaging. You need to determine whether the product comes into contact with food and clearly state this requirement in the technical documentation sent to the supplier and request the corresponding certification.
This article is for reference. The scope, pricing, and specific commitments of Sinh Vũ are detailed in the proposal and signed contract.