Recyclable PET

Constar produces bottles and containers made from PET, which stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester. PET is a polymer that is formed by combining two monomers called modified ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid. It is commonly used to package soft drinks, water, juice, ready-to-drink tea, peanut butter, salad dressings and oil, cosmetics and household cleaners. Constar blends advanced oxygen-scavengers into PET to create packaging that offers advanced barrier protection for oxygen sensitive products, and through other additives, carbonation retention and protection against light.

The popularity of PET as a packaging medium for food and non-food products is based on the material’s strength, thermal stability and transparency. Packaging made from PET performs well in production and distribution as it is resistant to damage and breakage. Consumers choose PET because it is inexpensive, lightweight, shatterproof, and recyclable. Retailers also prefer PET packaging as a more sustainable alternative to glass.

A major advantage of PET is its recyclability. Labeled with the #1 recycling code, PET packaging is accepted in curbside recycling programs. Recycled PET can be used to make many new products, including fiber for polyester carpet; fabric for T-shirts, long underwear, athletic shoes, luggage, upholstery and sweaters; fiberfill for sleeping bags and winter coats; carpeting, industrial strapping, sheet and film; automotive parts, such as luggage racks, headliners, fuse boxes, bumpers, grilles and door panels, and now even tires; and new PET containers for both food and non-food products.