(2025 Complete Buyer’s Guide for APET & RPET Sheets)
When choosing the best المواد ورقة التشكيل الحراري for fruit and vegetable trays, clamshells and retail display packaging, the first question every buyer asks is:
“What thickness of PET sheet should I use for fresh produce packaging?”
Selecting the correct thickness is crucial. It determines clarity, strength, flexibility, cost efficiency, tooling stability, and overall packaging performance during transportation and retail display.
In this guide, we explain the ideal thickness range, material options (APET / RPET), recommended applications, and the effect of additives such as anti-fog و silicone coating on product performance.
What is the Standard Thickness Range for PET Thermoforming Sheets?
For fruit & vegetable packaging, the industry-standard PET thickness range is:
✔ 0.18 mm – 1.2 mm (180–1200 µm)
This range covers all types of trays and clamshells used for berries, grapes, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, citrus, and mixed produce.
Recommended PET Thickness by Packaging Type
Different fruits require different structural strength and rigidity.
Below is a practical classification used by manufacturers and thermoforming factories worldwide:
📌 Light-weight Clamshells (Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherries)
Recommended thickness: 0.18 – 0.40 mm
Why?
- Requires high clarity for shelf appeal
- Light structural load
- Cost-sensitive markets (retail and export)
Keywords: lightweight PET sheet, berry clamshell PET, 0.25mm PET sheet for thermoforming
📌 Medium-strength Produce Trays (Grapes, Cucumbers, Mixed Vegetables)
Recommended thickness: 0.40 – 0.70 mm
Why?
- Balances rigidity and flexibility
- Suitable for flow-pack and top-seal applications
- Common for supermarket vegetable trays
Keywords: PET sheet 0.5mmو PET tray materialو thermoforming PET roll
📌 Heavy-duty Produce Boxes (Mangoes, Apples, Citrus, Bulk Packs)
Recommended thickness: 0.70 – 1.0 mm
Why?
- Requires stronger sidewall stability
- High stacking strength
- Prevents deformation during transport
Keywords: heavy-duty PET trayو 1mm PET sheetو rigid PET packaging sheet
📌 Premium Retail Display Boxes
Recommended thickness: 0.80 – 1.2 mm
Why?
- شفافية عالية
- Strong protective function
- Used in branded fresh produce gift boxes
Keywords: high-clarity PET sheetو premium fruit box PET
APET vs RPET — Which Is Better for Fruit & Vegetable Packaging?
PET sheets used in thermoforming generally come in two variations:
| ميزة | قرد | rpet |
|---|---|---|
| الشفافية | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ ☆ |
| قوة | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ ☆ |
| يكلف | واسطة | Lower |
| الاستدامة | ★★ ☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Suitable for high-end packaging? | نعم | Conditional (depending on % recycled content) |
When to choose APET?
- Premium produce packaging
- Products requiring الشفافية البلورية
- Complex shapes requiring higher strength
- Top quality clamshells for export markets
When to choose RPET?
- Cost-sensitive markets
- Eco-focused brands
- Environmental compliance (recycled content requirements)
- Everyday supermarket trays
Why Silicone-Coated PET Sheets Are Better for Thermoforming
Both APET and RPET can be enhanced with single-sided or double-sided silicone coating, widely used in modern high-speed thermoforming lines.
Benefits of silicone-coated PET sheet:
- Easier release from molds
- Prevents sticking during deep-draw forming
- Reduces scrap and improves forming smoothness
- Suitable for high-speed production (thermoforming + cutting)
- More stable forming temperature window
When should you use Silicone-Coated PET?
✔ For deep clamshells
✔ When forming multi-cavity molds
✔ When packaging items with intricate rib structures
✔ When demanding low-friction surface for stacking & automated filling lines
Keywords: silicone coated PET sheetو thermoforming grade PET rollو PET anti-block sheet
What are the performance advantages of double-sided coated PET sheets in food thermoforming applications?
Double-sided coated PET sheets offer significant benefits in food thermoforming, ensuring efficiency, safety, and superior product quality. Here’s how:
1. Anti-Blocking Performance
Silicone oil’s low surface energy (approximately 20–22 mN/m) significantly reduces adhesion between PET thermoforming sheet layers. This prevents sheets from sticking during stacking or heating, ensuring smooth separation during thermoforming and minimizing downtime for adjustments.
2. Improved Demolding Efficiency
Silicone coating forms a uniform lubricating film on the PET transparent sheet surface, reducing friction between the sheet and mold. This allows molded products—such as food containers—to release quickly and cleanly, reducing deformation or damage and improving production yield.
3. Moisture and Chemical Resistance
The hydrophobic layer formed by silicone oil effectively blocks moisture penetration. Additionally, it offers resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, making PET food packaging sheet ideal for high-humidity or chemically challenging storage environments while extending shelf life.
4. Surface Gloss and Transparency
Properly applied silicone coating fine-tunes the surface gloss of PET coating sheet without compromising transparency. The thin, uniform coating ensures excellent visual clarity, which is essential for appealing food presentation in retail packaging.
5. Food Safety Compliance
Food-grade silicone oils used by reputable manufacturers like DESU Plastic comply with FDA standards, with migration levels below 0.01 mg/kg. This guarantees that the coating does not interact with food components, ensuring full food safety.
How to Choose the Right Silicone Coating for Food Packaging
Safety Requirements
Use food-grade silicone coatings that pass migration tests (e.g., ≤0.01 mg/kg in aqueous simulants, ≤0.05 mg/kg in fatty simulants).
Ensure chemical stability under various conditions, including exposure to acids, alkalis, and oxidation.
Functional Needs
- Barrier Properties: While silicone offers moisture resistance, high-barrier materials like PVA or EVOH may be combined for oxygen-sensitive foods.
- Heat Resistance: The coating must remain stable across food processing temperatures (e.g., during baking or retorting).
- Anti-Stick & Release: Silicone should provide consistent performance at 120°C–180°C.
Application-Specific Adaptability
- Baking/Steaming Packaging: Use heat-resistant and breathable silicone-coated paper for even steam distribution.
- High-Barrier Packaging: Consider nano-composite coatings for enhanced oxygen and UV protection.
- Industrial Coating Equipment: Optimize coating parameters (speed, thickness) to prevent residue and ensure uniformity.
Why Choose DESU Plastic PET Coating Sheets?
DESU Plastic specializes in high-performance PET coating sheet and PET thermoforming sheet solutions. Our food-grade silicone-coated PET sheets are engineered for:
- Superior anti-blocking and easy demolding
- Excellent moisture and chemical resistance
- Optimal clarity and gloss for attractive packaging
- Full compliance with international food safety standards
Silicone Coating Application Guide
- Silicone Emulsion Preparation
Dilute food-grade silicone oil in water at a ratio of ~1:20. Stir gently to achieve a homogeneous mixture. - Equipment Setup
Adjust coater parameters (speed, pressure, thickness) based on PET sheet roll thickness and mold complexity.
Use roll-coating or spraying methods for even application. - Coating Process
Apply the emulsion uniformly using an automatic coater, covering all forming areas. Avoid over-application. - تجفيف
Dry at ~80°C using electric ovens. This evaporates water and forms a stable silicone film—an eco-friendly process with no VOC emissions.
DESU Plastic provides innovative and reliable PET food packaging sheet and PET transparent sheet solutions tailored for modern thermoforming demands. Our coated sheets enhance production performance while meeting the highest safety and sustainability standards.
صفائح PET المضادة للضباب for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Moisture condensation inside the clamshell reduces visibility and affects consumer trust.
That’s why anti-fog PET is often used in:
- العنب
- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Ready-to-eat fruit mixes
Anti-fog coating ensures the packaging remains clear even at low temperatures.
Keywords: ورقة PET مضادة للضبابو PET sheet for fresh produceو anti-fog clamshell material
What Thickness Should you Choose? (Quick Selector)
| طلب | مادة | سماكة | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries / Blueberries | APET or RPET | 0.25–0.35 mm | Light load, highest clarity |
| Grapes / Vegetables | RPET or APET | 0.45–0.60 mm | Balanced strength |
| Mango / Apple / Citrus | قرد | 0.70–1.0 mm | High rigidity |
| Premium gift boxes | قرد | 0.80–1.2 mm | High-end clarity |
| Anti-fog applications | APET Anti-fog | 0.25–0.60 mm | Better visibility |
Why PET is the Best Choice for Fruit & Vegetable Thermoforming?
1. Superior Transparency → Boosts Retail Sales
APET offers crystal clarity that highlights freshness—critical for premium fruits and vegetables.
2. Excellent Formability
Suitable for deep-draw designs, ribbed clamshells, and multi-cavity trays.
3. مقاومة عالية التأثير
Protects delicate fruits such as berries and grapes.
4. 100% Recyclable / RPET Option Available
Meets sustainability requirements globally.
5. Food-Grade & آمن
Compliant with FDA, EU food-contact regulations.
FAQ – PET Sheet for Fruit & Vegetable Thermoforming Packaging
Q1: What is the recommended PET sheet thickness for fruit and vegetable thermoforming trays?
Most fresh-produce trays use 0.25–0.80 mm PET, depending on load-bearing requirements. Lightweight clamshells use 0.25–0.40 mm, while heavy-duty trays may require 0.70–1.0 mm.
س2: What thickness is best for berry clamshells (strawberries, blueberries, cherries)?
0.25–0.35 mm APET or RPET offers the best balance between transparency, flexibility, and cost
Q3: Is APET or RPET better for thermoforming fruit packaging?
APET provides higher clarity and strength, while RPET is more cost-efficient and sustainable. Both are suitable depending on market positioning.
Q4: Can PET sheet be used for top-seal trays for vegetables?
Yes. 0.45–0.60 mm PET sheets are commonly used for flow-pack or top-seal vegetable trays.
Q5: Is anti-fog PET necessary for fresh produce packaging?
For grapes, leafy greens, berries, and refrigerated produce, anti-fog PET is strongly recommended to maintain clarity and improve shelf visibility.
Q6: What’s the benefit of silicone-coated PET sheets for thermoforming?
Silicone-coated PET provides:
إطلاق أفضل للعفن
Lower friction
Reduced deforming or sticking
Higher speed in automated lines
Ideal for deep-draw and multi-cavity molds.Q7: Can PET sheets be recycled after thermoforming?
Yes. Both APET and RPET trays are 100 ٪ قابلة لإعادة التدوير, depending on local recycling policies.
Q8: What is the difference between single-sided and double-sided silicone coating?
Single-sided coating is used for thermoforming release, while double-sided coating is preferred for stacking, high-speed filling, and anti-block performance.
Q9: What thickness is recommended for heavy fruits like apples or citrus?
0.70–1.0 mm APET is recommended due to its rigidity and high impact resistance during transport.
Q10: Do PET sheets support deep-draw thermoforming for large produce boxes?
Yes. APET is known for excellent deep-draw performance, especially when silicone-coated for easier mold release.
Q11: Is RPET suitable for premium fruit packaging?
RPET is perfect for cost-effective and sustainable packaging. For luxury or high-end gift boxes, قرد offers superior clarity.
Q12: What PET sheet surface finish is suitable for fruit trays?
Most manufacturers use:
High-clarity gloss finish (retail display)
طلاء مضاد للضباب (refrigerated produce)
Silicone coating (better forming performance)
