Differences Between PET and PETG Sheets

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) are both commonly used thermoplastic sheets. However, they differ in performance, processing methods, and applications. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Main Composition

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
  Made from terephthalic acid (PTA) and ethylene glycol (EG) through polymerization. It is a standard polyester plastic.
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)
  A modified version of PET with added glycol, making it more flexible and impact-resistant.

 Physical Properties

Processing Characteristics

Environmental & Recycling

• PET: 100% recyclable, widely used in food packaging and beverage bottles.
• PETG: Also recyclable, but slightly more complex due to glycol modification.

Typical Applications

Cost

• PET: More affordable, as it is a standard polyester material with a widespread supply.
• PETG: Slightly more expensive due to its modified formula and enhanced properties.

Selection Guide

• If you need rigidity, heat resistance, and lower cost → Choose PET
• If you require flexibility, high transparency, and easy processing → Choose PETG

Overall, PET is ideal for standard applications, while PETG is preferred in high-end packaging, medical, and advertising industries due to its superior impact resistance and ease of processing.

Features 

•  Weather resisting: Strong surface hardness and good weather resisting property.

•  Transparency: Perfect transparency and the light transmittance with 93%.

•  Electrical insulation : Excellent electrical insulation, very light in weight

•  Plasticity: High plasticity, processing and shaping easier
Applications 

•  Advertisement:Silk screen printing, engraving materials, exhibition board,denoters;

•  Building& Decoration: Decorative sheets for outdoors and indoors, storage racks;

•  Vessel&Vehicle: Interior decorating materials of buses, train, subway, steamships;

•  Furniture: Office furniture, kitchen cabinet, bathroom cabinet;

•  Industrial Application: Thermoformed products, environmental protection engineering;

•  Others: Moulding board, beach moisture proof, wart materials, all kinds of light partition plates.

FAQ: PET vs PETG Sheets

What is the difference between PET and PETG in terms of transparency?

• PET has high transparency, but PETG has even better optical clarity, making it ideal for applications where high transparency is crucial, such as in high-end packaging and display signage.

Can PET and PETG be used for food packaging?

• Yes, both PET and PETG are used for food packaging. PET is commonly found in beverage bottles and food containers, while PETG is used for more premium food packaging due to its superior clarity and flexibility.

Which material is more flexible, PET or PETG?

• PETG is more flexible and less brittle than PET. It can withstand impacts better, making it suitable for applications requiring toughness, such as medical trays or industrial guards.

Is PETG easier to process than PET?

• Yes, PETG is easier to process compared to PET. It requires lower temperatures for thermoforming and can be printed without additional surface treatments. PET typically requires higher temperatures and surface preparation.