Naturally transparent and can offer high clarity for displaying produce.

Reasonably acceptable mechanical properties which can improved through the incorporation of nanocomposites which have the potential to make stiffer trays more resistant to lateral compression forces.

Acceptable permeability resistance to gases (O2 and CO2) and water vapor which can be enhanced further through the incorporation of nanocomposites (sepiolite) or fabrication of a multifilm with EVOH. Thinner PET trays containing nanocomposites achieve the same permeability levels as thicker virgin PET trays, therefore cutting material/transportation costs.

Degradation from mechanical recycling is reversible with a controlled decontamination (reduce number of contaminants and) and post drying process (increase intrinsic viscosity).

Like cPET good mouldbility, complex shapes can be easily fabricated (multi compartment, seal mechanisms)

Not as broad a service temperature range as cPET (-40°C - 60°C), therefore mainly used for cold produce applications

Washing can cause chain stiffening to occur resulting in a slightly stiffer/brittler material.

Industrial/Caustic washing can cause severe pack deformation above 70°C.

Crystallinity gives enhanced thermal stability over aPET and can be used for hot fill applications and may also be safely used in a microwaves and ovens. Temp range: -40°C - 220°C for refrigeration/heating.

Wide temperature range (-40°C - 220°C) also ensures a degree of impact resistance at ambient temperature.

Good barrier to oxygen and other gases, (Oxygen (1.5 - 5) Nitrogen (3 - 6) (cm3.mm/m2.day.atm)). Also good barrier to water vapor (0.1 - 0.4 g.mm/m2.day. Potential to increase barrier properties further through incorporation of nanocomposites (Cloisite 20 A up to 2% wt)

Possibility to reduce material cost with the incorporation of bio fillers (coffee chaff, rice hulls up to 10% wt) at the cost of small reduction in temperature resistance and mechanical properties.

High mouldbility, trays can be easily manufactured with multi compartments.

Naturally opaque and lack of transparency, sometimes not desired in food contact applications.

Low crystallisation rate, requires a nucleating agent to achieve superior mechanical properties

Sub Topic

Thermoforming process can cause tearing of spherulites reducing crystallinity. Similar observations have been made of PETg.