What is PET material and why is it used in packaging

Content:

1. What is PET and what it is used for?

2. Why PET? Advantages of PET.

3. Disadvantages of PET

What is PET and what it is used for?

Represented on the packaging by the number 1, PET is an abbreviation for the universal material Polyethylene Terephthalate. Being disposible, cost-effective and safe for human health, today it is used for packaging of non-alcoholic soft, carbonated/non-carbonated drinks such as - water, milk, juice, energy drinks, oils, food containers and many other products. PET was first synthesized in North America in the mid-1940s by DuPont chemists looking for new synthetic fibers. Today, more than half of the synthetic fiber called “polyester” in the world is made from PET.

Why PET? Advantages of PET.

PET is recognized as a safe, recyclable packaging material for both food and non-food products. Manufacturers use this material to package a wide range of products and items since it is long-lasting, clear, unbreakable and recyclable.

PET has distinguishing characteristics that make it a better choice for packaging:

- Durable: This makes it an excellent option for packaging.

- PET does not react with food: So, it ensures the safety of packaged products.

- Lightweight and unbreakable: It is significantly lighter than glass, making it easy to transport.

- Recyclable: PET is one of the most widely recycled packaging materials in the world. Recycled PET is referred to as rPET. It takes around 30,000 PET bottles to make one tonne of recycled PET plastic. A 2014 survey of household plastic collection in the UK by Recoup (the UK's leading organization for the efficient recycling and use of plastic resources) confirmed that around 60% of PET products making up household waste are collected for recycling. Recycled PET is used to make new bottles, clothing, car parts, blankets, jackets, pillows and sleeping bags.

- Transparency: This means that consumers can easily see the contents of the package.

- Cost-effective: PET has cheaper production and transportation expenses than glass.

- It may be heated and molded into a variety of shapes: Such as drink bottles for drinks and various food containers. It also has a lower melting point than alternative materials like glass and aluminum.

Disadvantages of PET

Despite its many benefits, it does have some drawbacks.

- Is not biodegrade: While being recyclable, is not a biodegradable material, which means it does not breakdown naturally and is merely recycled.

- PET is not heat resistant: Which makes it unsuitable to use for hot food and microwaves.

- Can be harmful if used many times: Repeated use of single-use PET (for example, multiple uses of a water bottle) can release chemicals into the food or drink stored inside.

PET plays an important role in our daily lives. It is widely used in various industries. Several health organizations, including the European Union and the FDA, have confirmed the safety of PET in direct food contact. PET can be considered more environmentally friendly than some other plastics and materials, especially when recycled correctly. It also reduces transportation costs since it is lightweight.