While newer polymers regularly enter the market - claiming better sustainability, better process-ability, or lower cost - PETG continues to be the benchmark for rigid medical trays. Its consistent performance, clarity, and sterilization compatibility have made it the material of choice for packaging engineers, device manufacturers, and converters alike.
So, what exactly gives PETG its staying power?
Let’s break it down.
In healthcare environments, visibility isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement. One of PETG’s most defining attributes is its exceptional optical clarity, which consistently exceeds 90% light transmission with minimal haze. That level of transparency allows clinical staff to visually confirm the integrity and placement of medical devices without breaking the sterile barrier.
Even after deep-draw thermoforming, PETG retains its clarity—unlike some polymers that exhibit whitening or stress crazing during forming. This makes it a standout choice for sterile packaging that must both protect and showcase its contents.
PETG is well-suited for healthcare’s demanding sterilization protocols. It performs reliably under ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma, and e-beam sterilization without discoloring, cracking, or losing mechanical integrity. This compatibility is backed by decades of data and field use.
Its glass transition temperature of ~78°C helps it maintain dimensional stability during sterilization, ensuring proper tray fit and seal performance. Importantly, PETG does not emit problematic byproducts or lose clarity post-sterilization—making it ideal for use in terminally sterilized, single-use medical devices and kits.
Durability is non-negotiable in medical packaging, and PETG delivers. With notched impact resistance around 7 ft-lb/in and elongation at break above 120%, PETG demonstrates both strength and flexibility. These mechanical properties allow trays to absorb impact during shipping, stacking, or cold-chain transport—without cracking or splintering.
Where other clear materials may become brittle or fail under edge stress, PETG maintains ductility. That means fewer tray failures, lower risk of contamination, and better performance in real-world conditions.
PETG offers outstanding thermoformability—supporting deep draws, detailed contours, and precise features at relatively low forming temperatures (typically between 120–160°C). It flows evenly and maintains wall thickness during forming, which is key for both performance and material efficiency.
For converters, PETG’s stable processing behavior means it runs smoothly on existing equipment with no need for major tooling changes. That translates to faster scale-up, minimal disruption, and flexibility in part design—whether you’re forming a shallow tray or a complex multi-compartment system.
One of PETG’s long-standing advantages is its regulatory familiarity. It is compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.1315, and many grades meet ISO 10993 requirements for biocompatibility. It's also a trusted material under ISO 11607 for sterile barrier systems—making it easier for manufacturers to navigate compliance processes.
This legacy of approval not only gives engineers peace of mind, but also helps streamline validation and qualification, reducing time to market for new packaging formats.
While PETG isn’t accepted in all municipal recycling programs, it carries the #1 resin identification code (RIC) and can be recycled in dedicated streams. Its broader sustainability value often comes from its durability and forming efficiency:
Less in-plant scrap due to reliable forming
Lower transport damage and returns
Opportunities for closed-loop recycling in controlled environments
For converters and device manufacturers focused on waste reduction, PETG offers a pragmatic path forward without compromising on performance.
PETG hasn’t just survived in the rigid medical packaging space—it’s set the standard.
Its combination of performance, processability, and regulatory acceptance continues to make it the go-to material for thermoformed medical trays. In an industry where failure is not an option, PETG delivers reliability where it matters most.
Want to learn more?
Contact our team to discuss your next project, or download our content bundle to explore how Impact Plastics' PETG solutions can support your medical packaging needs.