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PET
Polyester or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a crystal clear thermoplastic and creates optimal surfaces for printing and finishing. Made from recycled content, PET plastic possesses tensile strength, dimensional stability and low moisture absorption.
- High recycled content available
- Ideal for high quality printing and finishing
Best Used With
Overview
In comparison with other plastics on the market, PET plastic has a wider range of capabilities and qualities. PET plastic is able to withstand a wider range of temperatures making it suitable for applications that require high temperature sterilization processes. Popular for its superior UV resistance, tensile strength, dimensional stability and low moisture absorption, PET plastic has a high gloss finish and offers and optimal surface for crisp and clear printing as well as lamination processes. PET plastic can also be used as a film on other paper based materials for creating moisture barriers.
Plastic Recycling Chart
| Resin Identification Code |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Abbreviation | PET or PETE | HDPE | PVC | LDPE | PP | PS | OTHER | PLA |
| Polymer Name | Polyethylene Terephthalate | High-Density Polyethylene | Polyvinyl Chloride | Low-Density Polyethylene | Polypropylene | Polystyrene | All Other Plastics | Polylactic Acid |
| Recyclable | Commonly Recycled | Commonly Recycled | Somethims Recycled | Somethims Recycled | Occasionally Recycled | Commonly Recycled (but diffcult to do) | Difficult to Recycle | Compostable |
| % Recycled Annually | 36% | 30~35% | <1% | 6% | 3% | 34% | Low | Low |
| Time to Decompose | 5~10 years | 100 years | never | 500~1000 years | 20~30 years | 50 years | never | 6 months |
| Toxicity Level | High | Low | High | Low | Low | High | High | – |
| Max Temperature | 70°C (158°F) | 120°C (248°F) | 70°C (158°F) | 80°C (176°F) | 135°C (275°F) | 90°C (194°F) | 135°C (275°F) | 150°C (302°F) |
| Brittleness Temperature | -40°C (-40°F) | -100°C (-148°F) | -30°C (-22°F) | -100°C (-148°F) | 0°C (32°F) | -20°C (-4°F) | -135°C (-211°F) | 60°C (140°F) |