“Where to begin?” It’s the question that starts all questions. Personally, we’re big fans of questions, and think that good questions warrant good answers! When beginning your packaging journey, we recommend that you consider using PET, HDPE, and PP resin. These three plastics are diverse, recyclable, and easy to work with, and they are a lot of fun to read about! 

Plastic #1

First on the list is PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is marked with a number one (1). This plastic is rigid but can also offer a small about of flexibility. It also is smooth and non-porous, making it a good liquid and gas barrier. PET is commonly used for beverage bottles, lotion and cream jars, dog treat canisters, food and puree containers, alcohol storage, cleaning products, chemical storage, paint containers, and much much more! As you can see, PET is incredibly diverse! 

This plastic also comes in a variety of colors and opacities. PET is naturally clear, but it can also easily be tinted – popular translucent colors include amber, blue, and green. It can also be opaquely colors – popular opaque colors include white and black. Whatever color you need, PET can accommodate!  

Plastic #2

Second on our list is resin number two (2). HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is squeezable but firm. It has a uniquely wide temperature tolerance, ranging from -100°F to about 200°F. Popular HDPE products include milk jugs, buckets, travel-size containers, bleach bottles, pill packer bottles, supplement powder canisters, soap and lotion bottles, dumpster lids, chemical containers, pet chew jars, and juice bottles.  

In its natural state, HDPE is a cloudy translucent color – picture an empty milk jug. HPDE commonly has a matte or satin finish but can sometimes be shiny. It can come in colors of white, black, natural, or any opaque color options you like.  

Plastic #5… I mean 3

Coming in at number three is plastic number… five (5), Polypropylene (PP). Most plastic packaging lids are made from PP. Due to the material’s rigidity, it can be molded with great detail. This resin can endure up to about 240°F before distorting. Polypropylene is used for deodorant containers, airless pumps, lids, lip balm tubes, plastic scoops, dairy and yogurt tubs, small pails, and jars.  

It is available in any color, though the most common colors are white, black, and natural.  

Still not sure where to go from here? No worries – this is just the beginning! The next step is to choose, sample, and test your containers. Check out our article about compatibility testing, or start shopping for your perfect container here.

If plastic isn’t right for your product, check out our full catalog for other materials, including glass and metal (include links).