What is PET?

PET or PETE is the abbreviation for Polyethylene Terephthalate. In 1941, Calico Printers Association was granted a patent for creating PET in the United Kingdom. In the mid 1940's, scientists at DuPont developed PET into a new synthetic polyester fiber which they called "Dacron".

About a decade later, researchers took PET and stretched it into a thin sheet to create BoPET or PET film, also known by the brand names "Mylar", Melinex" and "Hostaphan". Eastman Kodak used this Mylar film as photographic film in 1955 on long-range U-2 reconnaissance flights.

In 1973, a patent was issued to Nathaniel C. Wyeth, a DuPont engineer, for his invention of the PET bottle that could tolerate the pressure from carbonated beverages.

Did You Know That?!

PET Fun Facts

• 70% of beverages are packaged in PET bottles.
• PET is 100% recyclable and can be recycled at least 10 times.
• PET is the most used plastic and the most recycled.
• Solid and strong, making it virtually shatterproof.
• High strength to weight ration, lowering the cost to transport these containers.
• Easy to mold or shape.
• Resistant to bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.
• Less water consumption and carbon emissions are used to produce PET bottles as opposed to glass.
• PET is often used for 3D printing.
• PET bottles can be reused without being recycled.
• PET bottles do not contain any Bishenol A (BPA) which make them perfect for food packaging.
• Naturally transparent.
• PET was the first plastic bottle recycled.
• Less than 1% of solid waste is due to PET containers.