what is pet

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of clear, strong, lightweight, and 100% recyclable plastic. It is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibers for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing. PET is commonly abbreviated as PETE, PETG, APET, PETP, or PET-P. It is also known by brand names such as Dacron (US), Terylene (UK), or Lavsan (Russia) . PET is widely used for various household and industrial applications, including water bottles, shampoo containers, soda bottles, plastic cups, microwavable containers, salad dressing containers, and automotive components like wiper arms and engine covers. The majority of the worlds PET production is for synthetic fibers, with bottle production accounting for around a third of global demand. PET plastic comes from the polymerization of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, and it is recognized by global health authorities as safe for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, and medical applications. Additionally, PET is the most widely recycled plastic, and when collected in a suitably pure state, it can be recycled into its original uses. Therefore, PET is a versatile and environmentally friendly material with a wide range of applications and recycling capabilities.