Profile PET polyethylene terephthalate is a form of polyester or resin, clear and lightweight, non-reactive, economical, and shatterproof plastic used around the world as an excellent energy efficient packaging material. It is extruded or molded into plastic bottles and containers for packaging foods and beverages, personal care products, and many other consumer products. PET is the most recycled plastic worldwide. PET bottles/containers are popular for packaging sodas, water, juices, salad dressings, cooking oil, peanut butter, shampoo, liquid hand soap, mouthwash, pharmaceuticals, even tennis balls. Virtually all single serving and 2 liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. are made from PET. Special grades of PET are used for carry home prepared food containers that can be warmed in the oven or microwave. PET is a polymer of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Pellets of the PET resin are heated to a molten liquid, which can be easily extruded or molded into almost any shape. Properties of PET • Very low moisture absorption • Excellent dimensional stability • High deflection temperature under load • Continuous working temperature up to 140 0C • Very high mechanical strength & stiffness • Good wear & tear resistance • Excellent electrical resistance & dielectric strength • Good resistance to chemicals, petrol, oil fats Uses and Applications PET is hygienic, strong, and resistant to attack by micro organisms, does not react with foods or beverages, and will not biologically degrade. Its safety for food and beverage use is recognized by health authorities around the world. But unlike glass, PET is extremely lightweight, simple to transport and won't break, which is why it is preferred for packaging many foods and beverages. PET, which is becoming increasingly popular, the size of the container produced ranges from 500 ml to 10000 liters. It is used for 1.5 litres thermally stable fruit juice bottle, in food and confectionery, filling liquors and wine, it can be used for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, it can be used for cosmetics. Some of the applications of PET bottles are: • Packaging Industry (Used for packing food stuffs, liquor, pharmaceuticals, pesticides etc.) • Electrical & electronic industry (capacitor lans, key tops for business machines, connectors, optical fiber, electrical iron components, head lamp reflectors, instruments housings, sockets, relays, plugs) • Irrigation (Sprinkler, nozzle for dip irrigation system, elbow joints, joints for hydraulic lines) • Domestic application (toothpaste tube shoulder, door handle, bath fittings) • Recreation, sports & games items • Building construction & furniture PET has been approved as safe for contact with foodstuffs and beverages by the FDA, Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority and virtually every other health safety agency in the world. Market Survey The global demand for PET was growing fast over the last decade. The effect of the economic slowdown has adversely affected the consumption of various commodities in many countries globally. Hence, demand for PET has also slowed down over the past two years. The global PET market in 2009 was 15.3 million tons. As the economies recover from the slowdown, the consumption of commodities will rise again and the global demand for PET will grow at CAGR of 4.9% up to 2020.PET packaging has been doing very well as it offers the flexibilities of innovation, both in terms of pack design and size. Pepsi expects 15% reduction in the share of glass bottles from 65%. Likewise Coco Cola India is not far behind in lapping up the growth in the PET model. India produces around 500,000 tons of PET annually. The overall capacity of the industry is rated at about 650,000 tons per year. The application of PET resin for packaging is expected to grow in the coming years. Products like ketchup, beer and juices will be packed in PET made possible by hot fill and multilayer technology.
