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Views: 101 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-09 Origin: Site
Update：2025-09-09 20:55:00
Every year, 20% of fresh fruits are damaged during transportation due to improper packaging choices, resulting in significant losses for suppliers and retailers alike. As a leading manufacturer of food-grade blister packaging, we understand that selecting the right material—whether PP, PE, or PET—directly impacts product freshness, shipping durability, and customer satisfaction. This guide breaks down the critical differences between these three materials to help you make informed decisions for your specific fruit packaging needs.
Property | PP (Polypropylene) | PE (Polyethylene) | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
Temperature Range | -30°C to 140°C | -100°C to 100°C | -70°C to 120°C (150°C short-term) |
Water Vapor Transmission | 3.9 g-mm/m²-24hr-bar | 4.6-6.2 g-mm/m²-24hr-bar | 18.13 g-mm/m²-24hr-bar |
Impact Resistance | Excellent (shock-absorbent) | Superior (flexible, shatterproof) | Good (rigid but brittle) |
Transparency | High | Medium | Excellent |
Recycling Code | #5 | #2 (HDPE) / #4 (LDPE) | #1 |
Freshness Preservation: Which Material Keeps Fruits Fresher Longer?
Fruit freshness depends heavily on moisture control and gas barrier properties. PET excels in blocking oxygen and moisture vapor, with a water vapor transmission rate as low as 3.89 cc-mil/100in²-24hr-atm—making it ideal for fruits requiring extended shelf life like berries and grapes. Its high clarity also enhances product visibility, a key advantage for retail displays. PP offers a balanced solution with moderate moisture resistance (3.9 g-mm/m²-24hr-bar) and superior sealing capabilities, making it perfect for pre-packaged fruits in refrigerated environments. Its low chemical leaching risk ensures safety for acidic fruits like citrus and pineapples. PE, while more permeable to moisture than PP or PET, provides exceptional flexibility that reduces condensation buildup—critical for delicate fruits like peaches and plums during cold chain transport. Its -100°C cold resistance also makes it suitable for frozen fruit packaging. Pressure Resistance: Protecting Fruits During Transit
Transportation damage remains a top concern for fruit suppliers. PE’s flexible structure absorbs impacts effectively, making it the best choice for bulk shipping of fragile fruits such as strawberries and cherries. Its shatterproof nature reduces breakage rates by up to 30% compared to rigid alternatives. PP strikes a balance between rigidity and impact resistance, with a tensile modulus of 2.15-5.15 MPa that withstands stacking pressure in warehouse storage. This makes it ideal for heavier fruits like apples and pears. PET’s high tensile strength (superior to both PP and PE) offers excellent puncture resistance but requires careful handling—its brittleness at low temperatures can lead to cracking if dropped. Reinforced PET designs are recommended for long-distance shipping of high-value fruits like mangoes and kiwis. Compliance & Sustainability Considerations
All three materials meet FDA and EU food contact standards, but their environmental profiles differ significantly. PET (#1) and PP (#5) have higher recycling rates than PE, aligning with retailers’ sustainability goals in Europe where plastic packaging recycling targets reach 70% by 2025. However, PP production emits 1.722 kg oil eq./kg-PP in fossil resource depletion, making recycled PET a more eco-friendly choice for brands prioritizing carbon footprint reduction. For clients seeking biodegradable options, we offer modified PP blends with potato starch additives that degrade within 30 days under composting conditions while maintaining 80% of standard PP’s protective properties. Application Recommendations by Fruit Type
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries): PET for moisture barrier + vented design - Citrus (oranges, lemons): PP for chemical resistance + citrus oil protection - Tropical fruits (mangoes, bananas): Reinforced PET for long-haul shipping - Stone fruits (peaches, plums): PE for shock absorption + anti-condensation - Apples/Pears: PP for stackable rigidity + extended cold storage Expert Tips for Material Selection
1. Prioritize PET if retail display appeal and extended shelf life are critical 2. Choose PE for bulk transportation of fragile fruits or frozen applications 3. Opt for PP when balancing cost, durability, and refrigerated storage needs 4. Always verify recycling codes with local waste management regulations 5. Consider custom venting patterns to complement each material’s breathability Ready to Optimize Your Fruit Packaging?
Our food-grade blister packaging solutions are engineered to maximize freshness and minimize waste. Whether you need custom PET blister packs for premium berries or heavy-duty PP containers for apple shipments, we provide FDA-certified materials with tailored designs. Contact our team today to request samples and sustainability reports for your specific fruit packaging requirements.
