What It’s For and When to Use It
1mm clear PETG is a thin, tough, transparent plastic sheet that bends without snapping and stays crystal clear. It suits face shields, protective covers, packaging, print faces and lightweight displays. For anything that needs to stand up on its own or take load, choose 2mm or thicker.
1mm clear PETG is our single best-selling product at Plastic Sheets Direct, and for good reason. It gives you the clarity of glass at a fraction of the weight, and it takes knocks that would crack acrylic. Here is what it does well, and where a thicker sheet earns its money.
What is 1mm clear PETG?
It is a 1mm-thick sheet of clear PETG, the glycol-modified polyester also used in food packaging. At 1mm it is flexible, very light, and easy to cut with a knife or strong scissors. A square metre weighs about 1.27 kg, so large sheets stay easy to handle and cheap to post.
What is 1mm clear PETG used for?
At 1mm the sheet is thin enough to flex and cut by hand, which makes it the go-to gauge for covers, faces and protective screens. Common uses include:
- Face shields and visors — light, clear and impact-resistant against the face.
- Counter and sneeze screens — quick to cut and easy to mount.
- Protective covers and surface protectors — shields artwork, controls and panels.
- Packaging and box windows — food-safe grades suit product windows and trays.
- Sign and print faces — takes print and laminates cleanly.
- Picture framing — a shatter-free, lightweight alternative to glass.
- Model making and crafts — scores and snaps for clean straight cuts.
Why choose 1mm PETG over glass or acrylic?
Against glass, 1mm PETG is about half the weight and will not shatter, which makes it safer overhead, around people and in transit. Against acrylic of the same thickness, PETG flexes instead of cracking, so it survives handling and mounting better. Acrylic is slightly clearer and more rigid, so it wins for fixed, flat display panels where stiffness matters more than toughness.
When should you choose a thicker sheet?
1mm is a cover and face material, not a structural one. It will bow if you stand it upright unsupported or span it across a wide gap. Step up to a thicker sheet when you need the panel to hold its shape:
| If you need to… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Cover, wrap or protect a surface | 1mm |
| Build a free-standing display or sign face | 2mm |
| Fit a glazing panel or standing guard | 3mm+ |
| Span a wide, unsupported area | 4–6mm |
How do you cut 1mm clear PETG?
1mm PETG is one of the easiest sheets to cut at home or on the bench. Score along a straight edge with a knife and snap it, or use strong scissors for shorter cuts and curves. For volume or perfect edges, it lasers and saws cleanly too. Leave the protective film on until the last moment to keep the surface scratch-free.
Want it ready to fit? We supply 1mm clear PETG cut to size to your exact measurements, with no cutting or waste at your end.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1mm PETG strong enough for a face shield?
Yes. 1mm clear PETG is the standard gauge for face shields and visors. It is light enough to wear comfortably and tough enough to resist impact and splashes without shattering.
Is 1mm clear PETG flexible?
Very. At 1mm the sheet bends easily by hand and springs back, which is why it suits covers, curved faces and shields. If you need it to stay rigid and flat, choose 2mm or thicker.
Is 1mm PETG food safe?
Food-safe PETG grades are available at 1mm and are used for packaging, windows and trays. Confirm the grade if the sheet will touch food directly.
Can you print on 1mm clear PETG?
Yes. It takes screen, digital and vinyl print well, which is why it is popular for sign faces and packaging windows.
How much does 1mm PETG weigh?
About 1.27 kg per square metre, roughly half the weight of glass of the same size, so it is easy to handle, mount and post.
Order 1mm clear PETG cut to size
Send us your measurements and we will cut 1mm clear PETG to fit, delivered across the UK. Browse the PETG range or read our full PETG guide if you are still choosing a material.