Crystal-clear, virtually unbreakable, and fully recyclable. PETG (Glycol-Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the clear material of choice when you need transparency without the brittleness of acrylic or the cost of polycarbonate. FDA compliant, BPA-free, and the most widely recycled clear plastic on earth.
90%+
Light Transmission
0.5–6mm
Sheet Thickness Range
#1 PET
Recycling Code
FDA
Food-Contact Compliant
Why Choose PETG
PETG sits at the intersection of clarity, toughness, and sustainability — making it the fastest-growing clear material in thermoforming.
PETG offers 90%+ light transmission — rivaling glass and acrylic. Unlike polycarbonate, it doesn't yellow over time. Unlike acrylic, it doesn't crack on impact. PETG is the sweet spot for clear thermoformed parts.
PETG is virtually unbreakable under normal conditions. It absorbs impacts without cracking, chipping, or stress whitening — a critical advantage over acrylic (PMMA) which shatters on impact.
PETG resists a wide range of chemicals, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. In medical and food environments, this means aggressive cleaning protocols without material degradation.
PETG is part of the PET family — the most widely recycled plastic worldwide. It carries the #1 recycling code, making it the most sustainability-friendly clear thermoforming material available.
PETG has a wide processing window and forms without stress whitening — a problem that plagues other clear materials. Deep draws, sharp details, and complex geometries all form cleanly.
PETG costs significantly less than polycarbonate (Lexan) and is more forgiving to form than acrylic. For applications that don't require PC's extreme heat resistance, PETG delivers comparable clarity at lower cost.
PETG Grade Selection
From crystal-clear standard grades to anti-fog and UV-stabilized specialty grades — we source and form the right PETG for your application.
| Grade | Key Properties | Applications | Max Temp | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETG Clear (Standard) | Crystal-clear transparency, excellent impact resistance, no stress whitening, easy to form | Display covers, machine guards, POP displays, medical packaging, sneeze guards | Up to 70°C | 1–6mm |
| PETG FDA Food-Contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.1315 compliant, BPA-free, no taste or odor transfer, recyclable | Food packaging, bakery displays, produce containers, beverage dispensers, food trays | Up to 65°C | 0.5–4mm |
| PETG Anti-Fog | Permanent anti-fog coating, maintains clarity in refrigerated environments, food-safe | Refrigerated display covers, deli cases, cold-chain packaging, salad bar guards | Up to 65°C | 0.5–3mm |
| PETG UV-Stabilized | UV absorbers prevent yellowing and degradation, maintains clarity outdoors | Outdoor signage, skylights, greenhouse panels, exterior display covers | Up to 70°C | 1.5–6mm |
| PETG Colored / Tinted | Through-body color or tint, maintains translucency, scratch-resistant surface | Architectural panels, decorative displays, lighting diffusers, branded retail fixtures | Up to 70°C | 1–6mm |
PETG Applications
From retail displays to medical packaging — PETG is the clear material of choice when transparency, toughness, and food safety are all required.
Crystal-clear PETG showcases products beautifully. No yellowing, no stress whitening during forming, and superior impact resistance compared to acrylic. The material of choice for premium retail environments.
PETG is the standard for medical device packaging, blister packs, and pharmaceutical trays. Sterilizable, chemically resistant, and provides clear visibility of contents for inspection.
FDA-compliant PETG for bakery displays, produce containers, deli cases, and food service trays. Anti-fog grades maintain clarity in refrigerated environments.
PETG machine guards combine the clarity of acrylic with the impact resistance of polycarbonate — at a lower cost than either. Ideal for CNC enclosures, robot cells, and factory safety barriers.
PETG's excellent light transmission and formability make it ideal for lighting covers, diffuser panels, and decorative luminaires. Tinted grades create ambient effects.
UV-stabilized PETG maintains clarity and color for years in outdoor applications. Lighter and more impact-resistant than glass, easier to form than acrylic.
Chemical-resistant PETG housings for agricultural drone spray tanks and sensor enclosures. Withstands exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, and cleaning agents without crazing or clouding.
Clear Material Comparison
Three clear materials, three different strengths. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose the right one for your application.
| Property | PETG | Polycarbonate (Lexan) | Acrylic (PMMA) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Excellent (90%+ transmission) | Good (may yellow) | Excellent (92%) | PETG / Acrylic |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent (no shatter) | Outstanding (250x glass) | Poor (shatters) | PC > PETG > Acrylic |
| Stress Whitening | None | None | Severe | PETG / PC |
| Chemical Resistance | Very good | Fair (solvent sensitive) | Fair | PETG |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 70°C | Up to 130°C | Up to 80°C | PC |
| Cost | Moderate | High | Moderate | PETG / Acrylic |
| Recyclability | #1 PET (widely recycled) | #7 Other (limited) | Not widely recycled | PETG |
| Food Contact | FDA compliant, BPA-free | Limited (BPA concerns) | Limited | PETG |
The simple rule: if you need extreme heat resistance (130°C+), choose Lexan (PC). If you need the cheapest clear option and don't mind brittleness, consider acrylic. For everything else — PETG is the best all-around clear thermoforming material.
The Formpack Advantage
We understand the unique challenges of forming clear materials — temperature control, surface protection, and optical quality. Our process is optimized to deliver parts with no haze, no marks, and no stress whitening.
PETG, Lexan (PC), and acrylic — we form all three. We'll recommend the right clear material for your specific requirements and budget.
Precision CNC trimming for tight tolerances and clean edges. No hand-trimming marks or rough edges on your clear parts.
Serving USA, Europe, Middle East, and India. Protective packaging ensures your clear parts arrive scratch-free.
Related Resources
Send us your drawings or 3D models. We'll recommend the right PETG grade, provide a DFM review, and quote your project — typically within 48 hours.