APET / RPET
Amorphous and Recycled PET Sheet
Amorphous PET (APET) and recycled-content PET (RPET) deliver clarity, recyclability, and cost-effective thermoforming. RPET grades support sustainability targets without sacrificing print or forming performance.
At a glance
- Specific gravity
- 1.34 ± 0.01
- Transparency
- ≥ 85 %
- Tensile strength
- 8,500 psi
- Stock gauges
- .010, .012, .014 (heavier gauge to .080 custom)
Applications
- Thermoformed packaging: trays, clamshells, and produce containers
- Retail packaging and clear lids
- Blister packs and visual merchandise packaging
- Boxes and folding cartons (printed)
- POP and signage
- Sustainability-driven packaging programs (RPET grades)
Features & benefits
- Exceptional clarity and gloss transparency — high-end packaging look at commodity cost.
- Easy processing for thermoformers — wide forming window, predictable behavior.
- Environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics; RPET grades incorporate post-consumer recycled content.
- Available in roll stock or sheet form.
- Multiple grades qualified for thermoforming and printing industries.
- Good slipping characteristics for high-speed converting and packaging lines.
Print & process compatibility
| Method | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toner / Laser | ✓ | |
| HP Indigo | ✓ | |
| UV Inkjet | ✓ | |
| Solvent Inkjet | ✓ | |
| Screen | ✓ | |
| Offset | ✓ | |
| Litho | — |
Available surfaces, finishes & gauges
| Surface / finish | Description | Stock gauges |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss / Gloss | Near-perfect visibility with high scratch resistance. | .010, .012, .014 |
| Heavier Gauge APET | For thermoforming applications — clamshells, trays, clear packaging. | Up to .080 (custom) |
| RPET Grades | Recycled-content PET available with verified post-consumer content. | Specify on order |
Typical properties
Typical of average lots. Job-specific qualification recommended for production runs — request a sample.
| Property | Typical value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Specific gravity | 1.34 ± 0.01 | ASTM D 792 |
| Thickness tolerance (≤7.0 ga) | ± 7 % | ASTM D 1593 |
| Thickness tolerance (7.1 – 10 ga) | ± 5 % | ASTM D 1593 |
| Thickness tolerance (>10 ga) | ± 3 % | ASTM D 1593 |
| IV value | 0.67 – 0.73 | ASTM D 4603 |
| Static friction coefficient | 0.20 – 0.35 | ASTM D 1894 |
| Optical | ||
| Transparency | ≥ 85 % | ASTM D 1003 |
| Gloss value (60°) | ≥ 150 | ASTM D 523 |
| Haze value | ≤ 5.0 % | ASTM D 1003 |
| Black point (gels) ≤10 ga | Insignificant per m² | — |
| Black point (gels) 10–40 ga | ≤ 1 point per m² | — |
| Black point (gels) >40 ga | 0 points per m² | — |
| Mechanical | ||
| Tensile strength | 8,500 psi | ASTM D 638 |
| Tensile elongation | 200 % | ASTM D 638 |
| Thermal | ||
| Heat shrinkage (100°C × 5 min) | -2 / -8 % | ASTM D 1204 |
| Surface / tolerances | ||
| Dyne level | Side R1/R2: ≥ 40 | ASTM D 2578 |
| Roll stock tolerance | ± 1/16 in. | — |
| Cross stock tolerance | ± 1/16 in. | — |
Fabrication & converting
Thermoforms with a wide processing window. RPET grades available with verified post-consumer content for sustainability programs that need supplier traceability.