PETG Material Guide

PETG Material Guide: Key Insights for Your Products

 

Introduction to PETG

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a non-crystalline copolyester made by copolymerizing terephthalic acid (PTA), ethylene glycol (EG), and Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) through ester exchange condensation. The inclusion of NPG modifies the polymer’s properties, enhancing certain performance aspects while maintaining affordability. Unlike standard PETG modified with CHDM, UBEST’s NPG-modified PETG provides a cost-effective solution for various applications without compromising quality.

Compared to PET, PETG offers several benefits, including its environmentally friendly properties and compliance with FDA standards for food contact. PETG is gaining increasing attention for various product applications both domestically and internationally.

 

Key Properties of PETG

PETG is a transparent plastic material with excellent formability, chemical resistance, and impact resistance. It is commonly used for manufacturing products such as high-performance shrink films, bottles, and specialty materials. PETG is ideal for applications requiring high clarity, exceptional toughness, and good chemical resistance. It can be processed using traditional methods such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming.

 

Advantages of  PETG

 

• Excellent Thermoformability
  PETG can easily form complex shapes and large stretch ratios. Compared to acrylic, PETG has a shorter molding cycle, lower processing temperatures, and higher yield rates.
• Superior Toughness
  PETG sheet products are typically 15 to 20 times tougher than standard acrylic and 5 to 10 times tougher than impact-modified acrylic, making them highly durable during production, transport, and use.
• Outstanding Weather Resistance
  PETG offers excellent resistance to weathering, maintaining its toughness without yellowing. It also contains UV absorbers that protect the material from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
• Ease of Processing
  PETG is easy to process, with minor surface scratches being easily removed with a heat gun. It is more adaptable to common operations like solvent bonding, flocking, electroplating, and static processing compared to standard acrylic and polycarbonate.
• Good Chemical Resistance
  PETG can withstand exposure to various chemicals and common cleaning agents, making it highly versatile in demanding environments.
• Environmentally Friendly
  PETG is made from environmentally friendly materials and complies with food contact regulations. However, it is not suitable for hot food or beverages as it can deform at temperatures above 65-80°C.

 

Disadvantages of PETG

 

• Low Heat Resistance
  PETG has a relatively low heat deflection temperature of 75°C, which makes it prone to deformation at high temperatures.
• Moisture Sensitivity
  PETG is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, it requires proper drying before processing, with specific temperature and humidity conditions based on the production method.

Production Methods

PETG offers glass-like transparency and density, exceptional gloss, and good chemical resistance. It is easy to process using injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming techniques. PETG can be made into unique shapes and effects, such as bright colors, matte finishes, marble textures, and metallic gloss. Additionally, it can be co-extruded with other materials like polyester, elastomers, or ABS.

 

Applications of PETG

PETG is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Cosmetic Packaging: Perfume bottles, cosmetic containers, lipstick tubes, and deodorant packaging.
• Medical Devices: Filters, connectors, pumps, and dialysis equipment.
• Consumer Goods: Household items such as cups, salad bowls, salt shakers, and pepper grinders.

With its excellent clarity, gloss, toughness, and processing capabilities, PETG is widely used in applications that demand high-quality finishes and durability.

 

Recycling Information

PETG has a recycling code of 7, distinct from standard PET, due to its different density (PET: 1.3349–1.4550, PETG: 1.1903–1.2897). This means PETG does not fall under the standard PET recycling categories (1-6), and its recycling code is identified as 7.

 

Future Prospects of PETG in the Cosmetics Industry

In recent years, PETG has become increasingly popular in the high-end cosmetics packaging industry. Many leading clients in the beauty sector have turned to PETG as their primary eco-friendly material. With its potential for innovation and sustainability, PETG is seen as a promising material in the beauty industry.