{"id":5559,"date":"2025-10-21T16:34:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/?p=5559"},"modified":"2025-10-21T16:35:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:35:48","slug":"the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food\/","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between PET, PP, and PS Plastic Packaging in Food"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"528\">In today\u2019s food packaging industry, the three most commonly used plastics are <strong data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"301\">PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)<\/strong>, which is transparent and recyclable; <strong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"362\">PP (Polypropylene)<\/strong>, which has high heat resistance; and <strong data-start=\"400\" data-end=\"449\">PS (Polystyrene, including EPS \u2013 Expanded PS)<\/strong>, which is cheap and lightweight but increasingly restricted in many markets.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"712\">The choice made by supermarkets and manufacturers depends not only on cost but also on regulatory requirements (FDA, EU), green consumer trends, and global environmental pressures.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"868\">This article provides an in-depth analysis of the differences among these three plastics to help businesses make informed packaging strategies for 2025.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4134\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4134\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4134 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food-5559.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/xu-huong-tieu-dung-xanh-11576142225.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/xu-huong-tieu-dung-xanh-11576142225-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/xu-huong-tieu-dung-xanh-11576142225-510x364.jpg 510w\" alt=\"S\u1ef1 kh\u00e1c bi\u1ec7t c\u1ee7a c\u00e1c lo\u1ea1i bao b\u00ec nh\u1ef1a\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1000\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4134\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u1ea2nh Minh Ho\u1ea1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Xem th\u00eam:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/san-pham\/\">S\u1ea3n Ph\u1ea9m | C\u00d4NG TY TNHH H\u01afNG D\u1ee4<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>1. T\u1ed5ng quan v\u1ec1 ba lo\u1ea1i nh\u1ef1a ph\u1ed5 bi\u1ebfn<\/b><\/h2>\n<h2 data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"920\"><strong>1. Overview of the Three Common Plastics<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"966\"><strong>1.1. PET \u2013 Transparent and Sustainable<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1120\">PET is a thermoplastic with very high transparency, commonly used for beverage bottles, sushi trays, and fruit containers. Key features of PET include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1298\">\n<li data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1168\">\n<p data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1168\">Clear product display, visually appealing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1224\">\n<p data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1224\">High mechanical strength, durable during transport.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1225\" data-end=\"1298\">\n<p data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1298\">Easy recycling: PET has the most developed recycling system globally.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1581\">According to <strong data-start=\"1313\" data-end=\"1327\">FDA (2021)<\/strong>, PET is classified as \u201csafe for food contact\u201d and widely approved for food packaging. Many corporations such as Coca-Cola and Nestl\u00e9 plan to use at least <strong data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1509\">50% recycled PET (rPET)<\/strong> by 2025, showing PET\u2019s leading position in the green packaging trend.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1626\"><strong>1.2. PP \u2013 Flexible and Cost-Effective<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"1889\">PP has excellent heat resistance (up to 120\u00b0C), making it suitable for microwave heating. PP also remains tough at freezing temperatures, making it ideal for meat, seafood, and frozen food trays. Its cost is lower than PET, suitable for large-scale production.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"2039\">Although less transparent than PET, PP balances cost, performance, and safety, maintaining a significant share in the Asian food packaging market.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2076\"><strong>1.3. PS\/EPS \u2013 Cheap but Risky<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2077\" data-end=\"2211\">PS (Polystyrene) and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) were once popular due to their low cost, light weight, and good insulation. However:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2430\">\n<li data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2268\">\n<p data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2268\">Difficult to recycle due to limited infrastructure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2269\" data-end=\"2322\">\n<p data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2322\">Brittle, making long-term food storage difficult.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2430\">\n<p data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2430\">Styrene monomer in PS\/EPS is classified as <strong data-start=\"2368\" data-end=\"2409\">IARC Group 2B \u2013 possibly carcinogenic<\/strong> (IARC Monographs).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2432\" data-end=\"2551\">As a result, many countries have restricted or banned single-use EPS food packaging, especially in the EU and the US.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food-5559-6.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p><i>Image Source: <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3blmedia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Distribute ESG and Sustainability News to a Global Audience | 3BL Media<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2679\">2. Technical Comparison<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"3007\">When selecting packaging material for different food categories (fresh meat, sushi, fruits, heatable meals), it is essential to consider core technical criteria: transparency, mechanical strength, heat\/cold resistance, microwave compatibility, recyclability, and legal compliance. The table below summarizes key differences:<\/p>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_1rjym_1\">\n<div class=\"group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" style=\"height: 147px; width: 1205px;\" data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3939\">\n<thead data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3122\">\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3122\">\n<th style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3037\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Criteria<\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3063\" data-col-size=\"sm\">PET<\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3093\" data-col-size=\"sm\">PP<\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3122\" data-col-size=\"sm\">PS\/EPS<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3939\">\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3353\">\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3263\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Transparency\/Display<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3263\" data-end=\"3289\">Very high, glass-like<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3318\">Medium, slightly opaque<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"3353\">Relatively clear, scratch-prone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3468\">\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3382\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Mechanical strength<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3408\">High, impact-resistant<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3408\" data-end=\"3437\">Medium\u2013high, flexible<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3468\">Low, brittle, easy to crack<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3469\" data-end=\"3593\">\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3469\" data-end=\"3497\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Heat\/Cold resistance<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3497\" data-end=\"3527\">Good in cold, poor for heat<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3527\" data-end=\"3565\">Very good: cold &amp; heat (~100\u2013120\u00b0C)<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3593\">Poor, unstable with heat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3594\" data-end=\"3706\">\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3594\" data-end=\"3622\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Microwave<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3648\">Not recommended<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3648\" data-end=\"3677\">Yes (approved use)<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3677\" data-end=\"3706\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3707\" data-end=\"3825\">\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3707\" data-end=\"3735\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Recyclability<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3735\" data-end=\"3761\">Widest infrastructure<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3761\" data-end=\"3792\">Possible, but less developed<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3825\">Very limited, hard to recycle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 21px;\" data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3939\">\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 242.406px;\" data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3854\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Legal\/Policy Trend<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 324.547px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3854\" data-end=\"3880\">Encouraged (rPET)<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 347.578px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3880\" data-end=\"3909\">Encouraged (rPP)<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 21px; width: 262.469px;\" data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3909\" data-end=\"3939\">Restricted in many markets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"3941\" data-end=\"4171\"><strong data-start=\"3941\" data-end=\"3968\">Transparency &amp; Display:<\/strong> PET excels in optical clarity, ideal for sushi and premium fruits. PP is slightly opaque, and PS is prone to scratches. For products requiring immediate visual appeal, PET is often the default choice.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4461\"><strong data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4208\">Durability &amp; Impact Resistance:<\/strong> PET has high stiffness and impact resistance, retaining tray form during stacking\/transport. PP is flexible and durable, though tray edge strength can be lower. PS\/EPS is cheap and light but brittle, increasing leakage and reducing perceived quality.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4463\" data-end=\"4725\"><strong data-start=\"4463\" data-end=\"4497\">Heat, Microwave, and Freezing:<\/strong> PP is the most versatile, heat- and cold-resistant, and microwave-compatible under FDA-approved conditions. PET withstands refrigeration but is not suitable for heating. PS\/EPS is heat-unstable and unsuitable for microwaving.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4727\" data-end=\"4921\"><strong data-start=\"4727\" data-end=\"4743\">Food Safety:<\/strong> PET and PP are FDA-approved for food contact when used correctly. PS\/EPS carries styrene monomer risks, classified as IARC 2B, and should not be used with hot or acidic foods.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4923\" data-end=\"5214\"><strong data-start=\"4923\" data-end=\"4956\">Recyclability &amp; Policy Trend:<\/strong> PET has the most mature recycling system, with ~29% recycling rate in the US (EPA, 2018) and higher in Europe. PP is recyclable but with limited infrastructure (~3% recycling in the US). EPS is environmentally unfriendly, facing bans in the EU and Canada.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5216\" data-end=\"5246\"><strong data-start=\"5216\" data-end=\"5244\">Implementation Guidance:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5247\" data-end=\"5590\">\n<li data-start=\"5247\" data-end=\"5368\">\n<p data-start=\"5249\" data-end=\"5368\"><strong data-start=\"5249\" data-end=\"5257\">PET:<\/strong> Optimal for sushi, fruits, salads \u2013 high display, compatible with anti-fog\/topseal, easy to upgrade to rPET.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5369\" data-end=\"5482\">\n<p data-start=\"5371\" data-end=\"5482\"><strong data-start=\"5371\" data-end=\"5378\">PP:<\/strong> Ideal for meat, seafood, frozen or heatable foods; compatible with topseal\/skin pack; cost-effective.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5483\" data-end=\"5590\">\n<p data-start=\"5485\" data-end=\"5590\"><strong data-start=\"5485\" data-end=\"5496\">PS\/EPS:<\/strong> Suitable only for low-cost domestic segments, with increasing legal\/environmental barriers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4136 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food-5559-2.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/phan-biet-cac-loai-nhua.jpg 800w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/phan-biet-cac-loai-nhua-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/phan-biet-cac-loai-nhua-510x340.jpg 510w\" alt=\"C\u00e1c Lo\u1ea1i V\u1eadt Li\u1ec7u &amp; \u1ee8ng D\u1ee5ng Th\u1ef1c Ti\u1ec5n\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"66\" data-end=\"83\">Image Source:<\/strong> Collected<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"116\"><strong>3. Food Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"118\" data-end=\"435\">Beyond technical properties, <strong data-start=\"147\" data-end=\"170\">food contact safety<\/strong> is the most important criterion when choosing packaging. Any material used for meat, seafood, sushi, or fruit must <strong data-start=\"286\" data-end=\"320\">not release harmful substances<\/strong> during storage, transport, or heating. The three plastics PET, PP, and PS\/EPS differ clearly in terms of safety.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"437\" data-end=\"474\"><strong>3.1. PET \u2013 Safe and Transparent<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"776\">PET is considered one of the safest plastics for food. According to the <strong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"561\">FDA (USA)<\/strong>, PET is classified as a <strong data-start=\"586\" data-end=\"618\">Food Contact Substance (FCS)<\/strong> and is widely approved for direct food contact, including beverage bottles, salad boxes, sushi trays, and fruit containers (FDA \u2013 Food Contact Substances).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"1218\">A major advantage of PET is its <strong data-start=\"810\" data-end=\"832\">chemical inertness<\/strong>, with minimal risk of releasing harmful substances under cold or room temperature conditions. Studies also show that the migration of <strong data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"995\">acetaldehyde or antimony<\/strong> from PET is extremely low, fully within safe limits set by the <strong data-start=\"1059\" data-end=\"1100\">EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)<\/strong>. This makes PET a preferred choice for supermarkets displaying premium products without compromising health safety.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1265\"><strong>3.2. PP \u2013 Safe for Heating and Freezing<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1622\"><strong data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1289\">PP (Polypropylene)<\/strong> is also recognized as a safe plastic by <strong data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1346\">FDA and EFSA<\/strong>. Its key feature is heat resistance up to <strong data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1398\">120\u00b0C<\/strong>, allowing use in microwaves or thermal sterilization without deformation. The FDA has approved multiple <strong data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1539\">Food Contact Notifications (FCN)<\/strong> for PP, including applications for heating and freezing food (FDA FCN Database).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1624\" data-end=\"1915\">Additionally, PP remains <strong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1684\">non-brittle at low temperatures<\/strong>, making it ideal for frozen food storage. Research indicates that chemical migration from PP is extremely low, generally below detection limits, making it a <strong data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"1870\">\u201cfood-friendly\u201d material<\/strong> for meat, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"1963\"><strong>3.3. PS\/EPS \u2013 Styrene Risk and Phase-Out<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"2181\">Unlike PET and PP, <strong data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2004\">PS (Polystyrene)<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2039\">EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)<\/strong> raise significant health concerns. The <strong data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2098\">styrene monomer<\/strong> in PS can migrate into food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic products.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2501\">\n<li data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2329\">\n<p data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2329\"><strong data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2239\">IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer)<\/strong> classifies styrene as <strong data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2308\">Group 2B \u2013 possibly carcinogenic to humans<\/strong> (IARC Monographs).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2330\" data-end=\"2501\">\n<p data-start=\"2332\" data-end=\"2501\">The <strong data-start=\"2336\" data-end=\"2376\">US National Toxicology Program (NTP)<\/strong> also warns that styrene exposure may affect the nervous system and increase long-term cancer risk (NTP Report on Styrene).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2503\" data-end=\"2766\">As a result, many countries and major retail chains have restricted or banned EPS for food, particularly for hot or long-term use. In Vietnam, supermarkets such as <strong data-start=\"2667\" data-end=\"2678\">Winmart<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2683\" data-end=\"2691\">AEON<\/strong> have switched from EPS to <strong data-start=\"2718\" data-end=\"2734\">PET\/PP trays<\/strong> in meat and seafood sections.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4137\" src=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food-5559-3.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bxwsxQb.jpg 640w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bxwsxQb-510x335.jpg 510w\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"87\">Image Source:<\/strong> Illustration<\/p>\n<p>See more: <a href=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/san-pham\/\"><strong data-start=\"114\" data-end=\"145\">Products | HUNG DU Co., Ltd<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nNote PDF:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ntp.niehs.nih.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/ntp\/roc\/content\/profiles\/styrene.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RoC Profile: Styrene; 15th RoC 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"227\"><strong>4. Environmental Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"468\">In the context of increasingly strict global regulations on single-use plastics, the choice between PET, PP, or PS is not only based on technical performance but also linked to <strong data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"465\">recyclability, product life cycle, and carbon emissions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"507\"><strong>4.1. PET \u2013 Leading in Recycling<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"875\">PET is considered the plastic with the <strong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"588\">most mature recycling infrastructure<\/strong> worldwide. According to the <strong data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"667\">US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2020)<\/strong>, the recycling rate of PET bottles reached ~29% in the US, significantly higher than PP or PS (EPA Plastics Recycling Report). In Europe, the figure is even higher thanks to advanced waste sorting systems.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"877\" data-end=\"1227\">Additionally, PET can be recycled into <strong data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"924\">rPET<\/strong>, which can be reused for trays, bottles, and polyester fibers. Major corporations such as <strong data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1028\">Coca-Cola<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1044\">PepsiCo<\/strong> have committed to using <strong data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1089\">50% rPET by 2025<\/strong>, demonstrating the feasibility of PET\u2019s circular lifecycle. This positions PET as the <strong data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1190\">\u201cgreenest\u201d<\/strong> material among the three plastics.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1281\"><strong>4.2. PP \u2013 Potential but Limited Infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1283\" data-end=\"1727\">PP is also recyclable, though actual recovery rates remain low. According to <strong data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1396\">The Recycling Partnership (2022)<\/strong>, only about <strong data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1443\">3% of PP in the US is recycled<\/strong>, due to insufficient sorting infrastructure and specialized processing technologies. Nevertheless, the FDA has increasingly approved <strong data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1615\">post-consumer recycled PP (PCR-PP)<\/strong> processes that are safe for food contact (FDA NOL Database), opening development opportunities in the future.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1878\">Environmentally, PP has advantages over PS: when incinerated, PP emits <strong data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1826\">lower greenhouse gases<\/strong> and produces <strong data-start=\"1840\" data-end=\"1866\">fewer toxic byproducts<\/strong> than EPS.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1880\" data-end=\"1920\"><strong>4.3. PS\/EPS \u2013 Environmental Burden<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"2156\">PS, especially <strong data-start=\"1937\" data-end=\"1951\">EPS (foam)<\/strong>, is nearly <strong data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2000\">impossible to recycle in practice<\/strong>. Due to its lightweight, bulky structure and high risk of food contamination, the cost of collecting and recycling EPS often exceeds its recovered value.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2495\">According to the <strong data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2205\">European Commission (2021)<\/strong>, single-use plastic packaging (of which EPS constitutes a significant portion) accounts for up to <strong data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2338\">50% of plastic waste in Europe<\/strong> (EU Plastics Strategy). Therefore, the EU banned single-use EPS cups and containers from 2021, and Canada also prohibited EPS in food packaging from 2022.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2497\" data-end=\"2545\"><strong>4.4. Perspective for Vietnamese Businesses<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2547\" data-end=\"2987\">\n<li data-start=\"2547\" data-end=\"2663\">\n<p data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2663\"><strong data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2557\">PET:<\/strong> Should be prioritized for fruit, sushi, and salad to leverage the <strong data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2638\">rPET trend<\/strong> and export advantages.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2664\" data-end=\"2830\">\n<p data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2830\"><strong data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2673\">PP:<\/strong> Suitable for meat and seafood; companies should prepare for the adoption of <strong data-start=\"2750\" data-end=\"2760\">PCR-PP<\/strong> as markets increasingly demand transparency in product life cycles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2831\" data-end=\"2987\">\n<p data-start=\"2833\" data-end=\"2987\"><strong data-start=\"2833\" data-end=\"2844\">PS\/EPS:<\/strong> Only suitable for low-cost domestic segments, but in the long term, will be phased out due to <strong data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"2984\">policy pressure and consumer expectations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4138\" src=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food-5559-4.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Custom-Clear-Transparent-Food-Container-Pet-Disposable-Plastic-Clamshell-Vegetable-Fruit-Packaging-Box.jpg 800w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Custom-Clear-Transparent-Food-Container-Pet-Disposable-Plastic-Clamshell-Vegetable-Fruit-Packaging-Box-768x769.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Custom-Clear-Transparent-Food-Container-Pet-Disposable-Plastic-Clamshell-Vegetable-Fruit-Packaging-Box-510x511.jpg 510w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Custom-Clear-Transparent-Food-Container-Pet-Disposable-Plastic-Clamshell-Vegetable-Fruit-Packaging-Box-100x100.jpg 100w\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"801\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"87\">Image Source:<\/strong> Collected<\/p>\n<p>Category: <a href=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/san-pham\/\">Products | HUNG DU Co., Ltd<\/a><br \/>\nRead more at: <a href=\"https:\/\/environment.ec.europa.eu\/strategy\/plastics-strategy_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plastics strategy \u2013 European Commission<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"248\"><strong>5. Supermarket Packaging Trends in 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"563\">The differences between PET, PP, and PS are not only in technical properties or environmental impact but are also clearly reflected in <strong data-start=\"385\" data-end=\"424\">global supermarket selection trends<\/strong>. As consumers increasingly focus on safety and transparency, retail chains have defined clear roadmaps for transitioning food packaging.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"617\"><strong>5.1. PET \u2013 Dominating High-Visibility Segments<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"905\">In supermarkets in Europe, Japan, and the US, nearly <strong data-start=\"672\" data-end=\"721\">100% of premium sushi, salad, and fruit boxes<\/strong> are packaged in PET or rPET. The reason: PET offers <strong data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"799\">superior transparency<\/strong>, allowing customers to immediately see the product while also meeting recycling lifecycle requirements.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"1174\">According to <strong data-start=\"920\" data-end=\"942\">Euromonitor (2024)<\/strong>, the PET\/rPET packaging market in the food sector is expected to grow <strong data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1046\">12% per year during 2020\u20132025<\/strong> in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This demonstrates that PET is not only a popular choice but also a <strong data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1171\">long-term export trend<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1224\"><strong>5.2. PP \u2013 Rapid Growth in Meat and Seafood<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1514\">PP is favored in fresh meat, seafood, and frozen food categories due to its <strong data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1330\">heat and cold resistance<\/strong>. Retail chains in Asia, such as <strong data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1388\">Aeon (Japan, Vietnam)<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1421\">Lotte Mart (South Korea)<\/strong>, have switched most meat trays to PP capable of <strong data-start=\"1470\" data-end=\"1481\">topseal<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1498\">skin pack<\/strong> applications.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1742\">Additionally, the increasing number of FDA-approved <strong data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1588\">PCR-PP processes<\/strong> paves the way for using recycled PP in trays, helping companies <strong data-start=\"1653\" data-end=\"1681\">reduce Plastic Tax costs<\/strong> and enhance their sustainability image (FDA FCN Database).<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1744\" data-end=\"1802\"><strong>5.3. PS\/EPS \u2013 Gradually Phased Out from Supermarkets<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1907\">EPS was once the \u201cking of low-cost\u201d meat packaging but is now <strong data-start=\"1866\" data-end=\"1887\">declining rapidly<\/strong>. Reasons include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"2111\">\n<li data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1971\">\n<p data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1971\">Banned in the EU and Canada for single-use food packaging.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"2032\">\n<p data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2032\">Consumers are concerned about health risks from styrene.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2111\">\n<p data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2111\">Supermarkets aiming for a green image are removing EPS from supply chains.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2380\">According to a <strong data-start=\"2128\" data-end=\"2154\">McKinsey survey (2023)<\/strong>, over <strong data-start=\"2161\" data-end=\"2205\">60% of consumers are willing to pay more<\/strong> for products with environmentally friendly packaging (McKinsey Report). This creates direct pressure on supermarkets, leaving little room for EPS in sustainable strategies.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2434\"><strong>5.4. Recommendations for Vietnamese Businesses<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2740\">\n<li data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2510\">\n<p data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2510\"><strong data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2460\">Invest in PET\/rPET<\/strong> for export fruits and high-visibility products.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2649\">\n<p data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2649\"><strong data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2527\">Develop PP<\/strong> for meat, fish, shrimp, and frozen foods \u2013 prioritize integration of <strong data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2646\">topseal, skin pack, and anti-fog technologies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2650\" data-end=\"2740\">\n<p data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2740\"><strong data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2680\">Reduce dependence on EPS<\/strong>, gradually removing it from strategic product categories.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4098\" src=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/the-differences-between-pet-pp-and-ps-plastic-packaging-in-food-5559-5.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/food-isnt-getting-any-cheaper-in-2024-here-are-some-ways-to-v0-Cnh3y8OKilznMzxRjGJSmVeMO237sfqvWsue42TE_kE-1-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/food-isnt-getting-any-cheaper-in-2024-here-are-some-ways-to-v0-Cnh3y8OKilznMzxRjGJSmVeMO237sfqvWsue42TE_kE-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/food-isnt-getting-any-cheaper-in-2024-here-are-some-ways-to-v0-Cnh3y8OKilznMzxRjGJSmVeMO237sfqvWsue42TE_kE-1-1-510x340.jpg 510w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"74\" data-end=\"91\">Image Source:<\/strong> Collected<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/san-pham\/\">See more: Products | HUNG DU Co., Ltd\u00a0<\/a><br \/>\nRead more at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mordorintelligence.com\/vi\/industry-reports\/sustainable-packaging-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"225\">Sustainable Packaging Market \u2013 Size, Report, Industry Growth\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"244\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"246\" data-end=\"487\">Today, choosing food packaging materials is no longer based solely on <strong data-start=\"316\" data-end=\"324\">cost<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"343\">convenience<\/strong>; it has become an integral part of the <strong data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"419\">sustainable development strategy<\/strong> for supermarkets and businesses. Comparing PET, PP, and PS shows:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"1025\">\n<li data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"708\">\n<p data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"708\"><strong data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"498\">PET<\/strong> stands out for its transparency, safety, and recyclability. It is the <strong data-start=\"569\" data-end=\"590\">number one choice<\/strong> for fruits, sushi, and salads\u2014products that require clear display and compliance with international rPET standards.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"873\">\n<p data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"873\"><strong data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"717\">PP<\/strong> offers flexibility, excellent heat and cold resistance, and competitive costs. It is the <strong data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"825\">ideal solution<\/strong> for meat, seafood, and ready-to-eat products.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"1025\">\n<p data-start=\"876\" data-end=\"1025\"><strong data-start=\"876\" data-end=\"886\">PS\/EPS<\/strong>, although cheap, poses significant <strong data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"956\">health and environmental risks<\/strong> and is gradually being phased out from global supermarket shelves.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1415\">In the context of <strong data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1053\">2025<\/strong>, with <strong data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1115\">Plastic Tax, EPR, and growing green consumer trends<\/strong>, PET and PP will become the <strong data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1160\">main pillars<\/strong> of the food packaging industry. Vietnamese businesses need to proactively invest in <strong data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1264\">PET\/rPET and PP<\/strong>, while ensuring transparency of certifications (FDA, HACCP, ISO 22000) to <strong data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1412\">maintain domestic markets and expand exports to the EU, US, and Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s food packaging industry, the three most commonly used plastics are PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is transparent and recyclable; PP (Polypropylene), which has high heat resistance; and PS (Polystyrene, including EPS \u2013 Expanded PS), which is cheap and lightweight but increasingly restricted in many markets. The choice made by supermarkets and manufacturers depends not&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5560,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[705],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5559"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5559\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5578,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5559\/revisions\/5578"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hungduplastics.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}