New technology to meet the longer shelf-life needs of beer and wine continues to be introduced into the marketplace.Īre PET containers made for use in the oven or microwave different from PET containers used for beverage bottles and food jars? Because the beer is bottled specifically for these events and consumed on the premises, there's no time for beer quality to deteriorate. However, beer packaged in single-serving PET bottles is becoming more and more popular at concerts and sporting events. The grades of PET used for soft drinks don't quite have the oxygen barrier properties needed to maintain a beer's optimum taste quality over its typical shelf-life. It depends on the shelf-life requirements. PET itself is biologically inert if ingested. Extensive testing of PET and PET packaging has repeatedly shown it to be safe. It has also been used by consumers around the world for more than 30 years without any known adverse effects. It's been thoroughly reviewed and approved as safe for contact with foods and drinks by the FDA, Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority and other health-safety agencies.
PET is a biologically inert material that doesn't react with foods or beverages and is resistant to attack by micro-organisms.
How do I know PET containers are safe for the things I eat or drink? Consumers should avoid re-using any bottle that has been scratched inside, since bacteria can become lodged in scratches.
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Dry thoroughly to make sure it is free of any moisture that might promote bacterial growth. How do I clean PET bottles for re-use? I'm concerned about accidental bacteria growth.Īlthough PET bottles are approved for both single and repeated use, the refilling and re-use of any bottle first requires careful cleaning. Regulatory authorities have tested PET bottles and found no harmful substances in either new or re-used PET bottles. PET is a stable, inert material that doesn't biologically or chemically degrade with use, and is resistant to attack by micro-organisms. It's a common misconception that refilling or reusing a PET bottle will somehow cause the bottle to degrade or to release harmful substances. PET bottles are cleared for both single and repeated use by the FDA and other world health-safety agencies. But unlike glass, PET is extremely lightweight, simple to transport and won't break, which is why it's preferred for packaging many foods and beverages.Ĭan a PET water bottle be refilled and reused? Its safety for food and beverage use is recognized by health authorities around the world. Like glass, PET is hygienic, strong, resistant to attack by micro-organisms, does not react with foods or beverages, and will not biologically degrade. Uses for PET Why do so many soda and bottled water companies use PET bottles rather than glass? When PET is used for fiber or fabric applications, it is usually referred to as "polyester." When used for container and packaging applications, it is typically called "PET" or "PET resin." PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is the chemical name for polyester. Only PET carries the #1 identification code. PET containers are typically molded on the bottom or side with the number 1 surrounded by the triangular "chasing arrows" symbol and the acronym PET or PETE below the triangle. How can I distinguish PET bottles and containers from other plastics? during the mid-1940s by DuPont chemists searching for polymers that could be used to make new textile fibers. Pellets of PET resin are heated to a molten liquid, which can be easily extruded or molded into almost any shape. PET is a polymer of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Special grades of PET are used for carry-home prepared food containers that can be warmed in the oven or microwave. Virtually all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. PET containers are popular for packaging sodas, water, juices, salad dressings, cooking oil, peanut butter, shampoo, liquid hand soap, mouthwash, pharmaceuticals, even tennis balls. PET's safety for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and medical applications is recognized by health authorities around the world. PET is a highly valued packaging material because it is strong yet lightweight, non-reactive, economical, and shatterproof. Why is PET used to package so many items? It is extruded or molded into plastic bottles and containers for packaging foods and beverages, personal care products, and many other consumer products. PET, which stands for polyethylene terephthalate, is a form of polyester (just like the clothing fabric). PET Basics | Uses for PET | PET Safety | Recycling & Sustainability