PET plastics
A type of polymer commonly used for beverage bottles. These plastics can break down into micro- and nanoparticles that then contaminate the liquid inside, leading to human consumption.
First Mentioned
1/5/2026, 5:14:00 AM
Last Updated
1/5/2026, 5:16:33 AM
Research Retrieved
1/5/2026, 5:16:33 AM
Summary
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer in the polyester family, primarily used for synthetic fibers (over 60%) and beverage containers (approximately 30%). As the fourth most produced polymer globally, its 2013 production reached 56 million tons. Chemically, it is formed through the polycondensation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. While valued for its strength, clarity, and recyclability (Resin Identification Code 1), recent scientific discussions, such as those highlighted by David Friedberg on the All-In Podcast, emphasize the environmental and health risks associated with PET breaking down into hundreds of thousands of nanoparticles per liter. It exists in both amorphous and semi-crystalline states depending on thermal processing.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Acronyms
PET, PETE, PETP, PET-P
Full Name
Polyethylene terephthalate
Physical States
Amorphous (transparent) or semi-crystalline (opaque white)
Chemical Formula
(C10H8O4)n
Processing Requirement
Must be dried to a moisture content of 0.05% or less
Primary End Use (Fiber)
Over 60% of total production
Global Production (2013)
56 million tons
Melting Peak Temperature
225 °C to 255 °C
Resin Identification Code
1
Secondary End Use (Bottles)
Approximately 30% of total production
Timeline
- Annual global production of PET reaches 56 million tons, solidifying its position as the fourth most produced polymer. (Source: Wikipedia)
2013-12-31
- David Friedberg presents findings on the All-In Podcast regarding PET bottles breaking down into hundreds of thousands of nanoparticles per liter. (Source: Document fb009ead-fe3d-4f58-bfc8-0a9d2c19cec9)
2024-01-19
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaPolyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P), is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins. In 2013, annual global production of PET was 56 million tons. Its largest end use (over 60%) is to make fiber, followed by plastic bottle manufacturing (ca 30%). In the context of textile applications, PET is referred to by its common name, polyester, whereas the acronym PET is generally used in relation to packaging. PET used in non-fiber applications (i.e. for packaging) makes up about 6% of world polymer production by mass. Accounting for the >60% fraction of polyethylene terephthalate produced for use as polyester fibers, PET is the fourth-most-produced polymer after polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PET consists of repeating (C10H8O4) units. PET is commonly recycled, and has the digit 1 (♳) as its resin identification code (RIC). The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) defines PET as: "Polyethylene terephthalate items referenced are derived from terephthalic acid (or dimethyl terephthalate) and mono ethylene glycol, wherein the sum of terephthalic acid (or dimethyl terephthalate) and mono ethylene glycol reacted constitutes at least 90 percent of the mass of monomer reacted to form the polymer, and must exhibit a melting peak temperature between 225 °C and 255 °C, as identified during the second thermal scan in procedure 10.1 in ASTM D3418, when heating the sample at a rate of 10 °C/minute." Depending on its processing and thermal history, polyethylene terephthalate may exist both as an amorphous (transparent) and as a semi-crystalline polymer. The semicrystalline material might appear transparent (particle size less than 500 nm) or opaque and white (particle size up to a few micrometers) depending on its crystal structure and particle size. One process for making PET uses bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, which can be synthesized by the esterification reaction between terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol with water as a byproduct (this is also known as a condensation reaction), or by transesterification reaction between ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with methanol as a byproduct. It can also be obtained by recycling of PET itself. Polymerization is through a polycondensation reaction of the monomers (done immediately after esterification/transesterification) with water as the byproduct.
Web Search Results
- Polyethylene Terephthalate - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Polyethylene terephthalate, usually abbreviated as PET or PETE, is a thermoset plastic and one of the most widely used and versatile plastic polymers. Its popularity comes from its light weight, physical clarity, and remarkable strength. Hence, it is valuable in diverse applications, especially in packaging food, beverages, and even medicines. Furthermore, it has been approved by various health regulatory and consumer safety agencies worldwide as safe for contact with the aforementioned [...] PET is formed from two notable intermediates derived from crude oil or natural gas, viz., terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Virgin PET is manufactured and marketed by various companies. The best-known brand names include Arnite, Diolen, Eastapac, Hostadur, Mylar, Melinex, and Rynite (Sinha et al., 2010). PET plastic polymer is highly energy-efficient and sustainable, especially compared with materials having similar functions, such as aluminum and glass. Its energy efficiency [...] Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is the most important polyester. PET has the characteristic of being a transparent, amorphous thermoplastic when it is subjected to rapid cooling, while it behaves as a semicrystalline plastic when cooled slowly or when cold-drawn. PET is produced from the polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. PET can be processed using a common moulding method like injection moulding, blown moulding and extrusion. It is also suitable to be
- Polyethylene terephthalate - Wikipedia
Chemical compound Polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P), is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins. [...] produced for use as polyester fibers, PET is the fourth-most-produced polymer after polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). [...] In 2013, annual global production of PET was 56 million tons. Its largest end use (over 60%) is to make fiber, followed by plastic bottle manufacturing (ca 30%). In the context of textile applications, PET is referred to by its common name, polyester, whereas the acronym PET is generally used in relation to packaging. PET used in non-fiber applications (i.e. for packaging) makes up about 6% of world polymer production by mass. Accounting for the >60% fraction of polyethylene terephthalate
- What is PET Plastic? | Plastic Types - The Plastic Bottles Company
The Plastic Bottle Company ## Shop by product category # PET Plastic # What is PET plastic? Natural PET is a transparent type of plastic with a gloss finish. It has all the benefits of glass - being a strong inert material that does not react with foods. It is resistant to attack by microorganisms, such as germs, fungi and parasites and does not biologically degrade when exposed to excess moisture and air for an extended period of time. [...] Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly shortened to PET or PETE, is a form of polyester, like clothing fabric. The majority of the world’s PET production is for synthetic fibres, with bottle production accounting for around a third of global demand. Polyethylene in its natural state is opaque (see ‘HDPE’), so the addition of terephthalate, which is a gas, gives PET its glossy, transparent finish. ## Shop Now View products ## What is PET plastic used for? [...] This plastic is generally used for packaging foods and beverages, especially carbonated soft drinks, juices and water bottles. Its raw materials are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. These are manufactured to form a polymer chain and then into PET resin pellets which can then be heated to a molten liquid. This allows the plastic to be extruded or molded into practically any shape.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - Uses, properties & ...
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) is a general-purpose linear semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer. It belongs to the polyester family of polymers. These resins are known for their excellent combination of properties. These properties include mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance as well as dimensional stability. Its chemical formula is C10H8O4)n. Molecular structure of Polyethylene Terephthalate ### How is PET produced? [...] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a chemically stable polyester. It is used in a wide range of applications, from food packaging to textiles, electronics, and automotive components. Let’s take a look at where PET makes its mark across different industries. 1. Packaging applications: [...] PET injection molding is one of the very important technologies for plastic processing. Since it is a hygroscopic material, it must be dried to a moisture content of 0.05% or less. This allows it to create a non-crystalline transparent preform. If the moisture content is too high, the PET molecular chains can thermally decompose. This reduces the physical and mechanical properties as well as the crystallization rate. This thereby impacts the quality of the product.
- Main uses of PET, the king of plastic materials
RepetCo Innovations RepetCo Innovations # Main uses of PET, the king of plastic materials Polyethylene terephthalate or polyethylene terephthalate is the material that makes up PET containers. This type of plastic is increasingly used by different economic sectors, thanks to the important advantages it offers, such as its flexibility and lightness, the chemical and thermal resistance it withstands, its resistance to abrasion and breakage, and the fact that it can be easily cleaned. [...] In the case of many industrial activities, the use of PET facilitates the manufacture of engines or packaging that can withstand very low temperatures in acidic environments. Among the segments that make most use of it are the cosmetics and healthcare sectors, where PET containers are indispensable for marketing certain sensitive liquids and medicines, as well as products that require specific conditions for their preservation, such as medicinal oils, certain drugs or talcum powder. [...] PET is used daily in trays, jars, tuppers, cups or bottles, since it helps contain food products in cold storage and allows liquids and food to be tightly sealed. In addition, it prevents external agents from damaging the flavor or spoiling the food. Its light weight makes it easy to transport, which is key for food distribution chains or catering companies, for example. From the environmental point of view, the use of this type of plastic favors recycling, stimulates a lower consumption of
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