Although both are present in most plastic packaging and may look similar, they have different compounds. In addition to each one having characteristics that make them suitable for storing various products.
Differences
- The main difference between PET and HDPE plastics is their composition. Both are ethylene polymers, meaning that they are made up of various ethylene units.
- HDPE stands for High Density Polyethylene, and as its name implies, the molecular weight is higher than that of other polymers.
- PET stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate, composed mainly of tartaric acid (or also dimithe terephthalate) and ethylene glycol.
- HDPE is translucent and flexible, while PET is naturally amorphous-transparent crystalline.
- Adding color to HDPE can make it opaque but not shiny like PET.
- HDPE is an inexpensive material, resistant to impacts and provides a good barrier against moisture.
- There are different grades of PET, those with the lowest molecular weight are fiber grade, those with medium molecular weight, film grade and, with the highest molecular weight, engineering grade.
- They are also identified according to the system of the Society of Plastic Industries (SPI). Bottles made with PET have the number 1 at the bottom surrounded by three arrows and the HDPE the number 2.
One similarity is that both PET and HDPE plastics are recyclable.
Do you know which is the ideal one to store your product? To see our PET and HDPE plastic containers, click here.
In Villarreal Buenfil y Cía. we offer the highest quality and plastic containers that are perfect for storing and dispensing your products.
Visit our product catalog here, we will be happy to offer you a quote and thus ensure that your product has perfect functionality.
