Materials We Use
Elmes Packaging manufactures custom thermoformed packaging using a proven range of plastic materials. These materials are used daily in production to support consistent forming, reliable performance, and scalable manufacturing across food, consumer, electronics, and industrial applications.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is a clear, rigid plastic material we commonly use for thermoformed retail and food packaging. Its transparency allows products to be clearly visible while its strength maintains the structural integrity required for handling, stacking, and distribution.
At Elmes, PET is used to produce blisters, clamshells, and trays that require clean forming detail and consistent wall thickness in production. It is a reliable material for applications where appearance and protection must work together at scale.
Recycled PET (RPET)
Recycled PET contains 30% or more post-consumer PET while maintaining the clarity, strength, and barrier performance of virgin PET. It is used for clamshells, trays, and food packaging where durability and sustainability are both important. Its consistent forming and structural stability make it reliable for production at scale.
RPET is commonly applied in food and beverage packaging, including produce trays, ready-to-eat meals, and baked goods. It is also used in consumer goods packaging, such as clamshells and retail trays, where both product visibility and environmental responsibility are priorities.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a durable thermoforming plastic valued for its heat resistance and structural stability. When combined with an EVOH layer, polypropylene packaging provides an oxygen barrier, helping to extend the shelf life of oxygen-sensitive products like protein. Its lightweight nature makes it practical for functional packaging without adding unnecessary material.
Common applications include meat trays, frozen containers, and microwavable or portioned ready-to-eat meals. Its reliable forming and strength make it ideal for high-volume production in both food and industrial settings.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride is a thermoforming plastic that excels at forming defined shapes and precise cavities. Its structural rigidity makes it ideal for packaging that must maintain form during handling, stacking, and transport.
PVC is used for clamshells, portioned food trays, and retail packaging where shape retention and product protection are critical. It is also applied in small consumer goods packaging that requires detailed, consistent forms. Its reliable forming and consistent wall thickness make it well-suited for production at scale.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
High Impact Polystyrene is a lightweight, durable thermoforming plastic valued for its toughness, ease of forming, and low cost. Unlike PET and RPET, which prioritize clarity, HIPS is opaque and better suited for applications that require impact resistance and functional performance.
HIPS is often used for yogurt cups (non-clear), meat trays with absorbent pads, appliance housings, trays, and lids—applications where clarity is not needed. Its consistent forming and durability make it suitable for medium to high-volume production.
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Materials
ESD materials are engineered to protect sensitive electronic components from damage caused by static electricity during handling, transport, and assembly. They maintain the mechanical strength and formability of the base plastic while safely managing electrical charges.
These materials are used for trays, clamshells, and dividers in electronics manufacturing, assembly, and logistics, where static control is critical. Their consistent forming and durability make them reliable for production environments that handle delicate, static-sensitive products.
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Thanks for your interest in Elmes Packaging. We’re excited to learn more about your next thermoforming project. From initial discussion and prototyping to product development, our team of experts is here to work with you every step of the way. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch within 1-2 business days, or give us a toll-free call at 905-565-1272.
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