In the world of confectionery, presentation is everything. Whether it’s a luxurious box of truffles or a delicate fruit tart, the packaging plays a critical role in attracting customers, preserving freshness, and communicating brand value. Behind every elegant chocolate tray or dessert insert is a functional yet beautiful structure — often made using thermoformed plastic. But which plastic is best for this purpose?
For chocolate and dessert packaging trays or boxes, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) has emerged as the preferred thermoforming material due to its outstanding combination of clarity, strength, safety, and sustainability.
1. Food-Safe & Non-Toxic
PET is FDA-approved and widely used in food-contact applications. It does not leach harmful chemicals, even when exposed to mild heat or stored for long periods, making it ideal for chocolate, candies, pastries, and more.
2. Crystal Clear Presentation
Visual appeal is key for confectionery. PET sheets offer superior transparency, allowing the product inside to shine — literally. This clarity enhances product visibility and attractiveness, especially in retail environments.
3. Excellent Thermoformability
PET sheets have outstanding formability, which means they can be precisely molded into intricate tray shapes — whether it’s a 6-cavity chocolate tray, a compartmentalized pastry holder, or a custom-shaped insert.
4. Temperature Resistance
Chocolate is temperature-sensitive. PET can withstand mild heating without deforming or releasing odors, making it suitable for cold chain logistics, room-temperature display, and refrigerated storage.
5. High Barrier Protection
PET has inherent moisture and gas barrier properties, which help preserve the flavor and texture of the chocolate or pastry. This prevents spoilage and extends the shelf life of your products.
6. Eco-Friendly & Recyclable
Unlike some other plastics, PET is 100% recyclable. Using RPET (Recycled PET) is also becoming more common, allowing dessert brands to lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing quality.
Product Type | Packaging Form | Thermoformed PET Usage |
---|---|---|
Chocolates | Box inserts / trays | Holds each piece securely, showcases elegance |
Cupcakes / Muffins | Clamshell boxes | Protects delicate toppings and frosting |
Pastries & Tarts | Multi-cavity trays | Prevents movement during shipping |
Candy | Blister packaging | Extended shelf appeal on retail shelves |
Gift Sets | Transparent boxes | High-end appearance, full visibility |
Property | Specification |
---|---|
Thickness | 0.18 mm – 1.7 mm |
Color | Clear, Black, Gold, Custom |
Surface Finish | Glossy / Matte |
Material Type | Virgin PET or RPET |
Width | Up to 1400 mm |
FDA Food Grade | Available |
Thermoforming Type | Vacuum or pressure forming |
Customization | Color, size, embossing, logo printing |
Material | PET | PVC | PS | PP |
---|---|---|---|---|
Clarity | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
Food Safety | ✔️ | ❌ (in some regions) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Recyclability | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
Barrier Properties | Excellent | Poor | Medium | Good |
Forming Quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair |
PET clearly outperforms PVC and is more attractive than PS or PP when clarity and branding are priorities.
At PULIXIN, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality PET sheets tailored for the food packaging and thermoforming industries. Here’s why brands across 50+ countries choose us:
From chocolate trays to high-visibility gift boxes, we help you elevate your packaging game with reliable, safe, and stunning PET sheets.
Q1: Can PET be used in chocolate gift boxes that go into the fridge?
Yes. PET’s thermal stability and barrier protection make it ideal for refrigerated desserts.
Q2: Is PET packaging safe for direct food contact?
Absolutely. Our PET sheets are produced in certified clean-room environments and comply with FDA and EU food contact standards.
Q3: Can I order golden or black PET for premium packaging?
Yes. We offer metallic PET sheets and color customization for luxury product lines.
Q4: What’s your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ depends on size, thickness, and color. Contact us for a tailored quote.