What Is PET Plastic?
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a widely used and highly recycled polymer. Known for its durability and glass-like clarity, this material is used to manufacture everything from water bottles to electronics, household items, and more.
Acetate boxes are also made from PET and are referred to as A-PET, which stands for amorphous polyethylene terephthalate. This blog post will provide an in-depth look at PET plastic properties, as well as its advantages and common applications.
PET Plastic Properties
PET features many highly desirable properties. For example, it is very strong while also lightweight, making it very easy and fuel-efficient to transport. It also features good moisture and gas barrier properties, particularly with oxygen and carbon dioxide, and can be used in temperatures ranging from -60 °C to 130 °C.As a practically shatter-proof material, PET is a suitable glass replacement for many applications. It is also recognized as safe for food and beverages by the FDA, Health Canada, EFSA, and other health agencies. PET plastic features excellent resistance to alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, grease, diluted acids, and oils. It exhibits moderate resistance to diluted alkalis, aromatic, and halogenated hydrocarbons.
Other PET properties include:
- Excellent electrical insulating properties
- Low gas permeability
- Suitable for transparent applications
Recyclable PET Plastic Advantages
The unique properties of PET translate into numerous advantages, both for manufacturers as well as consumers. Some of the most significant benefits of selecting PET plastic over other materials include:- Fully recyclable. PET plastics are commercially recyclable using multiple methods. It can be washed, ground into pellets, and then re-melted, or chemically broken down into its component materials to create new PET resin.
- Global safety approval. The FDA as well as many other health safety organizations around the world have approved PET as safe for contact with food and beverages, making it a trustworthy choice for numerous packaging applications.
- Sustainable. Contrary to popular belief, plastic production generates fewer greenhouse emissions than many alternative materials, such as aluminum or glass. PET is significantly greener as it creates the least greenhouse gases, uses the least energy, and creates less waste than aluminum or glass.
- Durable. PET features a high strength-to-weight ratio and is virtually shatterproof.
- Cost-effective. PET is lightweight and ships flat, so you can save money by shipping more quantity, less often. It is also more cost-efficient to store flat as it uses less space. Extruded PET ships flat or comes in rolls to manufacturers. Once manufactured, folded PET boxes are also shipped and stored flat, passing the savings onto the buyer.
- Moisture resistant. Unlike other popular packaging materials, such as cardboard, PET is resistant to moisture and retains its shape when exposed to water or other contaminants.
PET Plastic Applications
PET is widely utilized throughout numerous industries. The most common markets for PET plastic include:- Apparel Electronics, including cell phones
- Food and beverage
- Gift packs
- Health and beauty
- Household items
- In-store marketing
- POP Promo and club
- Pharmaceuticals
- Stationary
- Toys and other collectibles
- Wine and spirits
PET Plastic from Printex Transparent Packaging
PET plastic is a highly beneficial packaging material for numerous industries. It is easily customizable and provides a durable, cost-effective method of transporting and protecting goods. Printex Transparent Packaging provides PET clear plastic boxes tailored to your exact needs. Using CAD software, we custom design innovative packaging that is right for you and displays your product in a way that grabs consumers’ attention.As North America’s largest clear folding box manufacturer, we have the capabilities and experience needed to get your project done right. Learn more about our design, prototyping, and production services by contacting us or requesting a quote today.
