What's The Difference Between CPET/PET/RPET?

In recent years, there has been an ever-increasing awareness of the environmental impact of packaging materials used in the hospitality industry, focusing largely on the takeaway sector. In the EU alone, 2.25 million takeaway boxes and containers were used per annum, whilst the UK fast food market grew 9% from £18.9 billion in 2021 to £20.61 billion in 2022 (Statista), indicating the growing issue with sustainability if left unchecked.

Fortunately, Duni have invested in a wide range of eco-conscious packaging materials to counteract this green issue without compromising on the quality of service you provide for your guests. In this blog, we will explore the difference between these more sustainable and eco-friendly options, and how they can benefit your business and the environment.

What is the difference between CPET, PET and RPET?

CPET, or crystallised polyethylene terephthalate, is a high-performance plastic that is used in the manufacture of food containers. It is a prevalent choice for packaging due to its excellent heat resistance, durability, and barrier properties. CPET containers are commonly used in the hospitality industry for takeaway meals and ready-to-eat foods, as they are versatile, can withstand high temperatures, and are both microwaveable and oven proof.

PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in the manufacture of packaging materials, including bottles, jars, and food containers. PET is a lightweight and durable material that can be easily shaped into various forms. It is also an excellent barrier against moisture and gases, making it an ideal choice for food packaging, with a particular focus on beverages.

Following on from this, RPET, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of PET that has been recycled. It is made by collecting PET containers, cleaning, and shredding them, and then melting them down to create a new packaging material. RPET is a popular choice for businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact by reducing their reliance on virgin fossil fuels. These types of takeaway containers can be excellent for food presentation as you can see what is inside the packaging before purchase which is great for the customer and vendor alike as we take most of our buying cues initially from sight before taste even becomes a factor.

In addition, RPET tends to be made from 80-100% recycled material and can be commonly recycled as plastics.

The key difference between CPET, PET and RPET lies in their sustainability and environmental impact. RPET and CPET are largely considered the more sustainable options as they have a lower carbon footprint compared to PET. This is because the process of recycling PET requires less energy compared to producing virgin materials. Additionally, using RPET and CPET reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which ultimately helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, when it comes to HORECA and takeaway venues, the use of sustainable packaging can have a significant and positive effect on the environment. Businesses can reduce their environmental impact by choosing packaging materials that are recyclable or made from recycled materials, such as RPET and CPET. By doing so, they can reduce the amount of waste they generate, save resources, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

As demand increases for sustainable options and volumes build, prices will start to find parity and make the eco-friendly takeaway option even more attractive to the wider market. Vendors will also need to be aware of new deposit return schemes and single use bans coming into effect later this year which, will signal the move away from unstable production practises and towards sustainable manufacturing processes across the board.

Introducing Duniform®

Our one-stop-shop sealable packaging solution Duniform® offers you everything you need to meet the ever-changing needs of your customers, from innovative and robust sealing machines and leakproof films to CPET and RPET takeaway boxes, trays, and containers. All of our Duniform® CPET trays are manufactured from 80-100% recycled materials meaning that you can have both functionality and sustainability. We have also added grey and white colour ways to enable easier recycling at end-of-life as black can often cause issue with NIR detection at recycling centres.