Glass vs PET Packaging Comparison
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Compare glass and PET packaging on total cost, carbon footprint, recyclability, product protection, and consumer perception. Data-driven comparison tool with market-specific recycling rates for the US, EU, and China.
Showing: typical wine 750ml scenario, US market — adjust to match your product
Affects unit pricing, freight, and local recycling rates.
Assumptions
Reference Data
Glass vs PET Material Properties
Reference data for soda-lime glass and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) used in packaging.
| Property | Glass (Soda-Lime) | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (500ml bottle) | 300–380g | 12–28g |
| Manufacturing Temperature | 1,500–1,600°C | 260–280°C |
| CO₂ per kg Material | 0.62 kg | 3.4 kg |
| Oxygen Barrier | Impermeable | Semi-permeable (O₂ ingress over time) |
| UV Protection | Excellent (amber/green) | Moderate (requires additive) |
| Recycling Rate (US) | 31% | 29% |
| Recycling Rate (EU) | 76% | 52% |
| Recycling Cycles | Infinite | 1–2 cycles |
| Chemical Inertness | Complete | Risk of leaching at high temp |
| Breakage Rate | 1–3% | ~0% |
| Shelf Life (still products) | 2+ years | 6–18 months |
| Typical Unit Cost (500ml) | $0.19–0.30 | $0.08–0.12 |
When to Choose Glass vs PET
Material selection depends on your product, brand, market, and sustainability goals.
Glass vs PET at a Glance
Why Use This Comparison Tool
Market-Specific Data
US, EU, and China recycling rates, unit costs, and freight rates pre-loaded. Switch markets and see numbers update instantly.
12-Dimension Comparison
Weight, cost, freight, manufacturing CO₂, transport CO₂, recycling rate, recyclability, product protection, consumer perception, and more.
Full Environmental View
Manufacturing CO₂ + transport CO₂ + recyclability. Not just a single carbon number — a complete lifecycle perspective.
Cost-Benefit Interpretation
Auto-generated plain-language interpretation of the numbers. Understand not just which is cheaper, but why.
When-to-Choose Guide
Clear decision framework: 6 reasons to choose glass, 6 reasons to choose PET. No false equivalency.
Export-Ready Results
Comparison results structured for supplier briefs, sustainability reports, and internal decision memos.
Who Uses This Comparison Tool
How to Use This Tool
Set Parameters
Enter your container capacity, annual volume, and target market. The calculator auto-loads market-specific pricing and recycling data.
Compare Results
Review the side-by-side comparison across 12 dimensions: cost, CO₂, recyclability, product protection, and consumer perception.
Make Your Decision
Use the interpretation guide and the "When to Choose" section to pick the right material for your product and market.