ABS vs PP vs PET – Full Comparison

​​Comparison of PP, PET & ABS Plastics​​

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These three common plastic materials differ significantly in their properties and applications:

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PP (Polypropylene) offers moderate heat resistance (-10°C to 100°C) and appears semi-transparent. While cost-effective and widely used in food packaging and household items, it has low impact resistance and becomes brittle in cold temperatures. Its recycling rate remains relatively low at 20-30%.

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PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) stands out with excellent transparency and better impact resistance than PP. With a wider temperature range (-40°C to 70°C), it's ideal for beverage bottles but has limitations in high-temperature applications. PET boasts the highest recycling rate (up to 90% for bottles) due to established collection systems.

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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) provides the best impact resistance and moderate heat tolerance (-20°C to 90°C). This opaque material, commonly used in electronics and toys, comes at a higher price point. Its complex composition leads to recycling challenges, with rates below 10% and requiring specialized chemical processes.

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