As the global cosmetic industry shifts toward sustainability and personalized branding, the demand for high-performance, eco- friendly packaging materials has surged. Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), a non-crystalline copolyester modified with 1,4- cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) (optimal content: 30%-40%), has emerged as a game-changer in custom cosmetic packaging. Distinct from PET and PCT in composition, PETG boasts unique properties that align with the rigorous requirements of premium beauty brands, carrying the recycling symbol No.7 and solidifying its position as a preferred choice in both European and American markets.
For cosmetic brands pursuing custom packaging solutions, PETG’s versatility and performance advantages are unparalleled, making it ideal for a wide range of beauty products. From sleek perfume bottles and caps to luxurious lipstick tubes, cosmetic jars, and decorative makeup cases, PETG enables intricate custom designs that elevate brand aesthetics. Its exceptional transparency and glossiness rival glass, while its superior toughness ensures durability during production, transportation, and end use—critical for high- value cosmetic packaging. Unlike general-purpose acrylic, PETG extruded sheets offer 15-20 times higher toughness, minimizing breakage risks that can lead to costly product losses.
Beyond aesthetics and durability, PETG addresses two key priorities in global cosmetic packaging: sustainability and safety. Compliant with food contact standards, it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, meeting the strict regulatory requirements of European and American markets. Compared to PC materials, PETG offers a more cost-effective solution, while outperforming acrylic in long-term usability—an attractive combination for brands balancing quality and budget in custom packaging. Additionally, its excellent weather resistance, enhanced by ultraviolet absorbers, prevents yellowing and degradation even under prolonged exposure to light, ensuring that custom packaging retains its brand-new appearance over time.
The processing flexibility of PETG further supports the customization needs of the cosmetic packaging industry. It excels in thermoforming, allowing for the creation of complex shapes with short cycle times and high yield rates—essential for large-scale custom production runs. Surface scratches, a common issue in plastic packaging, can be easily eliminated with hot air, maintaining the premium finish of custom designs. Moreover, PETG supports secondary processing techniques such as solvent bonding, flocking, and electroplating, enabling brands to achieve unique textures and decorative effects, from matte and marble patterns to metallic lusters. Traditional molding processes like injection molding, injection stretch blow molding, and extrusion blow molding are all compatible with PETG, and it can also be co-injected with other polyesters, elastic plastics, or ABS to enhance specific properties.
While PETG offers numerous benefits, it is important to note considerations for processing and application. Its heat resistance is relatively limited, with a heat distortion temperature of only 75℃, making it unsuitable for packaging hot beverages or heated products—a factor easily managed by avoiding such applications in cosmetic packaging. Additionally, PETG has high hygroscopicity and requires proper drying before processing, with parameters adjusted to match specific production methods to ensure consistent quality in custom products.
Beyond cosmetic packaging, PETG’s versatility extends to medical devices (e.g., filters, eustachian tubes, and connectors) and household items (e.g., cups and salad bowls), but its most promising growth lies in the beauty industry. As consumers and regulators increasingly prioritize sustainability, PETG’s eco-friendly profile and superior performance position it as the leading sustainable material for custom cosmetic packaging. Its ability to combine brand customization needs with environmental responsibility makes it a material with tremendous potential in the global market.
