PET, HDPE, PP, rPET, PLA — given the wide variety of plastics available, choosing the right packaging material is often a complex task. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison table and a practical decision tree to help you select the ideal material based on your product, your sector, and your requirements in terms of performance, cost and eco-design.
| Criterion | PET | HDPE | PP | rPET | PLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ Opaque | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lightness | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chemical resistance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Thermal resistance | 70°C | 80°C | 120°C ✅ | 70°C | 55°C ⚠️ |
| Autoclavable | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ 121°C | ❌ | ❌ |
| Recyclability | ♻️ n°1 | ♻️ n°2 | ♻️ n°5 | ♻️ n°1 | Specialist course |
| Bio-based | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ 100% |
| Compostable | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (industriel) |
| CO₂ footprint | Reference | Similar to PET | Low | 40% to 70% | 40% to 80% |
| Food contact | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (certified) | ✅ |
| Relative price | 💰💰 | 💰 | 💰 | 💰💰💰 | 💰💰💰 |
| Typical applications | Cosmetics, food | Pharma, chemicals | Pharmaceutical, medical | Eco-friendly cosmetics | Green cosmetics |
🌿 Does your brand have a strong commitment to environmental responsibility or CSR?
rPETSame quality as virgin PET, 40–70% less CO₂
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🌱 Are you looking for bio-based and/or compostable packaging?
PLAPlant-based bioplastic, industrially compostable
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🔥 Does your product require sterilisation or can it withstand temperatures above 80°C?
PPSeul plastique courant autoclavable (121°C)
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🛡️ Votre formulation est chimiquement agressive (solvants, acides, huiles) ?
HDPEMaximum chemical resistance, UV-protective opacity
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✨ Do you need transparency to showcase your product visually?
PETCrystal-clear transparency, top-rated recyclability
HDPE or PPDepending on requirements: chemical resistance (HDPE) or lightness/heat resistance (PP)
PET (transparent) or rPET (eco-friendly)
PLA for premium green product ranges
PP (autoclavable) or HDPE (liquids)
USP Class VI grades available
PP (pill dispensers, solids) + HDPE (liquids)
Resistance to disinfectants
HDPE (opaque) or PET (transparent)
Certified for food contact
PET or rPET depending on CSR commitments
HDPE for UV-sensitive formulas
rPET (performance) or PLA (bio-based)
Check your local recycling scheme
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