PE vs PO vs CPE vs PP Bags: Which Material Should You Choose?

If you're sourcing plastic bags from China, you've probably seen terms like PE, PO, CPE, and PP. But what's the difference? And which one is right for your product?

This guide breaks down each material — clarity, strength, cost, food safety, and best applications — so you can make an informed decision.

At a Glance: Material Comparison Table

Property	PE (LDPE)	PO (Polyolefin)	CPE (Cast PE)	PP (Polypropylene)
Clarity	⭐⭐⭐ Moderate	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Crystal Clear	⭐⭐⭐⭐ High
Softness	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Soft	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Soft	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ultra Soft	⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
Tensile Strength	⭐⭐⭐ Good	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong	⭐⭐ Moderate	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Strong
Heat Resistance	⭐⭐ Low (~80°C)	⭐⭐ Low (~80°C)	⭐⭐ Low (~70°C)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High (~140°C)
Cost (FOB)	$3.45/kg	~$5/kg	$11.6/kg	$12.7/kg
Eco-friendly Options	✅ Recyclable	✅ Recyclable	✅✅ Recyclable	✅ Recyclable
Best For	Everyday packaging	Retail/garment display	Premium food/apparel	Hot-fill/high-strength

1. PE (Polyethylene) — The Workhorse

Best for: General packaging, hardware, electronics accessories, food, retail

PE is the most common plastic bag material. It's economical, versatile, and available in different formulations (LDPE for softness, HDPE for strength). PE bags offer good moisture protection and are a versatile, cost-effective option.

Why choose PE: Lowest cost, widely available, good all-round performance. Perfect for most packaging needs where extreme clarity isn't required.

2. PO (Polyolefin) — The Clear Choice for Retail

Best for: Garment packaging, gift wrapping, retail display, boutique packaging

PO bags have superior clarity and softness compared to standard PE. They feel more premium and show off products beautifully. PO bags are the go-to choice for brands that want their packaging to enhance product presentation.

Why choose PO: Much clearer than PE, softer feel, better for presentation. The extra cost is justified for retail-facing applications.

3. CPE (Cast Polyethylene) — Ultra-Clear Premium

Best for: Premium food packaging, luxury apparel, delicate items, eco-conscious brands

CPE is made through a cast film process rather than blown film, resulting in exceptional clarity and uniform thickness. CPE bags are thinner than regular PE at the same strength, making them a more material-efficient choice. They're also more environmentally friendly as they use less material per bag.

Why choose CPE: Best clarity of any PE material, thinner yet strong, eco-friendlier. The premium price is worth it for high-end products.

4. PP (Polypropylene) — High-Strength Specialty

Best for: Hot-fill packaging, high-strength applications, specialty industrial use

PP bags offer the highest tensile strength and heat resistance of all four materials. They can withstand temperatures up to 140°C, making them suitable for hot-fill applications. PP also has excellent clarity, though it's less flexible than PE and CPE.

Why choose PP: Unmatched strength and heat resistance. The high cost and lower flexibility limit its use to specific applications where these properties are critical.

How to Choose: Decision Flowchart

FOB Price Comparison at 3 丝 Thickness, 200×250mm

Material	Weight per bag	FOB Price (bulk, per bag)	Price per 10,000 bags
PE Flat Bag	0.88g	$0.005	$50
PO Flat Bag	0.88g	$0.008	$80
CPE Eco Bag	0.88g	$0.017	$170
PP Bag	0.88g	$0.018	$180

Note: These are FOB China Main Ports prices. Sea freight (approx $2.2/kg) and import duties (10.5% to US) are not included. Use our Shipping Calculator for total landed cost.