WHAT IS IT?
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a clear, strong, lightweight plastic produced by polymerising PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) with MEG (Monoethylene Glycol). It is the most widely used polyester and one of the most recycled plastics in the world.
PRODUCTION
PTA + MEG → PET (via condensation polymerisation)
PTA and MEG are typically produced by the same company or integrated facility that makes PET.
TYPES
Bottle Grade PET:
High clarity, high viscosity (IV 0.78–0.84 dL/g)
Carbonated soft drink bottles, water bottles, juice bottles
Food-safe, FDA approved grades available
Fibre Grade PET:
Lower viscosity (IV 0.60–0.65 dL/g)
Polyester staple fibre and filament yarn for textiles
Largest single end-use for PET globally
Film Grade PET:
Biaxially oriented PET (BOPET/Mylar)
Flexible packaging, capacitors, solar panels
KEY USES
Plastic beverage bottles (most visible use)
Food packaging and trays
Polyester clothing and textiles
Photographic and magnetic film
Engineering applications
RECYCLING
PET is the most recycled plastic globally (rPET). Recycled content increasingly demanded by brands and mandated by EU legislation. Growing rPET premium over virgin PET.
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major producers: China (dominant), India, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia
Major buyers: Southeast Asia, Europe, USA, Middle East
Tetra relevance: South Korea and China → SEA corridor. Indonesia has major PET production capacity.
PRICING BASIS
CFR Southeast Asia. Tracks PTA and MEG feedstock costs. Bottle grade premium over fibre grade.
SPECIFICATIONS (Bottle Grade)
IV (Intrinsic Viscosity): 0.80–0.84 dL/g
Melting point: 250–260°C
Colour: L* min 75, b* max 1.0
DEG content: max 1.5%
Moisture: max 0.4% (before drying)