PP vs. PET — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
PP (Polypropylene) is known for its flexibility, fatigue resistance, and higher melting point, whereas PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is valued for its strength, dimensional stability, and excellent water and moisture barrier properties.
Difference Between PP and PET
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
PP is a thermoplastic polymer used in a variety of applications including packaging, textiles, and automotive components because of its resistance to fatigue, most solvents, and high temperatures. Whereas, PET is commonly used for making beverage bottles, packaging, and synthetic fibers due to its strong barrier against water, good resistance to mineral oils, solvents, and acids.
PP is lighter in weight, which makes it a preferred choice for products where weight reduction is critical, such as in automotive and aviation parts. On the other hand, PET’s robustness makes it ideal for packaging products that require a high strength-to-weight ratio, like carbonated drinks.
PP has a higher melting point around 160°C which allows it to be used in applications such as dishwasher safe containers and medical devices that must endure sterilization. Whereas, PET has a lower melting point around 250°C but provides superior clarity and better resistance to moisture, which is crucial for food and pharmaceutical packaging.
PP can be easily colored during the manufacturing process, which makes it useful for consumer goods and household appliances where aesthetic appeal is important. PET, on the other hand, usually maintains a clear or light blue tint in its most common form, making it appealing for packaging where product visibility is desired.
PP is typically cheaper to produce than PET, making it more cost-effective for disposable items and low-cost consumer goods. Conversely, PET, while generally more expensive, offers added benefits such as UV resistance and better dimensional stability, which justify its cost in many high-value applications.
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Comparison Chart
Common Uses
Packaging, automotive parts, textiles
Beverage bottles, food packaging
Resistance to
Fatigue, many chemicals, high temperatures
Water, moisture, certain chemicals
Weight
Lighter
Heavier, but strong
Melting Point
Higher (160°C)
Lower (250°C)
Cost
Generally lower
Generally higher
Compare with Definitions
Pp
PP is a versatile, heat-resistant, and chemically resistant plastic.
PP is commonly used in food containers that are microwave safe.
Pet
It is commonly recycled, reflecting its role in sustainable packaging solutions.
Recycled PET is often used in textile fibers.
Pp
It is known for its fatigue resistance.
PP is often used in plastic hinges.
Pet
A pet, or companion animal, is an animal kept primarily for a person's company or entertainment rather than as a working animal, livestock or a laboratory animal. Popular pets are often considered to have attractive appearances, intelligence and relatable personalities, but some pets may be taken in on an altruistic basis (such as a stray animal) and accepted by the owner regardless of these characteristics.
Pp
PP can be easily colored, which is advantageous in consumer goods.
Children's toys are often vibrant and made from PP.
Pet
A domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure
The pony was a family pet
A pet cat
Pp
PP is lightweight, enhancing its use in automotive and aviation industries.
Interior trims of cars are frequently made from PP.
Pet
A fit of sulking or ill humour
Mother's in a pet
Pp
It has a high melting point, suitable for applications requiring sterilization.
Medical devices made from PP can withstand autoclave conditions.
Pet
Stroke or pat (an animal) affectionately
The cats came to be petted
Pp
Plural of|en|p}}; {{abbreviation of pages
Pet
An animal kept for enjoyment or companionship.
Pp
(countable) percentage point
Pet
An object of the affections.
Pp
Proton and proton (used attributively to describe a collision or other interaction of these two particles)
Pet
A person especially loved or indulged; a favorite
The teacher's pet.
Pet
A fit of bad temper or pique.
Pet
Kept as a pet
A pet cat.
Pet
Particularly cherished or indulged
A pet grandchild.
Pet
Expressing or showing affection
A pet name.
Pet
Being a favorite
A pet topic.
Pet
To stroke or caress gently.
Pet
To stroke or fondle amorously.
Pet
To be sulky and peevish.
Pet
An animal kept as a companion.
Pet
(by extension) Something kept as a companion, including inanimate objects. (pet rock, pet plant, etc.)
Pet
One who is excessively loyal to a superior and receives preferential treatment.
Pet
Any person or animal especially cherished and indulged; a darling.
Pet
A fit of petulance, a sulk, arising from the impression that one has been offended or slighted.
Pet
Abbreviation of petition
Pet
A term of endearment usually applied to women and children.
Pet
(transitive) To stroke or fondle (an animal).
Pet
To stroke or fondle (another person) amorously.
Pet
To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge.
His daughter was petted and spoiled.
Pet
To be a pet.
Pet
To be peevish; to sulk.
Pet
Favourite; cherished; the focus of one's (usually positive) attention.
A pet child
The professor seemed offended by the criticism of her pet theory.
Pet
Kept or treated as a pet.
Pet rock
Pet
A cade lamb; a lamb brought up by hand.
Pet
Any person especially cherished and indulged; a fondling; a darling; often, a favorite child.
The love of cronies, pets, and favorites.
Pet
A slight fit of peevishness or fretfulness.
Pet
Any animal kept as a companion, usually in or around one's home, typically domesticated and cared for attentively and often affectionately. Distinguished from animals raised for food or to perform useful tasks, as a draft animal.
Pet
Petted; indulged; admired; cherished; as, a pet child; a pet lamb; a pet theory; a pet animal.
Some young lady's pet curate.
Pet
To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge; as, she was petted and spoiled.
Pet
To be a pet.
Pet
A domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
Pet
A special loved one
Pet
A fit of petulance or sulkiness (especially at what is felt to be a slight)
Pet
Using a computerized radiographic technique to examine the metabolic activity in various tissues (especially in the brain)
Pet
Stroke or caress gently;
Pet the lamb
Pet
Stroke or caress in an erotic manner, as during lovemaking
Pet
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child
Pet
PET is a strong, rigid plastic commonly used for its clarity and barrier properties.
Most water bottles are made from PET.
Pet
It offers excellent resistance to moisture, making it ideal for food packaging.
PET is used for packaging fresh produce.
Pet
PET has good dimensional stability, necessary for precise mechanical parts.
Mechanical gears in printers may be made from PET.
Pet
PET’s UV resistance makes it suitable for outdoor applications.
PET can be used for solar panel enclosures.
Common Curiosities
What are the typical applications of PP?
PP is used in automotive parts, textiles, and consumer goods.
What is the primary difference between PP and PET?
PP is more flexible and has a higher melting point, while PET is stronger and has superior moisture barrier properties.
What are the typical applications of PET?
PET is primarily used for making beverage bottles and food packaging.
Can both PP and PET be used for food packaging?
Yes, both are used in food packaging, but PET is preferred for liquid containers due to its moisture barrier.
Which plastic is cheaper to produce?
PP is typically cheaper to produce than PET.
Which is more environmentally friendly, PP or PET?
Both can be recycled, but PET is more commonly recycled globally, especially in bottle form.
Is PP safe for microwave use?
Yes, PP is generally safe for microwave use due to its high melting point.
Why is PET considered better for the environment?
PET’s extensive recycling channels and its durability make it slightly more eco-friendly.
How do PP and PET compare in terms of chemical resistance?
PP has better resistance to a broader range of chemicals compared to PET.
Why is PET preferred for beverage bottles?
Due to its strength, clarity, and excellent barrier properties against gases and moisture.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
