PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate
High-performance thermoplastic polyester polymer for rigid packaging
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Request a QuotePolyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polyester polymer that dominates the global beverage packaging market. With global production exceeding 30 million tonnes annually, PET accounts for approximately 7.9% of the worldwide plastics market.
The global PET resin market was valued at approximately $29 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2030, according to Statista. Beverage packaging represents the largest application segment, accounting for over 70% of total PET consumption globally.
PET is produced industrially by direct esterification of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG). The material conforms to ASTM D4603 specifications for PET resins and ISO 1133 standards for melt mass-flow rate testing. For food contact applications, PET meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 regulations.
PET resin for rigid packaging is characterized by having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) greater than the PET fiber and film applications. The intrinsic viscosity, commonly expressed in dl/g, is directly proportional to molecular weight. According to ICIS, PET bottles offer a 90% weight reduction compared to glass bottles of equivalent volume, significantly reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.
The PET resin is one of the newer packaging materials. Although it is widely used around the world for the manufacture of containers, especially bottles for carbonated drinks (soft drinks, carbonated waters, beers, etc.) has several other applications being found in many different market segments.
The excellent mechanical strength, gloss and transparency, makes this thermoplastic the best option for several market segments. The lightness of PET bottles and jars allows to produce high volume capacity, with proper security maintenance in all phases (filling, packaging, distribution, end use by the consumer).
Specifications
| PAPET COOL - Intrinsic Viscosity | 0.76/0.80/0.82/0.84dl/g |
| PAPET COOL - Applications | Food and drinks packing (mineral water, juices, cosmetics, etc.) |
| PAPET ACQUA - Intrinsic Viscosity | 0.74/0.76dl/g |
| PAPET ACQUA - Applications | Packaging of mineral water |
| PAPET HOT - Intrinsic Viscosity | 0.80dl/g |
| PAPET HOT - Applications | Resistant hot filling packaging (juice, sports drinks) |
| PAPET ACE - Intrinsic Viscosity | 0.84dl/g |
| PAPET ACE - Applications | Packaging for carbonated beverages with FAST REHEAT CHIP |
| Certifications | Approved by Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Evian and FDA |
| Special Features | Low molding temperature, high transparency and reduced machine cycle |
Features
Excellent Mechanical Strength
Superior structural integrity and durability for demanding packaging applications
High Transparency and Gloss
Crystal-clear appearance with excellent surface finish for premium product presentation
Lightweight Design
High volume capacity with reduced weight, ensuring safety in all distribution phases
Waste Reduction
Shatter-resistant material that doesn't break even after substantial falls, reducing product waste
Low Environmental Impact
Extreme reduction in emissions during transport and water savings in beverage filling operations
FDA Approved
Certified for food contact applications by major beverage brands and regulatory authorities
Applications
- Carbonated beverages (soft drinks, carbonated waters, beers)
- Mineral water bottles
- Juice packaging
- Sports drinks containers
- Cosmetics packaging
- Food packaging
- Hot-fill applications
Frequently Asked Questions
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a thermoplastic polyester polymer that dominates the global beverage packaging market, with production exceeding 30 million tonnes annually. It is primarily used for beverage bottles (carbonated drinks, water, juices), food packaging, cosmetics containers, and hot-fill applications. PET offers excellent mechanical strength, crystal-clear transparency, and is FDA approved for food contact.
Syntex America supplies several PET grades: PAPET COOL (IV 0.76-0.84 dl/g) for food and drinks packaging including mineral water, juices, and cosmetics; PAPET ACQUA (IV 0.74-0.76 dl/g) specifically for mineral water bottles; PAPET HOT (IV 0.80 dl/g) for hot-fill applications like juice and sports drinks; and PAPET ACE (IV 0.84 dl/g) for carbonated beverages with FAST REHEAT CHIP technology.
Yes, PET is one of the safest plastics for food contact. It meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 regulations and is approved by major beverage brands including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Evian. PET is chemically inert, contains no BPA or phthalates, and is widely used for water bottles, soft drink containers, and food packaging globally.
PET offers significant environmental benefits: 90% weight reduction compared to glass bottles reduces transportation emissions; shatter-resistant design minimizes product waste; highly recyclable material (recycling code 1); lower energy consumption in production compared to glass or aluminum; and reduced water usage in beverage filling operations. Recycled PET (rPET) is increasingly used in new bottle production.
Intrinsic Viscosity (IV), measured in dl/g, indicates the molecular weight of PET resin and directly affects its mechanical properties. Higher IV values (0.80-0.84 dl/g) are used for carbonated beverages requiring greater pressure resistance, while lower IV values (0.74-0.76 dl/g) are suitable for still water bottles. The correct IV selection ensures optimal bottle performance, clarity, and processing efficiency.