What is the difference between PE and PET film?
Feb 13, 2025
1.Performance comparison between PE Film and PET Film
- Basic performance comparison PE film (polyethylene) Features: soft and tear-resistant, low temperature resistant (normal use at -30℃), low cost Weaknesses: weak high temperature resistance (easy to soften over 60℃), average transparency
- PET film (polyester) Features: high hardness, high temperature resistance (no deformation at 120℃), transparency over 90% Weaknesses: price is about 15-20% higher than PE, brittle at low temperature
1.2 Chemical & Barrier Properties
PE Film:
Resistant to water and acids but permeable to oxygen and oils.
Prone to degradation under prolonged UV exposure.
PET Film:
Excellent barrier against oxygen, moisture, and solvents.
UV-stabilized variants available for outdoor use.
1.3 Cost & Sustainability
PE Film:
Cost: $1.2–1.8/kg (30–40% cheaper than PET).
Recyclability: Widely recycled but slow to degrade (100+ years).
PET Film:
Cost: $1.6–2.4/kg (higher upfront cost but longer lifespan).
Recyclability: Highly recyclable; 60% of PET films are reprocessed into new products.
Part 2: Who Chooses PET Film? Key Applications & Buyer Profiles
2.1 PET Film Applications
High-Barrier Food Packaging
Use Cases: Vacuum-sealed meat packaging, ready-to-eat meal trays.
Why choose PET?: Blocks oxygen/moisture, extends shelf life by 30–50%.
Buyer Pain Points: Compliance with FDA/EU food contact regulations.
Electronics & Industrial Components
Use Cases: Insulation layers for circuit boards, touchscreen protective films.
Why choose PET?: High dielectric strength (6,000 V/mm), anti-static properties.
Buyer Pain Points: Tolerance for thickness (±0.005 mm) to avoid assembly issues.
Premium Printing & Labeling
Use Cases: Cosmetic labels, pharmaceutical leaflets.
Why choose PET?: Smooth surface for high-resolution printing, scratch resistance.
2.2 PET Film Buyer Personas
Food Manufacturers: Prioritize hygiene certifications and barrier performance.
Electronics OEMs: Demand precision engineering and batch consistency.
Printing Houses: Require defect-free rolls to minimize press downtime.
Part 3: Who Chooses PE Film? Target Industries & Buyer Needs
3.1 PE Film Applications
Agriculture & Horticulture
Use Cases: Greenhouse films, mulch films.
Why choose PE?: UV stabilization, cost-effective coverage (0.5–1.2 mm thickness).
Logistics & Protective Packaging
Use Cases: Bubble wrap, pallet stretch film.
Why choose PE?: High elongation (300–500%) for load securing.
Disposable Consumer Goods
Use Cases: Grocery bags, garbage liners.
Why choose PE?: Low cost per unit, ease of heat sealing.
3.2 PE Film Buyer Personas
Farm Cooperatives: Seek bulk pricing and weather resistance.
E-commerce Logistics Teams: Focus on reducing shipping costs (lightweight films).
Small Retailers: Prioritize MOQ flexibility (1–5 ton orders).
Part 4: How We Bridge the Gap – A Supplier Built Like a Factory
4.1 Manufacturing Capabilities
Production Scale:
3 dedicated production lines (2 PE, 1 PET), monthly output 500–600 tons.
Semi-automated slitting machines (e.g., Jiuwei JW-2800) ensure ±0.01 mm thickness accuracy.
Raw Material Sourcing:
PE resin from Sinopec/Yangzi Petrochemical; PET chips from Indorama Ventures.
Certificates: ISO 9001, FDA 21 CFR, REACH.
4.2 Solutions Addressing customer needs
For PET customer needs:
Precision Thinning: Reduce PET film from 25μm to 18μm without compromising tensile strength.
Custom Coatings: Anti-fog layers for fresh food packaging, matte finishes for luxury labels.
Case Study: Supplied 8-ton 12μm PET film to a Korean electronics firm, achieving 0.3% defect rate.
For PE customer needs:
Cost Optimization: Blending 10–20% recycled PE granules (LDPE) to cut costs by 12–15%.
Rapid Prototyping: 3-day sample turnaround for custom additives (e.g., anti-slip agents).
4.3 Quality Assurance & Logistics
Testing Protocols:
Every batch tested for puncture resistance (ASTM D5748), seal strength (ASTM F88).
On-site lab with haze meters and tensile testers.
Delivery Network:
15-day lead time for Asian orders; 30 days for EU/USA.
Partner with COSCO Shipping for 10–15% lower freight rates.
Part 5: Why our Clients Trust Us as Their "Hidden Factory"
End-to-End Control:
Raw material inspection → extrusion → slitting → QC → packaging (all in-house).
Agile Customization:
Modified a PE blend for a Japanese client to withstand -40°C freezer storage.
Transparent Communication:
Weekly production updates via ERP system access.
Client Validation:
"Consistent quality over 2 years, no supply delays." – Packaging distributor in Vietnam.
"Saved 18% on material costs with their PE recycling program." – Thai agricultural supplier
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice Starts With Expertise
PE and PET films serve distinct purposes, and the optimal choice hinges on balancing technical requirements, budgets, and sustainability goals. As a vertically integrated supplier with factory-grade capabilities, we empower wholesale buyers to:
Reduce total costs through material optimization.
Mitigate risks with rigorously tested films.
Scale production without compromising flexibility.
Request free samples or download our PE/PET Selection Checklist to streamline your next
