Quick Answer: PET is the most versatile and affordable plastic bottle material (food-safe, lightweight, recyclable). HDPE is the most chemically resistant (ideal for cleaning products and supplements). Glass is the most premium and fully inert (best for cosmetics and spirits).

PET vs HDPE vs Glass: Complete Bottle Material Comparison

Choosing the right bottle material affects your product's shelf life, consumer perception, shipping cost, and sustainability. Here's how to choose.

Quick answer: PET for clear, lightweight bottles (beverages, cosmetics). HDPE for opaque, chemical-resistant bottles (supplements, cleaning). Glass for premium, chemically inert bottles (spirits, perfume, luxury skincare).

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Clarity: ★★★★★ Crystal clear
Weight: ★★★★★ Very lightweight
Chemical resistance: ★★★☆☆ Good for most products
Recyclability: ★★★★☆ Widely recyclable (#1)
Cost: $0.15–$0.80/unit
Barrier: Good oxygen barrier, moderate moisture barrier
Best for: Water, juice, soda, salad dressing, shampoo, body wash, cosmetic serums

PET Advantages

Crystal clarity showcases product color and fill level
90% lighter than glass — major shipping savings
Shatter-resistant — safe for bathrooms and gyms
Widely recyclable (29% actual recycling rate in US)

PET Limitations

Not suitable for hot-fill (deforms above 160°F unless heat-set)
Some chemical interactions with certain essential oils
Petroleum-based (though rPET from recycled bottles is available)

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Clarity: ★☆☆☆☆ Opaque (blocks UV light)
Weight: ★★★★★ Very lightweight
Chemical resistance: ★★★★★ Excellent
Recyclability: ★★★★☆ Widely recyclable (#2)
Cost: $0.12–$0.60/unit
Barrier: Good moisture barrier, moderate oxygen barrier
Best for: Supplements, pills, cleaning products, shampoo, motor oil, detergent

HDPE Advantages

Blocks UV light — protects light-sensitive products
Best chemical resistance — safe for acids, bases, solvents
Squeezable — easy dispensing for thick products
Cheapest bottle material

HDPE Limitations

Cannot show product inside (opaque)
Less premium perception than PET or glass
Slight plastic odor transfer possible for sensitive products

Glass

Clarity: ★★★★★ Crystal clear (or tinted amber, cobalt, green)
Weight: ★☆☆☆☆ Heavy
Chemical resistance: ★★★★★ Chemically inert
Recyclability: ★★★★★ Infinitely recyclable
Cost: $0.50–$5.00/unit
Barrier: Perfect barrier — zero permeability
Best for: Perfume, spirits, wine, essential oils, luxury skincare, pharmaceuticals

Glass Advantages

Zero chemical interaction with contents
Premium consumer perception — "glass = quality"
Infinitely recyclable without quality loss
Amber glass blocks 99% of UV light
Heat-resistant — safe for hot-fill products

Glass Limitations

Breakable — requires protective packaging for shipping
Heavy — 5-10x heavier than PET, significantly higher shipping costs
Most expensive bottle material
Custom mold tooling costs $5,000–$15,000

Comparison Table

Feature	PET	HDPE	Glass
Cost	$0.15–$0.80	$0.12–$0.60	$0.50–$5.00
Clarity	Crystal clear	Opaque	Clear or tinted
Weight	Very light	Very light	Heavy
Shatter-proof	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
UV protection	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Amber/cobalt
Chemical inertness	Good	Excellent	Perfect
Premium feel	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
Recyclable	#1 PETE	#2 HDPE	Infinitely
Squeezable	Slightly	✅ Yes	❌ No

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PET vs HDPE vs Glass Bottles: Which Material Is Right for Your Product? (2026)