Have you ever looked at the bottom of the product in a plastic bottle or jar to see what it is made of? You have most likely encountered products made of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET). It is strong, shatter-resistant, and can be as transparent as a glass bottle or jar. PET is an ideal material choice for many industries. Its chemical resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, shatter resistance and low product cost make it a viable solution for consumer packaging.
First, we want to clarify some common misconceptions about plastic bottles.
Some plastic bottles are not recyclable
Yes, some recycling and waste management companies have restrictions on certain plastic products, but in general, you should be able to recycle any plastic products you buy from a grocery store. This includes disposable bags!
Plastic produces the most waste
In fact, cigarette butts are the most common rubbish in the world. Although it is unfortunate to see plastic in the environment, it can always be picked up and recycled.
Plastic bottles and food containers cause cancer
This myth began with viral emails and spread. Based on current evidence and scientific research in the past 10 years, there is currently no connection with this myth
PET plastic bottles have many advantages not only for stored products but also for consumers and the environment. Some of these advantages include:
Energy saving:
Compared with glass packaging production, PET packaging uses much less energy and natural resources in the manufacturing process. This includes fossil fuels and water.
Recyclable:
Did you know that 100% of PET plastic bottles can be recycled? Through the advancement of modern manufacturing technology, plastic bottles have been redesigned, reducing their weight by 30% and reducing the amount of plastic used to make them.
Chemical resistance:
PET forms a strong barrier with the external environment, and almost no oxygen passes through. It does not react with water or food and is very suitable for packaging consumables.
Shatterproof:
Unlike glass, PET plastic will not crack or shatter. This makes it a safer choice than glass containers. This also makes it safer and cheaper to transport after filling.
flexibility:
Because PET can be molded into different shapes at a lower cost than glass, brands can more easily use unique packaging designs to identify and promote their products and help stand out on store shelves.
Why is PET suitable for plastic bottles?
PET is a popular choice for plastic bottles because it has an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio compared to glass bottles, reduces costs and transportation costs, and has a good record of safety and reliability in consumer products.
From the beginning of the manufacturing process, PET has been designed as a strong and flexible material that can be used in many different types of plastic bottles and containers. It is important to note that every bottle is tested and carefully monitored to meet safety standards. By using compounds such as PET, we can have safe plastic bottle containers, save energy during the entire manufacturing process, make manufacturing economical, and be recyclable and sustainable.
Is PET plastic safe?
PET plastic is a safe packaging material for many food and beverage products. PET plastic has been approved by the FDA and similar regulatory agencies around the world as safe for contact with food and beverages, and has maintained a history of more than 30 years. One of the main concerns of the public is that the chemicals in plastic bottles "penetrate" into the products they consume. As part of the assessment, the FDA checks whether plastic components and other substances are transferred to the liquid content of the bottle, which is within the scope of safety standards.
Other security issues include:
PET does not contain nor does it contain phthalates. Although it contains the suffix -thalate, phthalates are not used to make PET plastic bottles.
Endocrine disruptors in plastics:
Contrary to popular belief, PET plastic does not contain endocrine disruptors.
Heat can cause dioxins to be released from the plastic:
PET plastic does not contain dioxins and will not produce dioxins when heated in a microwave oven or left in a car in hot weather. In addition, dioxins cannot be formed without chlorine, and PET plastic does not contain chlorine.
Reuse plastic water bottles:
PET water bottles and containers can usually be reused. However, water bottles marked for single use should be handled and recycled appropriately.
In short, PET is the most widely trusted plastic and can be directly used in consumer products. There are many reasons why so many companies and brands use it. Its strength and flexibility are comparable to glass.