PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the most common material used for fruit clamshell packaging due to its clarity, strength, and recyclability. PET offers excellent transparency with light transmittance exceeding 92%, strong impact resistance, and food-grade safety. It fully complies with food contact material regulations including US FDA, EU EFSA, and China GB4806.7 standards. Industry-standard PET thickness for fruit and vegetable packaging ranges from 0.18 mm to 1.2 mm.
RPET (Recycled PET) incorporates recycled content while maintaining food-grade performance when sourced through approved processes. These materials are widely accepted in global markets and compatible with established recycling systems. Governments across India, Canada, multiple US states, and Latin American fruit export hubs are rolling out mandatory minimum post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET content requirements for food-contact produce packaging through 2026–2027, with several markets phasing in 40% PCR minimum thresholds for berry clamshell containers.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) clamshells are produced from bio-based materials such as corn starch or sugarcane. They are biodegradable and industrially compostable, typically positioned for markets with strong sustainability mandates. PLA offers excellent transparency and is compatible with thermoforming processes.
Each material has distinct advantages, and the optimal choice depends on specific application requirements, regional regulations, and sustainability objectives.
