APET vs CPET

The difference?

APET and CPET are popular types of PET for food packaging, each with distinct features. However, PP, rPET, and DPET provide notable advantages in performance and recyclability. Choosing the right material depends on various factors, but at Plus Pack, we prioritize offering circular alternatives, which you can learn more about here.

Choosing the right packaging material

can be a challenging task

How do you choose the right circular packaging solution for your product, with so many options? It is important to choose the right packaging material for you and your customers needs. There are many plastic packaging materials, from APET, CPET, DPET to rPET and many more. We can help you choose the right material for you.

Understanding APET:

Key Features and Applications

Amorphous Polyethylene Terephthalate (APET) is a type of PET that is used in packaging due to its clarity, strength, and barrier properties. APET is a plastic material suitable for packaging for cold food like salads, sandwiches, dips and tapas products, ideal for the retail sector and to-go meals.

APET is an optimal material for cold meals, and the material even goes in the freezer if needed. There are clear and colour options of APET that can suit your design eeds. APET is easy-to-recycle by end consumer, supporting a circular economy.

Understanding CPET:

Key Features and Applications

Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET) is another variation of PET, known for its ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for microwave, oven (max 220° C), and freezer use. CPET is often used for meals that require heating, such as ready meals.

Alternative materials to

APET and CPET?

At Plus Pack, we offer a wide range of alternatives to traditional materials like APET and CPET. While these materials have their advantages, our core focus is on circular solutions such as rPET, PP and DPET, which provide significant benefits in sustainability, performance, and recyclability. Choosing the right material with Plus Pack involves considering the specific needs of your product, including temperature requirements, clarity, and environmental impact.

Understanding rPET

THE CIRCULAR ALTERNATIVE

Recycled PET (rPET) is a type of plastic in the PET family, made with a special three-layer design. The outer layers have a small amount of new PET, while the middle layer is made from recycled PET bottles and production scraps. This way, up to 85% of the material is recycled, but it’s still safe for food.

rPET is strong and can handle temperatures from -40°C to +70°C. It’s great at keeping out water, gases, and keeping food fresh. Its clear, glass-like look makes it ideal for packaging that shows off the food inside, like fresh salads. Plus, rPET is environmentally friendly. It can be recycled many times and burned for energy when it’s no longer useful.

rPET Packaging Solutions

THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS

At Plus Pack, we offer a variety of product lines made from rPET, each specially crafted to meet diverse needs. These ranges include:

The Cubus™ range is ideal for cold meals or snacks like fruits, nuts, salads, tapas, yoghurts, etc. All trays are made in clear rPET and fulfils the criteria for a circular packaging solution: it is clear mono-material, it contains 85% recycled content the trays are easy-to-recycle after use.

The Zen™ Platter offers optimal food presentation choices, available in clear or black colour. Now also available in three different sizes, you can find the right packaging solution for food like tapas, antipasti, and sushi. The Zen™ Platter is now made from recycled PET (rPET), which contains a minimum of 85% recycled content, and is easy to recycle. Even when the platter is stacked the slanted lids offer good visibility and a clear presentation of the food.

VistoPac™ is a range of multi-purpose trays. The black trays are made from recycled PET (rPET). Rib walls add strength to the trays while protecting the food. The crystal-clear dome lids can be closed with one hand for convenient filling. The snap-in feature of the lid provides secure closure. VistoPac™ is the ideal food packaging for antipasti, tapas, and sushi.

Understanding: When is Polypropylene

the Optimal Packaging Material?

PP is ideal for warm foods, whether filled hot or reheated before eating. Widely used for ready-to-heat meals in supermarkets and delis, PP is available in clear and colored versions. It can withstand temperatures from -40°C to 130°C, making it microwave safe.

FIT FOR FUTURE:

Mono-material
Designed to be recycled, thereby supporting a circular economy
Easy-to-recycle if clear or colored
Reclosable lid reduces food waste
Can be washed in dishwasher at 65⁰C for re-use

FIT FOR PURPOSE:

Clear lids with anti-fog feature
Lids with or without venting
Leak-proof closure to prevent spillage
Pull tabs for easy opening
Heat-sealing possible for longer shelf life
Can be customized with logo on lid and tray
Temperature range: -40°C to 121°C

At Plus Pack, we offer a variety of product lines made from PP, each specially crafted to meet diverse needs. Some of the most popular ranges includes:

The Bistro™ Warm PP Clear range is the ideal, sustainable food packaging for ready-to-heat meals such as pasta, rice, and stew dishes. The Bistro™ Warm PP Clear trays can be heated in the microwave oven and serve as an ideal and convenient solution for ready meals. They are made from clear PP, which is a sustainable mono-material that can be recycled. In fact, clear mono-materials are the easiest to recycle compared to other materials. Thus, these trays offer full support of the transition to a circular economy.

Shelfmater™ offers a wide variety of trays in various shapes and materials to meet the demands of the market. It is ideal for deli dishes such as salads and desserts. ShelfMaster™ is the ideal food packaging for salads, sliced fruit, and desserts.

Understanding DPET:

Why is DPET an ideal packaging material?

DPET is ideal for cold foods like salads, sandwiches, fruits, and tapas. Its glass-like clarity showcases food effectively, making it a popular choice for retail displays. DPET is used in various packaging solutions, providing versatile and attractive presentation options.

FIT FOR FUTURE:

Mono-material
Easy-to-recycle
DPET versions – reduced CO2 emissions during production
Clear material for easy sorting and recycling

FIT FOR PURPOSE:

Trays with same top-out – same lid fits several trays
Heat-sealing possible for longer shelf life
Crystal-clear
Temperature range: -40°C to 70°C

DPET Packaging Solutions

that fits your needs

At Plus Pack we have different product ranges made of DPET, specially craftet to suit various needs. It could be ranges such as:

Shelfmaster™ this range offers a wide variety of trays in various shapes and materials to meet the demands of the market. It is ideal for deli dishes such as salads and desserts. The Pronto option includes a spork for on-the-go convenience.

Deliwave™ small, round trays that are optimal for single servings or snacks. Add a spork with the SafeSnack feature for on-the-go convenience. These trays are made from either DPET or rPET – both recyclable materials that support a circular economy.

Smartview™ this range of trays is designed to fit a variety of needs. The SaladChef in DPET is ideal for cold ready meals. The MicroChef in CPET or PP Chalk is designed for warm ready-to-cook and ready-to-heat dishes.