Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sourcing PET Plastic Jars

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a strong, lightweight, and transparent thermoplastic resin. In the packaging industry, it is the gold standard for brands seeking the clarity of glass with the durability of plastic.

It is identified by the Resin Identification Code #1.

PET is the industry standard for peanut butter and similar food spreads for three critical reasons:

• • Oxygen Barrier: Peanut butter has a high oil content prone to oxidation (rancidity). PET provides an excellent oxygen barrier that extends shelf life and preserves flavor.
• • Safety: Unlike glass, PET will not shatter if dropped in a kitchen environment or during stocking.
• • Hot Fill Capability (Limited): While standard PET has heat limits, specific "heat-set" PET processes allow for filling temperatures up to 185°F, which is necessary for pasteurized food safety.

While glass offers a premium weight, PET provides critical advantages for mid-market and scaling brands:

• • Shatter Resistance: Vital for bathroom-use products (like shower scrubs) and e-commerce shipping where breakage is a liability.
• • Lower Carbon Footprint: PET is significantly lighter than glass, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during transport.
• • Glass-Like Clarity: High-quality "Heavy Wall" PET jars mimic the look of glass, offering premium shelf appeal without the fragility.

While chemically similar, the critical difference lies in aesthetics and moldability.

• • PETG (The "Premium" Choice): PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is softer and allows for thicker wall molding without clouding. This enables brands to create heavy-wall containers that look and feel almost identical to glass.
• • PET (The "Standard" Choice): Standard PET is more rigid and cost-effective. While it is clear, it is difficult to mold into extremely thick walls without causing haziness or crystallization.

Yes, and this is a major consideration for sustainability teams.

• • Resin Codes: Standard PET is Resin Code #1. PETG is typically classified as Resin Code #7 (Other).
• • Contamination Risk: Because PETG has a much lower melting point than PET, it acts as a contaminant in the standard PET recycling stream. If PETG jars are mixed with PET bottles, they can melt prematurely in dryers, potentially ruining the recycled batch.

rPET stands for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate. It is plastic that has already been used by a consumer, collected, and reprocessed into new resin.

• • Brand Benefit: Using 30-100% rPET reduces the need for virgin plastic production.
• • Aesthetic Note: 100% rPET jars may have a slight grey or yellow tint, which many sustainable brands use as a visual selling point to prove their eco-credentials.

Yes, PET is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. However, the recyclability of your specific package depends on two major factors:

• • Components: The caps, labels, and liners must be compatible with the PET recycling stream.
• • Size Matters: According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), rigid packaging smaller than 2 inches (50mm) in two dimensions often falls through screens at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and ends up in landfill. To ensure your jar is captured, aim for a diameter or height greater than 2 inches.

To achieve "APR Preferred Design" status, follow these rules:

• • Keep it Clear: Unpigmented (clear) PET has the highest recycling value. Opaque colors can limit the material's second life.
• • Cap Material: Use caps made of Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE). In the recycling float/sink tank, PET sinks (density > 1.0) while PP and PE float (density < 1.0), allowing the cap to separate naturally from the jar flake.

Leakage is a top concern for e-commerce brands. To prevent it, you must address the "Land and Seal":

• • Liner Selection: You must use a liner inside the cap. PE Foam liners are good for general use, while Induction Heat Seals (IHS) provide the gold standard for leak prevention.
• • Thread Engagement: Ensure the cap's "T" (thread) and "E" (wall height) dimensions match the jar finish perfectly.
• • Torque: Caps must be applied with the correct application torque. Too loose causes leaks; too tight can "strip" the plastic threads.

When sourcing PET jars, it is critical to work with manufacturers known for quality consistency, mold maintenance, and resin purity. Some of the industry's most trusted suppliers include:

• • VPET USA: A leader in PET packaging, specializing in wide-mouth jars and bottles with extensive stock options in North America.
• • Precision Concepts International: Known for high-quality molding and engineering, serving the personal care and food & beverage sectors.
• • Forpack: A specialist in plastic packaging solutions offering a variety of jar styles suitable for cosmetics and food.
• • Epopack: A premium provider focusing on heavy-wall PET bottles and jars specifically designed for the luxury beauty market.