What is P.E.T?

What is P.E.T?

PET is polyethylene terephthalate. It’s a plastic resin and the most common type of polyester. Two monomers–modified ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid–are combined to form the polymer called polyethylene terephthalate. PET was discovered and patented in England in 1941.

PET is the plastic labeled with the #1 code. Many beverages, food items, and other consumer products are delivered in bottles or packages made from PET. The #1 code is usually found on or near the bottom of the container.



PET makes good packages for food and non-food items. Manufacturers like it because it’s safe, strong, transparent, and versatile. Customers choose it for its safety, light weight, resealability, shatter resistance, and recyclability. The material can be recycled again and again.

PET can be recycled into many new products. It’s used to make new bottles, but recycled PET can also be made into fiber for carpets; fabric for t-shirts or fleece jackets; fiberfill for sleeping bags, winter coats, and dog beds; industrial strapping; sheet and thermoformed (clamshell) packaging; and automotive parts such as headliners, bumpers, and door panels.

PET is approved by FDA (Food And Drug Administration) as safe for food and beverage contact and similar regulating agencies throughout the world and has been for over 30 years.

PET contains no phthalates. Phthalates (i.e., phthalate ester plasticizers or ortho-phthalates) are not used in PET, nor is PET a phthalate.

PET contains no dioxins and dioxins can’t be produced when a PET container is heated, microwaved, or frozen (common urban myths).

PET itself is biologically inert if ingested, is dermally
safe during handling, and is not a hazard if inhaled,
according to the International Life Sciences Institute
Report “Packaging Materials 1. Polyethylene Terephthalate
PET for Food Packaging Applications” (2000)

PET contains no endocrine disruptors. PET contains no known endocrine disruptor chemicals.

PET contains no lead or cadmium. PET does not contain lead or cadmium, and neither one is used in the manufacture of PET.