PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate - also known as PETE, PETP, or PET-P – is categorized as thermoplastics, which is widely used in the plastics industry nowadays. PET is ranked the 1st in the list of 7 recyclable and non-toxic plastics approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Overview about PET
PET or PETE is considered to be the safest raw materials to produce the food-grade plastic products. PET products are used to contain foods, beverages or direct-used products for people.
PET is used in synthetic fibers and beverage containers such as plastic cups, plastic bottles, plastic containers, food containers and liquid containers which may be molded and protruded to form and combined with glass fiber. PET is one of the materials used to manufacture (handmade) yarns.
PET is characterized by some basic features
- High mechanical strength, tear and impact strength, high abrasion resistance, high rigidity.
- Inert with food environment.
- Crystal-clear.
- O2 and CO2 airtightness better than that of other plastics.
- When it is heated to 200°C or cooled to -90°C, PET’s chemical structure remains unchanged.
How to use PET safely
When the plastics market becomes more diverse with daily updated multitude of commodity models and news, consumers should make smart decisions to choose right products and have the correct ways to use them for the safety of themselves.
Although DEHA, a chemical that persists in PET, is no longer listed as a carcinogen by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), consumers should pay attention to some principles when using PET-based products
PET is characterized by a high safety index and widely used in the food industry. However, it should not be reused to store beverages or food because PET’s surface is recorded with a lot of pores and sponges that bacteria and tastes can cling to, very hard to wash off, adversely affecting the users. Accordingly, PET cup is so-called as "Take Away" cup because it should be single-used only.
PET products should not be used for overheat foods or in high temperatures because PET is melted at 80°C and cannot withstand some special solvents such as gasoline, xylene, etc. Customers are recommended to propose the manufacturer to provide a proper use and storage instructions to use products safely and wisely. Especially, use other plastic products when it is required to use in high temperature or the product’s safe use limit should be checked.
