Why PET?

It's a WIN, WIN, WIN.

Choosing the right packaging comes down to three things: environmental impact, ability to preserve contents, and convenience. Items made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, easily identified by the #1 on the container, are the preferred choice because they deliver on all three. Science shows choosing a PET bottle is a sustainable choice, as PET uses less energy and creates fewer greenhouse gases than common packaging alternatives. 

When you compare PET plastic to other food and non-food packaging materials such as aluminum and glass, PET wins on multiple levels. From its product protection and safety to its lightweight shatter resistance and ability to incorporate post-consumer recycled content, PET is a winner for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. Because it is endlessly recyclable and fully recoverable, PET also never has to become waste in landfills. It can be used again and again, with virtually no deterioration in performance or product protection. More manufacturers and retailers recognize this, and they are making the right choice by utilizing more post-consumer recycled PET (PCR), also known as recycled PET (rPET), in their products and packaging.  

PET packages are made in two ways: blow molded to create bottles or thermoformed from sheet to create items such as clamshell produce, deli, or bakery containers.

What do you know about PET, the #1 plastic? Learn more by viewing this video.

What you put in your cart matters.

Check out the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report confirming PET plastic bottles are better for the environment than aluminum cans or glass bottles.

 

Why PET For Package Developers & Manufacturers

PET plastic’s properties allow for superior innovation, both in terms of package design and performance. This allows you to meet customer needs for new and sophisticated product taste profiles with shelf-popping options in the pack sizes your customers are looking for.

PET is well known for its clarity, making it a lightweight, non-breakable alternative to glass and other plastic resins. Consumers are increasingly interested in authentic, “real food” offerings and transparent PET supports this trend.

PET plastic has good barrier properties that protect and preserve the contents of its package. Oxygen transmission is an important factor in ensuring product shelf life and freshness. PET provides almost nine times more protection against oxygen transmission than PLA and more than 40 times more than HDPE.

PET plastic packaging is increasingly lightweight so you use less per package. PET bottles and jars are accepted in virtually every recycling program in the United States, and recycled PET material can be used in bottle and thermoformed packaging over and over again. No other plastic resin can make a stronger closed-loop recycling claim.

For more information on how PET can meet your packaging needs, contact one of our member organizations.

Why PET For Consumers

As a consumer, you desire package innovations that are safe, convenient, offer increasingly sophisticated products, and are made with high product integrity. You also want a package that has verifiable environmental attributes, including reduced package weights, manufacturing efficiencies, and a strong closed-loop recycling system that you can help support through your own day-to-day PET recycling efforts.

PET plastic delivers, offering innovative, reliable bottles and containers for just about every product imaginable. A transparent, lightweight, strong, and shatterproof packaging material, your PET package protects its contents and preserves its taste in a safe, convenient, recyclable package.

Remember – always recycle the 1!