PET bottles are not waste. A PET plastic bottle has many potential after life uses and its status as one of the most used plastic packaging materials in the world is due to its performance qualities and its highly recyclable nature. Packaging made with PET is easy to spot as well. Just look for the #1 symbol to make sure that your plastic is fully recyclable.
PET can be heated and moulded into a variety of shapes, but the most recognisable is the plastic water and beverage bottles that provide clean, safe and convenient ways of packaging drinks. PET’s low melting temperature, relative to alternatives such as glass and aluminium, makes it easy and sustainable to turn PET packaging into more PET packaging in a closed loop.
Every year billions of PET bottles are being collected across Europe, before being compressed into bales and sent to recycling plants. The success of collection schemes is central to getting the most out of this unique material. Deposit schemes are a great way of helping consumers understand the value of PET and that not all plastic packaging is the same.
It means taking responsibility for our environment and thinking long term. Packaging plays a vital role in our ability to enjoy the things we love whenever we want. However, to have this option, we need to pay attention to our packaging. And most importantly, we should care about what happens when we're done with it.
If you’ve ever drunk a carbonated soft drink or bottled water, then the chances are you’ve already been making the right choice. PET’s incredible performance and recyclability make it one of the most sustainable packaging materials in the world. But how can you know if something is made of PET? Simple; look for the 1 symbol.
PET is approved as safe for use in direct food contact in the EU, as well as by the US’s FDA and health agencies across the world. PET’s continued use in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and medical sectors is a testament to this valuable material’s safety and versatility. Repeated studies, regulatory approvals and testing show that PET is safe.
