PET vs Glass: Why Juice Companies Are Switching to Plastic

## PET vs Glass: The Great Juice Bottle Debate If you're launching a juice brand or looking to reduce costs, you've probably wondered: should I use glass or PET plastic bottles? Here's a detailed comparison. ### Cost Comparison | Factor | PET Plastic | Glass | |--------|-----------|-------| | Unit cost | $0.15-0.40 | $0.50-1.50 | | Shipping weight | 18-36g per bottle | 200-400g per bottle | | Breakage rate | <0.1% | 2-5% | | Shipping cost | Much lower | 3-5x higher | ### Safety & Durability PET bottles are virtually unbreakable, making them safer for: - Production environments - Shipping and distribution - Retail displays - Consumer use (especially families with children) ### Sustainability Facts Many people assume glass is more eco-friendly, but the reality is nuanced: - PET requires **less energy to manufacture** than glass - PET's lighter weight means **lower transportation emissions** - PET is **100% recyclable** and is the most recycled plastic (#1) - Glass recycling rates are actually declining in many US markets ### When Glass Still Makes Sense Glass can be the right choice for: - Ultra-premium positioning ($12+ per bottle) - Hot-fill processes (though heat-resistant PET exists) - Brands where "glass aesthetic" is core to identity ### The Verdict For most juice companies, PET offers the best balance of cost, safety, sustainability, and consumer appeal. That's why over **80% of new juice brands** choose PET packaging. [Get a free PET bottle quote →](/contact/)