Pet Packaging Vs Glass Packaging

1.DEFINITION

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging is a short form of polyethylene terephthalate packaging. This plastic packing is mostly employed for packing solid dosage forms in the pharmaceutical industry and fizzy drinks in the beverage industry. PET packaging includes bottles, pouches, tubes, jars, caps, closures, trays, bags, etc.

GLASS PACKAGING

This packaging type is made of glass and is utilized for packaging food, beverages, and pharmaceutical liquids such as syrups, emulsions, and suspension. Glass packaging typically includes bottles, jars, and bowls.

2.TYPES OF PACKAGING

PET  PACKAGING

There are six variations of PET depending upon clarity and ability to withstand different chemicals which are penned below:

• PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• OPET (Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• EPET (Extrudable Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• PETT (Trimethylene Polyetherphthala)
• PETG (Glycol Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• PCTG (Poly Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

GLASS PACKAGING

There are four types of glass packaging based on their chemical and hydrolytic resistance:

• Type I Glass (Neutral Glass or Borosilicate Glass)
• Type II Glass (Treated Soda Lime Glass)
• Type III Glass (Regular Soda Lime Glass)
• Type IV Glass (General Purpose Soda Lime Glass)

3.WHICH IS SAFER? PET OR GLASS?

PET PACKAGING

Health authorities consider PET packaging safe for packing food, beverage and cosmetic products. PET plastic does not leach in the packaged products.

PET generally has bad repute for its toxicity profile but this is not the case. It is free of BPA, dioxins, lead, cadmium or endocrine disruptors- the compounds or elements usually rumored to be present in PET packaging.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass is relatively free of harmful and toxic substances. Glass packaging does not pose a severe health risk because there is no leaching of glass compounds in packed products.

But glass packaging is not safe for packaging goods for a longer time because bio-films grow inside the glass containers. Bio-films are the growth of various microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and protists and have severe health consequences for humans.

4.WHAT IS BASIC CHARACTERISTIC & CHEMICAL INERTNESS?

PET PACKAGING

The inertness of PET packaging is the heart of their safety profile. This plastic material is tough, has high tensile strength, and is extremely stable. Moreover, it does not react chemically with APIs, food, and drugs.

PET packaging have high resistance against oil, grease, dilute acids, and alcohols while it is moderately resistant to diluted bases and halogen compounds.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass packaging is widely popular due to its superior barrier properties. It is chemically inert and is typically utilized for packing aggressive chemicals such as strong acids and base. Glass packaging wins the battle of chemical inertness over PET packaging.

5.WHICH ONE IS COST-EFFECTIVE?

PET PACKAGING

The manufacturing of PET packaging is more wallet-friendly. The melting point of plastic is far much lower than glass thus less fuel is needed to liquidity and mold PET. This saves your utility cost.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass formation is more energy intensive requiring about 1% of total industrial energy. More fuel and natural gas are required for melting glass which consequently adds up to operational expenses.

6.WHICH FORM OF PACKAGING IS MORE VERSATILE & FLEXIBLE?

PET PACKAGING

Plastic packaging is way more pliable and versatile than glass packaging. PET is not only shaped into various usual shapes such as rectangular or square containers but is also molded into several unique geometries such as pyramids, triangles, etc.

GLASS PACKAGING

The glass packaging is quite rigid and brittle which put the limit to versatility in glass packaging. It is difficult to stretch glass therefore glass containers are available in your typical shape and sizes.

7.WHICH PACKAGING IS MORE IN DEMAND?

PET PACKAGING

Brand Owners and manufacturers prefer to package products in PET containers. Since PET raw materials are readily available and fabricating PET packaging is less demanding.

Additionally, PET is elastic and bendable which aids businesses in creating their unique brand profile and thus increasing their product value on retail shelves

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass production consumes massive loads of energy and extra care is required to handle glass containers. This discourages manufacturers from using glass.

8.WHICH FORM OF PACKAGING IS THE LIGHTEST?

PET PACKAGING

PET is one of the lightest polymer hence producing lightweight PET packaging. Despite its lightness, it has high strength-to-weight ratio.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass is quite dense thus containers made from glass are also bulky and 40x higher in weight than PET packaging. A 2 plastic bottle has a weight of .023 lbs while the glass bottle of the same amount weighs about .177 lbs.

9.WHICH ONE SHOWS A HIGH RECYCLABILITY RATIO?

PET PACKAGING

The recyclability ratio of PET packaging is comparable to that of glass packaging. Recycling of PET into different products such as bottles, clothing, carpeting, car interior than original products is the handiest feature of PET.

GLASS PACKAGING

This has 100% recycling rate. Glass containers can be sterilized and reused thus again ending up in the packaging cycle. Furthermore, glass is recycled infinite number of times.

10.WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR SENSITIVE AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS?

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging does not offer when it comes to the packaging of sensitive pharmaceutical products. Nevertheless, these are employed for packing regular tablets, capsules, and emulsion which does not need stringent protection.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass containers such as bottles, vials, and ampoules are utilized for holding sensitive pharmaceutical solutions. Amber-colored glass bottles protect APIs from harmful UV rays. Biologics and vaccines are also filled inside glass vials.

11.WHICH ONE IS CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING HIGH TEMPERATURE?

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging has superiority over other thermoplastic packs in terms of resisting high temperatures of about 150 °C (320°F).

GLASS PACKAGING

Various types of glass containers can withstand various ranges of high temperatures. Usually, glass containers resist a temperature of 232°C (450° F). Higher temperatures usually cause cracking in glass containers.

12.WHICH ONE IS MORE PERMEABLE?

PET PACKAGING

This packaging is more permeable to small molecules such as gases (O₂ and CO₂), water, and organ vapors. In addition, aroma and flavor can also tint the food and beverage.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass is a non-porous material and is impermeable to moisture Moreover, harmful chemicals do not go inside pharmaceutical and food products. Glass packaging does not permit the movement of carbon dioxide and oxygen hence it is used for holding bubbly drinks.

13.WHICH ONE IS MADE FROM NATURAL MATERIAL?

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging is manufactured with terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol which are the byproducts of petroleum and natural gas refining.

GLASS PACKAGING

Virgin glass used in glass packaging is formed from natural raw materials, for instance, silica, soda ash, and limestone. Silica is one of the most mined resources. The problem with mining this material is that it leads to lose of the natural habitat of various bird species.

14.WHICH PACKAGING FORM IS THE CONSUMER'S CHOICE?

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging is becoming a quick consumer's first choice. The aesthetic appeal and portability of PET packaging make them a great hit among customers. Furthermore, the customer prefers PET packaging since they are more durable and does not break on impact.

GLASS PACKAGING

The bulkiness and fragility of glass packaging put off the patrons from buying goods packed in glass containers. These products break into tiny fragments and cut the person handling them.

15.WHAT PACKAGING IS EASY TO TRANSPORT & DISTRIBUTE?

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging is much easier to transport and distribute because it takes less space and can withstand rough treatment while shipment. A truckload can carry twice the amount of PET containers than glass ones which significantly reduces your transport cost.

GLASS PACKAGING

Greater care is required for transporting glass packaging as it can break and cause spillage. Moreover, due to heavier loads, vehicles carrying these containers need more fuel.

16.WHAT IS THE MARKET VALUE OF THE FOLLOWING PACKAGING?

PET PACKAGING

The value of global PET packaging was estimated at about USD 64 Billion in 2021. And with a growth of 5% CAGR, it is anticipated to reach USD 100 Billion by 2030.

GLASS PACKAGING

The market size of world glass packaging was calculated at USD 75. 82 billion in 2021 and it is predicted to attain USD 97.78 billion in 2027 with an increase in CAGR of 4.39%.

17.WHICH ONE IS CLIMATE-FRIENDLY?

PET PACKAGING

PET packaging is more sustainable and climate friendly. The manufacturing and recycling PET emit less carbon dioxide consequently contributing to less carbon footprint.

GLASS PACKAGING

Glass has a melting point of 1700° C or 3090°F. For liquefying glass more energy is required which translates into more burning of fossil fuel. This will result in much higher carbon emissions in the environment.

CONCLUSION

Just like glass, PET packaging is also has several merits such as low in weight, high temperature resistant, and recylability etc.,

Today, PET packaging is used everywhere for pharma, food, cosmetics, beverages, as well as chemical products. With the latest innovations in PET technology, this is becoming a high-demand material-both by brand owners and consumers. So, the myths about safety, sustainability, and recyclability have become a thing of the past. Now PET is considered as safest, greenest, and most highly reusable plastic. If you have additional queries regarding PET or glass packaging, you can our customer care helpline here at AIPAK Pharmaceuticals. Our technical assistants are always ready to guide you.