In the fast-growing food and beverage packaging industry, plastic cups have become a staple for serving cold drinks, desserts, yogurt, and takeaway beverages. Behind the convenience and hygiene of each cup lies a carefully chosen plastic sheet material — one that must meet standards for clarity, safety, heat resistance, and cost-efficiency.
At DESU, we specialize in producing high-quality plastic sheet rolls designed for thermoforming. In this article, we compare the two most widely used materials — PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PP (Polypropylene) — and help you decide which one is best suited for your production needs, particularly in markets like Latin America and the Middle East.
The Role of Cup Packaging in the Food Industry
Thermoformed plastic cups are essential in modern food service and retail:
- Cold beverages in convenience stores or fast food outlets
- Yogurt and dairy dessert packaging
- Fresh fruit or snack containers
- Sealed cups for juice or milk in schools, hospitals, or airlines
To meet growing demand, manufacturers must consider not just price, but also performance, machinability, and regulatory compliance when choosing sheet materials.
PET vs. PP for Thermoforming Cups: Key Comparison
Let’s break down the core differences between PET and PP plastic sheets for cup production:
1. Clarity and Appearance
| Material | Clarity | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| PET | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Crystal-clear, high gloss | Professional, premium look |
| PP | ⭐⭐ Semi-transparent to opaque | Matte or slightly cloudy finish |
Verdict: If visual appeal is crucial (e.g., clear fruit cups, dessert cups), PET is the superior choice.
2. Temperature Resistance
| Material | Cold Resistance | Heat Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| PET | Excellent (-40°C) | Limited (max ~70°C) |
| PP | Moderate (~0°C) | Excellent (up to 120°C+) |
Verdict: For hot-fill or microwaveable cups, PP is more suitable. For cold and refrigerated use, PET performs better.
3. Impact Resistance and Rigidity
- PET is rigid and shatter-resistant; ideal for stacking and transportation.
- PP is slightly more flexible and less brittle, reducing risk of cracks under pressure.
4. Cost Efficiency
- PP sheets are typically lower in raw material cost, especially in bulk supply.
- PET may cost more per kg, but the visual quality and machining speed can offset this in high-end markets.
5. Environmental Considerations
- PET is widely recyclable and accepted in most global recycling systems.
- PP is recyclable but less frequently collected or sorted in some regions.
Market Preferences: Latin America & the Middle East
Both Latin America and the Middle East are dynamic, high-growth markets for disposable plastic cups — driven by tourism, retail beverage chains, and expanding dairy industries.
Latin America:
- PET is favored for clear cups used in juices, fruits, and desserts sold in supermarkets or street stalls.
- PP is often used in yogurt packaging, where heat sealing and high-temperature tolerance are required.
Middle East:
- PET cups are commonly used for cold drinks during Ramadan, Hajj season, and events.
- PP cups dominate in the dairy and hotel sectors, where hot-fill packaging or reusable options are important.
In both regions, local climate, food habits, and logistics determine the right material — but PET’s visual appeal and cold-chain durability often make it the go-to for premium and export-oriented brands.
Our Solution: DESU Plastic Sheet Rolls for Thermoforming Cups
At DESU, we manufacture both PET and PP plastic sheet rolls tailored to cup production lines. Our materials are optimized for:
- High-speed thermoforming
- Precise thickness tolerance
- Food contact safety (FDA, EU standards)
- Printable surfaces for branding or sealing
- Anti-fog / anti-static coatings available on request
🔹 PET Sheet Highlights (for Thermoforming Cups)
Thickness Range: 0.25mm–1.2mm
Suitable for lightweight juice cups, medium-duty dessert cups, and durable dome-lid applications.
Width: Up to 1220mm
Compatible with high-output roll-fed thermoforming lines; supports wide-format cup production.
Material Grades Available:
- A-PET (Amorphous PET): Economical, high clarity, good stiffness.
- PETG: Enhanced formability for deep-draw cups; solvent-weldable.
- RPET (Recycled PET): Sustainable option with up to 80% recycled content.
Surface Options:
Glossy, matte, anti-fog coatings available — ideal for cold chain food packaging or printed branding.
Advantages:
- Excellent transparency and gloss make PET ideal for products requiring visual appeal, such as fruit cups, layered desserts, or promotional packaging.
- High impact resistance minimizes cracking during stacking, sealing, and transportation.
- BPA-free, odorless, and approved for global food contact compliance (FDA, EU 10/2011).
🔹 PP Sheet Highlights (for Thermoforming Cups)
Thickness Range: 0.3mm–1.5mm
Supports everything from ultra-light disposable water cups to heavy-duty dairy containers.
Thermal Resistance:
Withstands temperatures up to 121°C, making it ideal for hot-fill applications, microwavable cups, or boiling water use.
Color Options:
Natural translucent, milky white, or custom Pantone colors. Also supports embossing or logo stamping.
Process Compatibility:
Designed for inline or offline thermoforming, sheet-fed or roll-fed equipment. Seals well with foil, plastic film, or lids.
Advantages:
- Lower density = lighter weight, helping reduce cost per unit and material usage.
- Strong chemical resistance — suitable for yogurt, milk, tea, and herbal drinks where acidity or flavor interactions may occur.
- PP is less brittle than PET, offering better flexibility and resilience under pressure.
Let’s Help You Choose the Right Sheet Material
Still deciding between PET and PP for your cup production? Our technical team at DESU can help evaluate:
- Your thermoforming equipment type
- Product application (cold, hot, sealed, printed)
- Budget and sustainability goals
- Local packaging trends
We offer free material samples, spec sheets, and customized solutions for food packaging manufacturers in over 30 countries.
Contact DESU Today
Whether you’re a packaging converter, a beverage brand, or a dairy producer, DESU is ready to support your success.
👉 Get a Quote | 📦 Request Samples | 💬 Talk to Our Engineers
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.desuplastic.com
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 15800766301
