What is PET?

A preform is the first stage in the production of a PET container. PET needs to be heated and stretched to make it strong and flexible. The first part of the production process for a PET bottle or jar is to injection mould a “test tube” like part, called a preform. The neck of the preform remains the same but the body of the preform is heated and stretched inside a mould to form the container shape. This normally occurs at a later date on a reheat blow moulding machine.

Ethylene glycol (MEG) and terephthalic acid (TPA) react with a catalyst at a high temperature and high pressure, to produce clear amorphous PET. The amorphous PET is then further solid state polymerised, to increase its molecular weight and viscosity.

Standard PET bottles can withstand filling temperatures of a maximum of 54 degrees Celsius (54°C). However, liquids contract on cooling, causing a vacuum inside a sealed container. Bottle design must therefore play an important part in preventing bottle distortion and panelling of the cooled bottle.

No. PET does not contain any harmful chemicals or substances.

Other types of plastic may contain chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, but these chemicals are not used at any stage of the PET bottle manufacturing process.

Yes. Esterform PET bottles are well within the limits set out in the European Union regulations for plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. (EU 10/2011). Esterform also regularly checks to ensure it is complying with the latest European guidelines.

Yes. PET is widely recycled, and Esterform uses some of this recycled PET material to make new bottles.

No. Esterform only makes PET bottles, jars and preforms.

No. Esterform only uses PET in its manufacturing operation.