1. PP (Polypropylene)
Best for: Fresh meals, deli, salads, microwave reheating, chilled foods.
Why choose PP?
PP is one of the most versatile and commonly used plastics in food packaging. It offers a great balance of durability, flexibility, and affordability.
Key Benefits
- Microwave-safe: Perfect for ready meals and heat-and-eat products.
- High chemical resistance: Doesn’t react with acidic or oily foods.
- Cost-effective: Usually the most economical option.
- Lightweight yet strong: Great for high-volume production.
- Recyclable (Check locally): Widely accepted but varies by region.
Ideal for:
Fresh meal trays, takeaway containers, salad bowls, deli tubs, snack packs.
2. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Best for: Cold foods, display packaging, high-clarity retail products.
Why choose PET?
PET is known for its crystal-clear appearance — the best choice when presentation matters.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional clarity: Showcases your product beautifully.
- Strong and lightweight: Shatter-resistant and durable.
- Fully recyclable: PET is one of the most recycled plastics globally.
- Great oxygen barrier: Keeps foods fresh longer.
Ideal for:
Cold foods, salads, cut fruit, bakery packaging, retail display packs.
3. CPET (Crystallised PET)
Best for: Ready meals, dual-ovenable trays, high-heat applications.
Why choose CPET?
CPET is a specialised version of PET designed to withstand extreme temperatures — from freezer to microwave to conventional oven.
Key Benefits
- Oven-safe up to 220°C: Perfect for ready meals and cook-in packaging.
- Freezer-to-oven performance: No cracking or warping.
- Excellent barrier properties: Extends shelf life.
- Rigid and strong: Ideal for meal production and transportation.
Ideal for:
Ready meals, airline catering, meal delivery services, industrial food production.
4. rPET (Recycled PET)
Best for: Sustainable retail packaging, cold foods, brands prioritising recycled content.
Why choose rPET?
rPET delivers the same performance as PET but with major sustainability benefits.
Key Benefits
- High recycled content: Often 30–100% depending on supply.
- Supports circular economy: Reduces virgin plastic use.
- Excellent clarity (when high-quality): Similar to PET.
- Strong and lightweight: Maintains durability.
Ideal for:
Retail display trays, fruit punnets, bakery items, cold foods, eco-focused brands.
5. Foil (Aluminium Foil Trays)
Best for: Oven-ready meals, browning, roasting, long shelf-life products.
Why choose foil?
Foil is one of the most heat-tolerant and food-safe materials on the market, perfect for traditional ready-meal applications and industrial cooking.
Key Benefits
- Oven-safe to very high temperatures: Ideal for baking, roasting, grilling.
- Excellent barrier protection: Blocks light, moisture, and oxygen.
- Recyclable: Widely accepted in metal recycling streams.
- Rigid and strong: Great for heavier meals and protein dishes.
- Perfect browning: Allows food to crisp and caramelise.
Ideal for:
Oven meals, roasts, casseroles, fresh protein packaging, large-volume foodservice.
So, Which Material Should You Choose?
Choosing the right material depends on your product’s temperature requirements, shelf-life needs, sustainability goals, and customer experience.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Material | Use For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| PP | Fresh meals, microwavable foods | Versatile & cost-effective |
| PET | Cold foods, retail display | High clarity & strong barrier |
| CPET | Oven-ready meals | Freezer-to-oven performance |
| rPET | Eco-friendly retail packaging | Recycled content & clarity |
| Foil | Oven cooking, browning | Heat resistance & flavour results |
Need help choosing the perfect material?
Every product is different — and the right packaging can transform its performance, appearance, and cost.
If you’d like personalised guidance or samples, the PREPAC team is always happy to help.
Reach out anytime — we’ll make sure you choose the best packaging for your needs.
