Understanding the Differences Between PET and rPET: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing between PET and rPET packaging is no longer just a materials decision – it’s a key lever in meeting sustainability commitments while maintaining performance and reliability. For B2B buyers navigating regulatory pressure, cost control, and operational demands, understanding how PET and rPET differ in real-world applications is essential.

Below, we highlight the considerations that matter most when specifying containers and closures for professional use.

 

What Is PET? The Performance Standard Buyers Trust

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a durable plastic from the polyester family – the same group of materials used in textile fibres. When used for packaging, PET is specifically engineered to deliver strength, clarity, and consistency.

At MPS, our PET packaging is manufactured using Injection Stretch Blow Moulding (ISBM), a process that produces containers that are:

  • Lightweight, helping to reduce transport costs and carbon emissions
  • Crystal clear, providing a premium, glass-like appearance on the shelf
  • Virtually unbreakable, improving handling efficiency and consumer safety

 

These qualities make PET an excellent choice for high-speed filling lines and large-scale distribution, aligning with the key priorities of procurement and operations teams.

What Is rPET? Recycled Content with Growing Industrial Maturity

rPET (recycled PET) is produced by collecting post-consumer PET, reprocessing it through washing, flaking, and re-polymerisation, and converting it back into food-grade resin.

From a sustainability standpoint, rPET delivers clear advantages:

  • Significantly reduced carbon footprint versus virgin PET
  • Alignment with EU circular economy legislation
  • Support for brand-level recycled content commitments

Technically, modern rPET – when sourced and processed correctly—can meet the same intrinsic viscosity (IV) requirements as PET, making it suitable for blow-moulded containers with standard neck finishes.

PET vs rPET: Key Differences That Matter to Buyers

  1. Material Consistency and Supply Chain Reliability

PET offers predictable availability and batch-to-batch consistency. rPET availability, however, is influenced by:

  • Collection rates
  • Recycling infrastructure
  • Regional/council recycling capacity
  1. Filling Line Performance and Operational Efficiency

From an operational perspective, properly specified rPET containers can run efficiently on existing filling lines. That said, certain factors require attention:

  • Higher rPET content can introduce minor variations in colour consistency
  • Resin variability may influence stretch behaviour during injection stretch blow moulding if not tightly controlled

Experienced manufacturers address these challenges through process optimisation, targeted preform design adjustments, and rigorous incoming material qualification. The result is containers that maintain dimensional accuracy and reliable neck finish performance.

For buyers, this means rPET does not need to result in increased downtime – when supported by the right technical expertise.

  1. Appearance and Performance Considerations

PET typically delivers crystal-clear transparency. rPET may show a subtle grey or ‘smoky’ appearance depending on recycled content levels.

For many B2B applications—especially industrial, foodservice, or sustainability-led brands—this visual difference is acceptable or even desirable, reinforcing recycled content claims without compromising functionality.

Material Selection: Not a Simple Either/Or

For many buyers, the optimal solution is not choosing PET or rPET – but defining the right blend strategy:

  • 30-50% rPET to balance sustainability and consistency
  • 100% rPET where regulatory approvals and performance allow
  • Virgin PET for technically demanding or appearance-critical SKUs

MPS can assist in testing the different blends to suit your requirements.

Talk to MPS

If you’re evaluating PET or rPET containers and closures, the MPS team is ready to support you with samples, technical consultations, and tailored quotations. Get in touch to explore solutions that meet your operational needs while supporting your sustainability goals.

Email: sales@mps-europe.com

Telephone: 01670 522003

A Beginner’s Guide to PET Plastic Packaging

PET is everywhere in modern packaging – and for good reason. If you’re sourcing containers for food, beverage, household, or personal care products, understanding what PET plastic is and why it’s so widely used can help you make better decisions for performance, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

 

What is PET Plastic?

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a durable plastic from the polyester family – the same group of materials used in textile fibres. When used for packaging, PET is specifically engineered to deliver strength, clarity, and consistency.

At MPS, our PET packaging is manufactured using Injection Stretch Blow Moulding (ISBM), a process that produces containers that are:

  • Lightweight, helping to reduce transport costs and carbon emissions
  • Crystal clear, providing a premium, glass-like appearance on shelf
  • Virtually unbreakable, improving handling efficiency and consumer safety

 

These qualities make PET an excellent choice for high-speed filling lines and large-scale distribution, aligning with the key priorities of procurement and operations teams.

Key Advantages of PET Packaging:

When compared with other plastic materials, PET consistently stands out for its optimal balance of performance and efficiency.

  1. Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio
    PET containers deliver high strength without unnecessary weight. This enhances pallet utilisation, reduces freight costs, and supports emissions-reduction goals throughout the supply chain.
  2. Exceptional Product Visibility
    PET’s inherent transparency allows products to be clearly visible, offering a compelling alternative to glass—without the risk of breakage.
  3. High Speed Filling without Compromise 

PET containers are manufactured to tight tolerances with precise neck finishes, ensuring dependable performance on high-speed filling and capping equipment. This consistency minimises downtime, reduces rejects, and improves overall line efficiency.

 

At MPS, our containers are designed to integrate seamlessly with standard industry neck finishes and matched closure systems, helping manufacturers maintain throughput, quality, and control.

PET vs Other Plastics: 

Feature PET HDPE PP
Transparency Excellent Opaque Semi-opaque
Recyclability  Very High High Moderate
Rigidity High Meddium  Medium
Filling Line Precision Excellent Good Good

 

This is why PET is often the preferred choice for applications where product visibility, recyclability, and dimensional accuracy matter.

Why Is PET the World’s Most Recycled Plastic?

PET’s chemical structure is the key. Unlike many other plastics, PET can be melted down and reprocessed multiple times without losing its core mechanical integrity. This makes it ideal for closed-loop recycling, where used bottles are turned back into food-grade packaging.

How rPET Fits In

Recycled PET (rPET) uses post-consumer material while retaining the same functional properties as virgin PET when properly processed.

Expert advice:

MPS supports a wide range of PET and rPET blends, helping customers balance sustainability goals with technical and regulatory requirements.

High-quality rPET containers require both the right material and precise tooling. Consistent wall thickness, exact neck finishes, and tightly controlled processing are vital for smooth, reliable operation on filling lines.

Looking for the Right PET Solution?

Whether you’re evaluating rPET solutions, assessing filling line efficiency, or designing a new container format, expert technical guidance is essential. The MPS team is available to support you with:

  • Samples and material advice
  • Technical consultations on PET grades and neck finishes
  • Quotations for PET and rPET containers and closures

 

Connect with us to find a packaging solution that’s efficient, profitable, and sustainable:

Email: sales@mps-europe.com

Telephone: 01670 522003

MPS Guide to Developing a New PET Container

When looking to design a new PET container using our two-stage PET blow moulding process this involves the preform and blow moulding stages. Below is a series of steps from the design process to the delivery of your container/bottle.

Define & Development:

  • The intended use – Food, Beverage, Personal Care, Home Care, Pharmaceutical etc.
  • What’s already in the market – gathering information, including your competitor information and any potential patents.
  • Deciding on the shape, taking into consideration the material, the contents, weight (g) required and planned closure(s) to be used – note that we manufacture some of our own caps.

Design:

  • We can simply take as little as a rough sketch on a piece of paper and develop the product with our mould partner.
  • Generation of CAD/Product Specification, including critical dimensions
  • Customer feedback – potential changes or/and improvements.
  • 3D print (optional) – although this will be in PLA material but to scale.
  • Sign off to proceed building the mould.

Creating the mould:

  • This can be as little as 8 weeks from approval to delivery of the mould into the UK.
  • We have worked with our mould partner for many years with great success!

Trialling and testing:

  • On delivery of the mould at MPS we’d initially produce samples and trials to ensure that we are meeting your requirements, including the packing configuration on the pallet.
  • Taking your product into full production

Long-Term Food Storage in Plastic Containers: Can You Do It?

Just to be clear, this isn’t about giving your leftovers a home for tomorrow’s lunch; we’re talking about getting savvy with our supplies and maxing out their lifespan – but without compromising on quality or safety.

Intrigued? Let’s explore everything from picking the right containers to practical tips that make storing easy-peasy! Not forgetting how such choices can impact our planet too.

A little forewarning: you might end up seeing plastic containers in a whole new light after this…

Understanding Long-Term Food Storage in Plastic Containers

Storing food long-term in plastic containers is common, but not all plastics are equal. The right container can keep your food fresh and safe to eat.

Moulded PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic containers from MPS Europe, for instance, are a great choice. They’re robust, resistant to bacteria and mould growth due to their non-porous nature.

It’s crucial though that the seal on these containers remains intact over time; otherwise it might lead to spoilage or contamination of stored foods. This is because air exposure can change the texture and taste of your goodies – nobody wants stale biscuits.

To get optimal results with long-term storage using plastic containers, you must understand their properties fully.

The Right Plastic Containers for Long-Term Food Storage

Different plastics possess diverse characteristics that can affect the quality and safety of your food products.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a top choice due to its non-reactive nature. PET containers don’t leach chemicals into stored food, maintaining its freshness over time.

But let’s not forget High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Known for their durability and chemical resistance, HDPE containers are perfect for storing dry foods like cereals or pasta. With these options at hand, you’re well-equipped to preserve the flavour and nutritional value of your goods.

Practical Tips for Storing Food in Plastic Containers

The right approach to storing food in plastic containers can significantly prolong its shelf life. First, it’s essential to use clean and dry containers. Any residual moisture could lead to mould growth.

NHS guidelines recommend keeping your stored food at a cool temperature, ideally below 5°C.

Packing foods tightly and using the appropriate lid helps keep air out – an important step as oxygen can speed up decomposition. A vacuum sealer is a worthwhile investment for those intending to store considerable amounts of food.

Finally, remember that different types of food have different storage requirements. Some do well in room temperatures while others need refrigeration or freezing – so always check before stashing away.

The Impact of Long-Term Plastic Storage on Food Quality

This influence primarily affects the texture, flavour, and nutritional value.

The permeability of plastics to gases like oxygen is one issue. Even with tight lids, certain gases might seep into your stored goods over time. These reactions could lead to unwanted changes in taste or texture (Food Packaging: Principles and Practice).

Nutritional loss is another concern when using plastic for extended periods. Certain vitamins are light-sensitive, so clear containers may not be optimal for preserving them. Therefore, opaque or coloured PET containers offer more protection against nutrient degradation. That’s why we see supplements like protein powder in coloured plastic containers.

Environmental Considerations of Using Plastic Containers

Storing food in plastic containers can be practical, but what about the environmental impact? P.E.T. plastics are widely used for their strength and clarity, but they’re not just robust – they’re also recyclable.

Prices for PET have gone up due to increased demand and raw material expenses. This trend may push us towards more sustainable options.

A good move would be switching to reusable containers or ones made from recycled materials. Switching to reusables or recycled materials can drastically reduce waste, and even diminish production emissions by as much as 70%. So while PET is handy for long-term storage needs, we need to think green too.

FAQs about Storing Food Longterm in Plastic Containers?

Yes, but only certain types of plastics. BPA-free and food safe plastic containers are the best choices.

Absolutely, storing food in safe, clean and suitable food storage containers can help maintain freshness while avoiding contamination.

The lifespan of a container depends on usage and care. Typically, they last up to a year or more if used properly.

To keep your grub fresh longer, seal foods well inside high-quality vacuum-sealed bags or air-tight glass jars with desiccants thrown in too.

Conclusion

It’s a yes, but with care. You’ve got to pick the right types and handle them correctly.

You should now understand about different plastics and their perks or pitfalls. And you know how proper prep, sealing, and storage conditions can stretch out your supplies’ lifespan without risking quality or safety.

It’s clear that storing food in plastic containers isn’t just an easy-peasy solution for leftovers – it’s a tool for efficient living too. But let’s not forget our planet amidst this convenience – considering sustainability is key!

Above all else, remember: choosing wisely will make sure both your taste buds and Mother Earth thank you! So why wait? Get started today on this journey towards smart, safe and sustainable food storage.

Sweet Success with Moulded Jar Designs for Confectionery

Exploring Different Shapes and Sizes of Plastic Containers for Sweets and Confectionery
The production of moulded jar designs is diverse, offering an array of shapes and sizes to accommodate various confections. These containers are often made from plastic due to its durability, affordability, and flexibility in design.

The Role of Two-Color Molds in Jar Design

Two-colour molds play a crucial role in creating unique plastic jars. This technique uses two different colours to give depth and visual interest and can result in innovative container mold designs that stand out on the shelf.

Our research mentions numerous categories such as 2 color molds, bucket molds or cap molds used by brands worldwide to differentiate their products.

Understanding Bucket Molds

Bucket moulds cater well when larger storage capacity is needed for sweets. They make it easy to create large volume plastic jar moulds that retain strength even when filled with heavy goods.

Crate molds or homeware molds are other options depending on the product’s needs. Remember though: no matter which you choose; your decision should always consider what will best suit your sweets’ packaging requirements.

The Versatility of Silicone Resin Mold Jars

Whether you’re a crafter, confectioner, or just someone with a knack for DIY projects, silicone resin mold jars offer endless possibilities. They’ve become popular due to their durability and flexibility.

MPS Europe provides an extensive range of these molds in various shapes and sizes. These can be used not only for plastic sweet jars but for other food storage items. The list is virtually limitless.

Silicone Resin Molds: Practicality Meets Creativity

Silicone resin molds are remarkably straightforward to operate. All you need is some resin – add color if you fancy – pour into your chosen mold shape and wait for it to set.

In addition to this simplicity comes adaptability; whether crafting decorations or storing sweets and treats inside them — their uses are endless.

What is Polymer Manufacturing? A Guide for Businesses

Imagine moulding a material like clay, but it’s lighter and more durable. That’s what polymer manufacturing does for businesses. It offers the power to shape plastics into various forms using heat or pressure.

The versatility of polymers allows us to produce anything from simple round shaped containers to intricate custom designed sweet jars for confectionary.

Variety in Products

A major benefit is the sheer variety possible with polymer manufacturing. Think about PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), used widely in packaging due to its excellent water barrier properties and chemical resistance.

This plastic can be shaped into any form needed – bottles, trays, even car components. The potential is limitless when you have these materials to work with.

Sustainability Factor

In an era where sustainability is key, polymers are more appealing for plastic manufacturing. They’re recyclable and help reduce waste significantly compared to traditional materials such as glass or metal that often end up in landfills unprocessed.

Research published suggests recycling rates for plastics could improve if we invest more in innovative processing techniques like polymer manufacturing.

Economical Choice

Last but not least let’s talk money: Polymer products tend to be cheaper than their non-plastic counterparts because they require less energy during manufacture which translates into lower costs for businesses.

When you’re looking to cut costs and still deliver high-quality products, polymer manufacturing is the way to go. No wonder it’s becoming a staple in many industries today.

Types of Polymer Manufacturing

With the Polymer manufacturing process, plastic materials like P.E.T., can be categorised into several different types. These include addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation.

Addition Polymerisation

This is a popular method where monomers with double bonds are added together without losing any atoms. It’s regularly utilised in producing polymers such as polyethylene and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). This type of manufacture lets us get products that have high resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. Plus, it’s quite cost-effective.

Condensation Polymerisation

In contrast to addition polymerisation, condensation polymerisation involves the elimination of small molecules during the reaction process – usually water or methanol. Nylon and polyester are typical examples made using this technique.

Nylon: It has superb tensile strength – perfect for use in ropes or parachutes. Also great for its ability to return to its original shape after stretching.
Polyester: Known for its resilience against shrinking or creasing – think about your easy-care shirts. It also dries quickly which makes it handy in rainy weather.
Moulded plastics play an important role here too; they’re created through a process called injection moulding.

A fun fact: Did you know Lego bricks are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) using injection moulding?

SO in short, the different types of manufacturing processes – each one brings unique properties suited best for specific applications. When deciding which technique is best for your requirements, be sure to know precisely what those are.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Polymer fabrication could be a game-changer for companies, particularly in terms of reducing costs. This process offers several advantages that make it more economical than other production methods.

Firstly, polymers are generally less expensive than materials like glass or metal. But the real saving comes from their versatility and ease of shaping into various forms such as moulded plastic containers P.E.T., making them perfect for diverse product lines without needing separate machinery or processes. Injection moulding, one common polymer processing method, is known for its efficiency and low waste rates.

Economical Material Usage

The ability to recycle leftover polymer material further adds to cost-effectiveness. Unused scraps from one run can be melted down and reused in the next batch of products, reducing overall raw material costs.

Reduced Production Time

In addition to this, because polymer components don’t need extra finishing steps like painting or coating unlike metals, they move faster through the production line – saving both time and money on labour costs.

Savings on Transportation Costs

Last but not least is transportation – due to their lightweight nature compared with traditional materials; shipping these items often proves cheaper too.

FAQs about the Polymer Manufacturing process?

Polymers pack a punch for manufacturers because they’re lightweight, versatile, and durable. They can be moulded into various shapes and sizes to fit specific needs.

The polymer industry centres on creating synthetic materials like plastics, resins, fibres – stuff that comes from petrochemicals. It’s huge in sectors such as packaging, automotive, or construction.

All plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastic. Polymers cover a broader range of substances including proteins and DNA, while plastics refer to synthetic polymers with high molecular weight.

Polymer products pop up everywhere. Think Tupperware containers or PVC pipes. Even clothing made from polyester falls under this category.

Optimising Costs with Bulk Moulded Plastic Containers

Have you ever considered the simple beauty of a moulded plastic container?

Their strength is akin to an elephant’s durability, robust yet graceful. They can endure scorching heat and biting cold, perfect for safeguarding your beloved confectionery treats. And this tenacity doesn’t come at the cost of elegance – they’re lightweight too!

Budget-conscious? You’ll love how buying these containers in bulk won’t break your bank. Like a loyal friend on a shopping spree, they lighten not just physical load but financial stress as well.

From chocolate factories to bakeries across town or country borders, their versatility is impressive! But what if I told you there’s more to these unsung heroes than meets the eye?

Durability of Moulded Plastic Containers

One standout feature of food container manufacturing is their impressive durability. They’re built to last, handling both hot and cold extremes with ease. This resilience makes them an excellent choice for storing confectionery products.

Studies have shown that these plastic moulded containers can maintain structural integrity in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius or soaring up to 60 degrees Celsius. That’s like going from the freezing conditions at Antarctica’s peak winter to the scorching heatwaves of Dubai in summer.

The secret behind this robustness lies within the material itself – polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T.) durability and steadiness lets it stand up to different external conditions without sacrificing quality or safety.

This sturdiness doesn’t mean they are heavyweights though; far from it. In fact, they’re lightweight yet tough.

Making sure you get your hands on such reliable storage options not only ensures product safety but also offers peace of mind knowing your items are protected no matter what is thrown their way.

Cost-Effective Solution

Moulded plastic boxes can be a financially savvy alternative for organizations hoping to purchase in mass, as they are lightweight and simple to move.

Firstly, their light weight plays a significant role in reducing transportation costs. This might not seem like much initially but add up the savings over multiple deliveries and it becomes quite substantial.

Secondly, they’re produced on an industrial scale using efficient methods such as injection moulding. So whether you need hundreds or thousands of units, the price per container remains relatively low.

Durability Means Savings Too

A hidden saving comes from their durability – moulded plastic containers can take a beating and still function perfectly well. This means less waste due to damaged goods during transit or storage which directly impacts your bottom line.

The Environmental Impact Factor

Consumers are increasingly recognizing the importance of being eco-friendly, which can also have positive financial implications. Many companies have been able to leverage this by opting for PET plastics which are recyclable – another potential avenue of cost-saving if part of your company’s ethos includes sustainability practices.

  • You could potentially reduce disposal costs with recycling initiatives
  • Plus, win over customers by using eco-friendly marketing tactics

Versatility of Moulded Plastic Containers

From a broad perspective, the versatility of moulded plastic containers is their real strength. It’s not just the form, but also the function that makes our food grade containers so versatile.

Consider this: in confectionery production, packaging plays an integral role. A sweet treat needs protection from environmental factors that could impact its taste or quality. But here’s where moulded plastic containers show off their flexibility – they’re perfect for this task.

Moulding allows for creating bespoke shapes to match the product exactly, making these containers ideal even for oddly-shaped items. From round chocolates to square hard candies – you name it.

  • Bespoke shapes accommodate various products
  • Durable construction ensures safe transport
  • The lightweight nature makes handling easy

We all love our treats presented well and safely stored until we get them home. These adaptable boxes can make sure your sweets arrive as perfect as when they left the factory floor.

Catering To Various Industries With Custom Solutions

Moulded plastic containers are more than one-trick ponies though. They’ve been widely adopted across many industries due to their ability to be customised based on specific requirements.

In healthcare, robustness matters because medications need reliable packaging too. In logistics? Their light weight saves on shipping costs without compromising durability during transit. The list goes on…

So if you ask us at MPS Europe why we think moulded plastic containers have such widespread use – we’d say it’s all about versatility.

Call us on: (01670) 353 924

Email us: sales@mps-europe.com

Moulded Packaging Solutions Limited

Ennerdale Business Park, Ennerdale Rd, Blyth NE24 4RT, United Kingdom

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