PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Also called: Polyethylene terephthalate, PETE, polyester, resin code 1

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the clear polyester used for bottles and fibre; recycled PET flakes are among the most traded recycled materials in India.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polyester used for drink bottles, food trays, strapping and polyester fibre. It has a density of about 1.38 g/cm3, so it sinks in water, which helps separate it from caps and labels. It carries resin identification code 1.

Recycled forms traded

• Baled post-consumer bottles, sorted by colour.
• Hot or cold washed flakes in clear, light blue, green and mixed colour.
• Recycled PET chips or granules, and fibre or strap grades.

Why it matters when buying recycled plastic

• Intrinsic viscosity (IV) decides the end use: bottle-grade PET is commonly around 0.7-0.85 dl/g, while fibre grades run lower.
• PVC contamination is a serious problem in PET, because even small amounts cause black spots and degradation when melted.
• PET absorbs moisture and must be dried before processing; check moisture content.
• Check colour, glue and label residue, and PP/PE cap content. See our recycled PET flakes buying guide.

Common uses

Polyester staple fibre and filament, strapping, sheet and thermoformed trays, and, with suitable processing and approvals, new bottles.