What is Thermoformed？
Thermoformed not only improves production efficiency, but also enhances the integrity and strength of the finished product by combining raw materials without further assembly or splicing. In the field of packaging, Thermoformed technology is particularly suitable for the production of large-volume orders. Using this efficient production model, companies can reduce equipment investment costs while reducing manual intervention. Thermoformed products are also lightweight and highly durable, with no seams, uniform structures, and no seams, making them popular in food packaging and electronic accessories. With the continuous improvement of mold precision and material performance, Thermoformed has become more efficient and environmentally friendly.
What are the popular materials used for thermoformed packaging/trays？
1.General plastics:
a model of economy and practicality General plastics such as PET, PP and PS are the most commonly used materials for thermoforming. PET dominates the beverage bottle and food packaging market with its excellent transparency and food-grade safety. PP, with its excellent heat resistance and low cost, is an ideal choice for take-out boxes and daily necessities packaging. PS also plays a key role in the lining of electronic products and disposable tableware.
2.Environmentally friendly materials:
technological breakthroughs in sustainable development With the improvement of environmental protection awareness, environmentally friendly materials such as PLA and rPET have rapidly emerged. PLA is derived from renewable corn starch and is biodegradable, suitable for short-shelf-life food packaging. rPET is recycled and regenerated, while maintaining close to the performance of virgin PET, providing the possibility of plastic recycling. Custom thermoforming packaging here.
3.Metallic materials:
a combination of precision and function Metallic materials present unique advantages in thermoforming. Ultra-thin aluminum foil occupies an important position in pharmaceutical and food packaging with its excellent barrier properties. Thin aluminum sheets provide sophisticated packaging solutions for high-end cosmetics and electronic components.
4.Composite materials:
synergistic effects of performance Aluminum-plastic composite films and fiber-reinforced plastics represent the latest breakthroughs in materials science. Aluminum-plastic composite films exhibit unique barrier and heat-sealing properties in pharmaceutical and coffee capsule packaging. Glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics perfectly combine the molding process of plastics with metal-like strength.
Comparison of thermoforming materials
| Material Type | Material Name | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications | Advantages | Limitations | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Plastics | PET | High transparency, oil-resistant, recyclable | Beverage bottles, food trays | Food-grade safety, high recyclability | Limited heat resistance | Medium |
| PP | Heat-resistant, flexible | Takeout containers, pharmaceutical packaging | Microwave-safe, low cost | Poor chemical resistance | Low | |
| PS | High rigidity, transparent | Disposable tableware, electronic product liners | Low processing cost | Poor impact resistance | Low | |
| Engineering Plastics | ABS | High strength, easy surface treatment | Automotive components, tool packaging | Excellent mechanical properties | Limited heat resistance | Medium-High |
| PC | Heat-resistant, impact-resistant | Medical equipment, protective covers | Near-metal strength | High cost | High | |
| Eco-friendly Materials | PLA | Biodegradable, compostable | Short-shelf-life food packaging | Environmentally friendly | Poor heat resistance, low strength | High |
| rPET | Renewable, eco-friendly | Sustainable packaging, clothing tags | Performance close to virgin PET | Unstable recycling quality | Medium | |
| Metal Materials | Aluminum Foil | Lightweight, high barrier properties | Pharmaceutical packaging, food sealing | Anti-oxidation, moisture-proof | Brittle, easily damaged | Medium-High |
| Aluminum Sheet | Stampable, high strength | Cosmetic containers, electronic shielding | Precision processing | High cost | High | |
| Composite Materials | Aluminum-Plastic Laminate | Multi-layer, excellent barrier | Pharmaceutical blister packs, coffee capsules | Good heat sealing, strong protection | Difficult to recycle | High |
| Fiber-Reinforced Plastics | High strength, lightweight | Automotive parts, aerospace packaging | Near-metal strength | Complex processing | High |
