The Safety of Polyethylene

Terephthalate (PET)
Presentation
„ What is PET?
„ Manufacture of PET
„ Physical nature of PET
„ Food packaging applications
„ Health and Safety Considerations
„ Toxicological status of PET materials
„ Migration of PET components
„ Use of recovered PET in food contact
end uses
What is PET?
¾ a long chain polymer belonging to the
generic family of polyesters.
¾ formed from the intermediates terepthalic

acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG), both

derived from oil feedstock.
¾ in its purest form, is amorphous glass-like

material. Under the influence of direct

modifying additives, it develops crystallinity.
¾Crystallinity can be developed by heat

treatment of polymer melt.

 Manufacture of PET
„ Polymers made by reaction of acids &
alcohols in presence of metal catalyst.
„ Key polymerization step is condensation,
where molecules react & release water.
„ The second polymerization stage is
carried out in solid state at lower
temperatures, manufacturing required
high molecular weight PET essential for
stiffness, toughness & creep resistance.
Background:

„ PET provides excellent barrier against

oxygen and carbon dioxide. It has
become the material of choice for
bottling beverages, such as mineral
water and carbonated soft drinks.
„ It is also used for microwave food trays
and food packaging films.
Safety Testing of PET
„ Advances in analytical chemistry can
now measure even the most miniscule
level of migration from plastic to food.
„ For PET, migration of any component
under laboratory conditions is well
below safety levels. FDA has
determined that PET is acceptable to
use in applications for which it as been
simulated and tested.
Safety Testing of PET

„ Toxicological properties of PET and

compounds that migrate under test
conditions have been studied.
„ The International Life Sciences Institute
report of July 2000 shows that PET is
biologically inert, nontoxic and poses no
threats to human health. There is no
evidence of oestrogenic activity.
 Have a
pleasant
day!