Transparent cosmetic bottles, shampoo jars, and serum containers. Don’t most of these products look premium and feel different when you pick them up? It is easy to assume the brand invested in a better design. But it’s not the design but the material that has changed.
A newer plastic called PETG is what’s giving these bottles their glass-like clarity and smooth finish. This is why more cosmetic and personal care brands are shifting towards PETG for packaging that stays prominent on shelves and adds perceived value to the product inside.
This article explains what PETG is, how it differs from standard PET, where it is used, and why demand is rising. It also outlines what is needed to set up a PETG bottle manufacturing unit and who is most suited to enter this business.
What is PETG?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a very well-known name in the packaging industry, mostly used for making Preforms for water, beverages, jars, and various other types of drinks and food containers.
PET itself is a strong, clear, and lightweight thermoplastic material with good barrier properties against moisture and gases. It is easy to process and widely used because of its durability and recyclability.
When we add glycol, we obtain a modified material known as PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol). It’s not that PET is simply converted or mixed to form PETG; rather, it is chemically obtained during the polymerization process. In other words, PETG is a different material, but it comes from the same base polymer family, which is why the names are similar.
The addition of glycol reduces the crystallinity of the polymer, which makes it less brittle and easier to process in injection molding. PETG retains much of the strength and clarity of PET but offers improved toughness and impact resistance. It’s due to its clarity and durability, which make it suitable for use in premium packaging.
Types of PETG Bottles
Although PET has a wide range of applications in the 3D printing industry, our focus will solely be on the use of PETG in injection molding projects, particularly for packaging applications that are currently popular in the market.
Below are the main segments of PETG packaging and some common types of bottles that can be manufactured in each category:
1. Personal Care Packaging
PETG is commonly used in personal care products where visual appeal and product protection are equally important. Its clarity, gloss, and chemical resistance make it ideal for:
- Shampoo bottles
- Conditioner bottles
- Body wash bottles
- Lotion dispensers
- Body lotion containers
2. Cosmetic and Fragrance Packaging
PETG offers a glass-like appearance without the fragility of glass, which makes it quite suitable for high-end cosmetic and perfume products, like:
- Perfume bottles
- Cosmetic bottles and jars (for creams, serums, etc.)
- Makeup remover bottles
3. Household and Cleaning Product Packaging
In this category, PETG is appreciated for its toughness, stress-crack resistance, and compatibility with cleaning formulations. Common examples include:
- Spray bottles (for water, disinfectant, or cleaners)
- Pump spray bottles
- Oil spray bottles
PETG Bottle Market: Local and International
PETG is a very niche market, primarily because the material is expensive and mainly used in premium, consumer-facing products, largely in the cosmetic industry for packaging. So, most available data is found only in that niche.
According to research, the PETG market for cosmetics packaging, estimated at USD 1.2 billion in 2024, is expected to grow steadily to reach around USD 2.5 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2026 to 2033.
Locally, statistics aren’t easily available; however, there is demand from local brands in this niche. As per our research, no PET manufacturers are currently making PETG bottles locally (in Pakistan), and the same is true for most other countries in the region. Most of the PETG packaging is being imported from China, but there is a growing demand in both local and international markets.
What’s the PETG Bottles Manufacturing Business for?
PET is for mass-produced items, for example, water and beverage bottles, where there’s already a very clear and established market. But in the case of PETG, the market is niche — one has to understand it well before stepping in. It’s mainly used where looks, quality, and product presentation matter more than cost.
So, we advise PETG mainly for:
Cosmetic Brands
Premium and mid-to-high-end cosmetic brands are already using PETG bottles because of their clarity, shine, and premium look. Most of these brands are importing their packaging right now. If they could manufacture locally, it would bring their cost down, especially since margins are higher in the premium segment.
Local Vendors
At the moment, no local player is making PETG bottles in Pakistan, and it’s the same situation in many nearby countries. All packaging is being imported, but demand is there, as we have seen it being used in multiple packaging items. So, this first-mover advantage is a good opportunity for someone to set up production locally and serve this niche.
Exporters
There is also export potential. Many neighboring countries in the region do not have local PETG production, and most packaging is imported from China. Regional manufacturers could supply PETG bottles to these markets.
Set up for PETG Bottle Manufacturing
A basic PETG Bottle manufacturing setup requires this set of machines and auxiliaries:
- Injection Stretch Blow Molding (ISBM) Machine: The core machine system that initially forms PETG preforms and turns them into finished bottles in a single automated process.
- Dehumidifier: This removes moisture from the raw PETG material for consistent molding quality.
- Air-Cooled Chiller: It maintains the required temperature for smooth machine operation.
- Mold Temperature Controller: It regulates the mold’s temperature to achieve uniform wall thickness and surface finish.
- High-Pressure Air Compressor and Dryer: Provides the high-pressure compressed air needed to stretch and blow preforms into final bottle shapes.
Investments and ROI
The investment mainly depends on the type of product you want to make and the scale of production. For example, if we talk about the setup we mentioned earlier, using a 7-cavity 50ml bottle mold, the total setup cost would be around USD 170,000.
As for returns, with moderate production and demand from premium cosmetic brands, the investment can typically be recovered in about 1 to 2 years.
How HiTech Can Help You Get Started?
Now, if you’re interested in creating PETG bottles, HiTech Machinery provides a complete turnkey solution. Besides the machinery solution, we also offer comprehensive support services, including:
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- Technical Support
- Local Warranty
- Spare Parts
Whether you’re planning to set up PETG bottle manufacturing or explore other packaging product lines, get in touch with Hi-Tech Machinery today and take the first step toward building a high-value packaging setup.