What Is PET?

PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate , the chemical name for polyester . PET is a strong and lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging foods and beverages, especially soft drinks, juices and water. It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls. Special grades of PET are used for carry-home food containers and prepared food trays that can be warmed in the oven or microwave. PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world. The safety of PET for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and medical applications has been repeatedly demonstrated through extensive studies, regulatory approvals, testing, and its widespread acceptance for more than 30 years. PET is completely recyclable, and is the most recycled plastic in the world. PET can easily be identified by the number 1 in the triangular re