Surely you have ever heard of the term PET, in the following blog we explain its meaning, properties, and applications. Let’s start by understanding the meaning of its acronyms; Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a plastic polymer that is made from the polymerization process of terephthalic acid and monoethylene glycol. This material is manufactured in different formats and can be transformed through different expulsion, injection and even thermoforming processes.
What are its properties?
- It is a highly resistant material that can be used in contact with food due to its non-toxic characteristics.
- It has good chemical resistance with good thermal properties.
- It has an excellent barrier against CO2, O2 gases, UV radiation and humidity.
- It has high hardness and rigidity which makes it resistant to wear.
- It is a 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly plastic.
Where can we find this material?
There are several objects made from PET. Here we mention some of these:
- Recyclable plastic containers and bottles: this type of container is the most used for the production of packaged beverages, such as soft drinks or water. In addition, it is one of the 100% recyclable plastics, so new materials can be created from it.
Textiles of all kinds: PET is used in the textile industry for the manufacture of different clothing items because it becomes an excellent substitute for linen or even cotton. - Film or photosensitive rolls: in addition to being used for the creation of photosensitive rolls, it can also work to create basic X-ray printing paper.
PET containers can be continuously recycled through different collection and selection processes. There are different methods for cleaning and expelling recycled contaminants, which allows them to be reincorporated into the production chain, reducing their environmental impact.
