The term Plastic is used to describe a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, which in certain temperature ranges acquire the elasticity and flexibility to be molded, maintaining their shape upon cooling. They are used in a growing number of applications: packaging, sheets of different thicknesses for trays and bags, construction elements, engineering parts, sanitary material, toys, clothing, cordage, strapping, among others.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a plastic used in the manufacture of PERIS and FRUTIFRESH fresh-cut tubs, as well as containers for soft drinks, water, sports drinks, etc. It is strong, heat resistant and resistant to gases and acidic foods. It can be transparent or opaque. It is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or altering hormones and can be recycled.
PET can be recycled multiple times but for food use only virgin PET resin is allowed, past this level it is used for a wide variety of end products such as: fiber, textile filler fiber, straps, and bottles and containers for non-food uses such as detergents and phytosanitary products.
The rPET trays used by PERIS are made of virgin PET resin reused at industrial level, resulting from waste within the same industry in the manufacture of PET, so that we guarantee its safety for food use and its inherent barrier properties for liquids or foods sensitive to oxidation.
PET recycling has multiple advantages and consequences.
– Reduces the need for virgin petrochemical feedstock and reduces consumption of energy, natural raw materials, etc.
– Conversion of recycled PET (rPET) into a virgin equivalent – less energy.
– Reduced energy use – lower greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions
One criticism of PET is that it cannot be recycled for life, as it requires the addition of a new part that allows subsequent repolymerization in the production of new products. This process is analogous to that of other materials which, when remelted, must be adjusted to the original recipe by adding other components.
Recycling is the means to achieve a circular economy, in which the aim is to recover raw materials or their energetic power, in order to reduce their consumption.
Sources:
www.anep-pet.com
www.ecoologic.com/reciclaje-de-pet