Material Matters: PET vs. PP – Making the Right Choice for Your Beauty Brand
- Sam Fischer
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
In the world of cosmetic packaging, the vessel is just as important as the formula it holds. It dictates the customer’s first impression, the product’s shelf life, and the brand’s environmental footprint. When it comes to selecting the right plastic, two heavyweights dominate the conversation: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PP (Polypropylene).
While both are industry standards, they serve different purposes. Understanding the nuances between them is critical for brand owners and packaging engineers alike.
The Case for PET: Brilliance and Clarity If your brand strategy relies on visual impact—letting the product speak for itself—PET is often the undisputed champion.
Glass-Like Aesthetics: PET offers brilliant clarity and high transparency. It is the ideal choice for showcasing the texture and color of vibrant serums, lotions, and toners without the weight and fragility of glass.
High-End Appeal: Because of its glass-like appearance, PET is frequently used for premium lines where shelf presence and "high-end aesthetics" are paramount.
Circular Economy: PET benefits from a robust and mature global recycling infrastructure, making it a strong contender for brands prioritizing post-consumer recovery.
The Strength of PP: Durability and Resistance
On the other side of the spectrum is PP, the workhorse of cosmetic packaging. While it may lack the crystal-clear finish of PET, it excels in performance and versatility.
Chemical Resilience: PP brings exceptional chemical resistance to the table. For aggressive formulas, oils, or products with active ingredients that might react with other plastics, PP offers robust protection.
Versatile Applications: Its durability makes it the material of choice for functional components like pumps, caps, and dispensing systems, as well as jars.
Cost Effectiveness: Generally, PP is a budget-efficient option, allowing brands to allocate resources elsewhere without sacrificing structural integrity.
Navigating the Trade-Offs
No material is perfect, and the choice between PET and PP often comes down to balancing competing priorities.
Cost vs. Clarity: PET typically commands a higher price point than PP. Is the premium presentation of a clear bottle worth the additional cost, or does a more cost-effective PP container align better with your margins?
Protection vs. Presentation: While PET looks stunning, it may be less resistant to certain harsh chemicals compared to PP. Conversely, PP offers superior protection but lacks that "glass-like" transparency, often appearing naturally hazy or opaque.
Sustainability Context: While PET has a long-established recycling stream, recycling options for PP are still growing and evolving.
Regulatory Watch: The Impact of EU Rules (PPWR)
For global beauty brands, the choice between PET and PP is no longer just about aesthetics or chemical compatibility—it is about compliance. The European Union’s newly adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which entered into force in early 2025, has set strict new standards that directly impact material selection.
The regulation mandates that all packaging must be recyclable by 2030, but it sets different targets for recycled content based on the polymer used:
For PET: Because PET recycling streams are mature, the EU requires "contact-sensitive" packaging (like skincare bottles) to contain a minimum of 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content by 2030.
For PP: Due to the developing nature of food-grade PP recycling, the target for contact-sensitive non-PET packaging is currently set lower, at 10% PCR by 2030.
How to Choose
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your brand's specific "must-haves." Ask yourself:
Transparency vs. Protection: Do consumers need to see the formula, or does the formula need maximum shielding?
Premium Presentation vs. Budget Efficiency: Are you positioning for the luxury market or the mass market?
Formula Demands vs. Sustainability Goals: Does the chemical makeup of your product dictate the material, or is the recycling story your primary driver?
We Help You Decide
At Akey Group, we understand that packaging is a complex ecosystem of choices. We help you evaluate these trade-offs to select the material that aligns with your vision, performance requirements, and sustainability goals.
Whether you need the crystal clarity of PET or the chemical resilience of PP, we are here to turn your packaging ideas into reality.
Need help selecting the right material?
Contact our engineering team today to discuss your formula and find the perfect packaging match.
Your packaging is more than a container—it’s your brand’s voice in physical form. Through custom tooling, you can transform ordinary materials into storytelling assets that connect emotionally and visually with consumers.
