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PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) is represented with the number 1 logo, and is considered perfectly safe to drink from. PET is a thermoplastic polymer resin and doesn’t actually contain Polyethylene.  It ha a high melting point of 245°c, which leads to it being formed and recycled in alternative ways.

Uses of PET Plastic

  • Non-food bottles
  • Fibres for clothing
  • Sleeping bags
  • Transparent carbonated drinks bottles

How is PET recycled?

Chemical recycling is especially suited to polymers formed by condensation reactions such as PET. However, the plastic must be fairly free from other impurities.

The recovery of polyester materials such as PET can be accomplished using a procedure called hydrolysis. It is the reverse of the reaction (polycondensation) used to form the polymer in the first place, as the addition of water or water vapour to the process causes decomposition.

Most drinks bottles are made from PET plastic which is 100% recyclable
Most drinks bottles are made from PET plastic which is 100% recyclable