Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

From Current Affairs Mindmap Notes » Newsbits

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore has determined that PET bottles are safe. For years there’s been a huge debate worldwide on whether PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles, which are the mainstay of plastic bottles, release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.

About PET

• PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester.
• PET is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic that is widely utilized for packaging foods and beverages, particularly convenience-sized soft drinks, juices and water.
• It is also widespread for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, and even tennis balls.
• Special grades of PET are utilized for carry-home food containers and prepared food trays that can be heated in the oven or microwave.
• The basic building blocks of PET are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which are combined to form a polymer chain.

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