Frequently Asked Questions About PET Film
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As a top manufacturer and supplier of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Release Liners and Facestocks, I am here to answer your questions about PET Films.
Coating white PET film
Q1: What is PET material?
PET (also abbreviated as PETE) is an abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester. The basic building blocks of PET are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which combine to form polymer chains. The resulting spaghetti-like PET strands are extruded, rapidly cooled and cut into small pellets. The resin pellets are then heated into a molten liquid that can be easily extruded or molded into items of almost any shape.
PET was first synthesized in the mid-s when DuPont chemists were searching for new synthetic fibers in North America. DuPont later named its PET fiber "Dacron." Today, more than half of the world's synthetic fibers are made from PET, known as "polyester" when used in fiber or fabric applications. When used for containers and other purposes, it is known as PET or PET resin.
Q2: What is mylar paper?
Mylar paper is paper coated with or made of polyester film BoPET (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Mylar is not Mylar itself, but the BoPET brand produced in the US and UK. Mylar is durable and has a high tensile strength; meaning it can be stretched for extended periods of time without breaking. Its reflective and transparent properties make it a great addition to decorative projects as well as many other practical uses.
Q3: What is PET coating?
Frequently Asked Questions About PET Film
PET coating, also known as coated PET film, is a plastic film that has material coated on one or both sides of the film. The type and amount of coating applied determines the physical, mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical and chemical properties. Coated films can also be a combination of coating and treatment, such as coating one side/treating the other side as required by the end-use application.
Q4: How many types of PET film are there?
&#; PET High Gloss Mask
&#; PET film
&#; PET transfer film
&#; PET reflective film
&#; PET chemical coating film
&#; PET anti-static film
&#; PET heat sealing film
&#; PET heat shrinkable film
Q5: Is it possible to print on PET film?
There are many different grades of polyester film, some of which are produced specifically to be printable, using specific methods specific to the chemistry of these films. Firsta has a wide range of specific polyester film solutions for many different printing methods, both traditional and digital. If you are looking for laser printable or inkjet printable films, please view our product pages.
Q6: What is the use of PET film?
PET films are often an excellent choice for more demanding applications in food and non-food film applications. Key uses include microwave and medical packaging, plastic wrap, tape backing, printed films, plastic cards, protective coatings such as solar and safety window films, release films, transformer insulating films and flexible printed circuits. PET is also used as an aroma barrier (e.g. coffee and tobacco packaging). Such films are sometimes metallized by metal vapor deposition, which further increases the barrier properties against oxygen, water vapor and aroma loss.
Due to low odor, high chemical resistance and inertness, many PET grades are suitable for packaging applications under FDA regulations.
Polyester films are sold in various types, thicknesses, widths, and properties tailored to meet the specific requirements of a particular end use.
Q7: What is the difference between BOPET(BOPP) and PET?
Frequently Asked Questions About PET Film
BOPET (BOPP) film literally means biaxially oriented polyester film, and PET means polyester chips, which are divided into three categories, large bright polyester chips, full matte polyester chips, and semi-matte polyester chips The three are the raw materials of polyester film. Production of polyester film (PET film). There is no difference between BOPET film and PET film, because the production process of PET film is biaxial stretching, which is the industry standard for BOPET film.
Q8: Is PET a moisture barrier?
PET is commonly used in water bottles, but is also FDA-approved for food packaging, so it can be used to make some flip-top packages. It's highly moisture-resistant, a strong, shatter-resistant plastic, and an affordable option.
That's all for today. If you have other questions, please feel free to come to me, I will do my best to answer you!
PET is a lightweight, transparent, strong, and durable plastic commonly found in the packaging of soft drinks and soda bottles. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate and is also known by other abbreviations like PETE, PETP, PET-P, PETG, or APET. It was first created in North America, in the mid-s, in a fibre form branded as Dacron. In the late s, chemists discovered that they could stretch a thin sheet of PET plastic and create PET film. By the s, scientists had developed the technology to blow, stretch and mould PET into bottles. Being a versatile, stretchable, and durable product, modern day PET is found in everything from clothing and garments to vehicle parts, food containers, video film and more!
What is PET used for?
PET plastic is manufactured in two primary forms, fibre and resin. PET fibres are known as polyester and are used to make cotton like fabric, one of the world&#;s most popular textiles used for making shirts, jackets, pants, dresses etc. PET resins are small pellets that can be melted into a liquid and moulded or extruded into items of any shape. You use these PET products for several household tasks like cooking, cleaning and storage. For instance, water, juices, soda and all types of drinks are packaged in single use and 2 litre PET bottles. Some examples of PET usage include:
Food and beverage containers
Microwaveable containers
Shampoo, body wash, hand wash bottles
Automotive wiper arms and engine covers
Solar panel lamination
Video, photo and packaging films
Why is PET important in food packaging?
Because of PET&#;s unique properties, it is rapidly becoming the world&#;s preferred packaging material for foods and beverages. PET plastic is widely used in the packaging of:
Salad dressing and condiments
Nut butters, honey, and other types of spreads
Vitamins and tablets
Baked products
Fresh produce
Ready meals
All kinds of hot and cold drinks
Being a very versatile product, PET is globally the preferred choice for food and beverage packaging because:
It is 100% safe for food packaging
It can be microwave and dishwasher safe &#; so customers can eat straight from the box.
It is lightweight, cheaper to store and transport and very cost-effective
It can insulate food and keep it fresh for much longer than other types of packaging material.
For more information, please visit Electronic PET Film Manufacturer.
How is PET made?
The PET manufacturing process begins with the drilling of crude oil. Next, refineries distill and refine the oil into several components &#; two of which are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid(PTA). These two substances are esterified to eliminate water and dry them thoroughly. They are then further processed under high temperatures and pressure with more chemicals in a process known as polymerisation.
The end product is a spaghetti-like PET strand called a polymer chain. These chains are further stretched, quickly cooled and cut into small PET resin pellets.
Is PET plastic recyclable?
Yes. All PET products are recyclable and can be placed in yellow bins for collection. Recycling plants have the equipment to wash and treat PET plastic products. They use machines to grind the PET material into &#;flakes.&#; Flakes are purified using water, heat, and disinfectants and converted into RPET or recycled PET pellets. RPET is used in products like carpets, shoes, fiberfill for sleeping bags, and to make new containers. For example, Australia&#;s largest PET recycling plant in Victoria recycles tonnes of PET plastic every year.
How can PET be a sustainable material with petroleum in its manufacturing process?
PET life cycle studies have consistently shown it to be a highly sustainable material with a favourable environmental profile. Although PET&#;s raw materials are derived from crude oil, approximately 40% of that energy is captured within the PET polymer chain for reuse in recycling. Moreover, PET is strong but lightweight, allowing more products to be delivered with less weight, less packaging, and less fuel for transport. Hence, the environmental impact of PET compares favourably to aluminium, glass and other container materials.
Is PET safe for food storage?
Yes. PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FSANZ, the regulatory authority for food safety in Australia and New Zealand. The safety of PET for products related to food, beverage, medical, and pharmaceutical applications has been repeatedly demonstrated through extensive studies, regulatory approvals, testing, and widespread acceptance for more than three decades. PET does not contain toxic chemicals like:
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a different type of plastic unrelated to PET
&#; Despite the name terephthalate, PET is chemically very different from Phthalates (plasticisers) which are much lighter in weight.
PET does not contain chlorine hence cannot produce dioxins
In fact, PET does not contain or leach antimony, or any other carcinogenic products, even when exposed to radiation and temperature. Hence it has been used to make microwave and dishwasher safe products for the last 20 years.
How does PET compare to other types of packaging material?
PET compares very favourably to other packaging materials and is more sustainable than many of them. Let us compare
PET vs glass
Similar to glass, PET is a very strong and inorganic material that does not chemically react with foods, is resistant to micro-organisms, and does not biologically degrade. However, PET also brings several benefits not found in glass.
&#; PET plastic is lighter than glass making packaged products cheaper to carry and transport.
PET plastic is shatterproof, making it safer and simpler to handle.
PET plastic blocks oxygen more effectively than glass, making it easier to reseal.
Products packaged in PET plastic last longer than those in glass.
PET vs PP
PP or Polypropylene plastic is another commonly used food packaging material. Due to differences in the manufacturing process, PP is more opaque than PET. Opaque packaging limits product visibility and impacts the customer experience. Food manufacturers prefer transparent PET packaging because it makes consumable products look more attractive on the shelf. This increases sales and also brings more positive customer feedback.
PET also brings additional benefits over PP like:
Products packaged in PET plastic last longer than those in PP plastic.
PET plastic provides better insulation and keeps food warmer for a longer time.
PET products are easier to brand and customise, making them cheaper for wholesale purchases.
PET vs paper
PET is actually a more sustainable packaging choice than paper. The manufacturing costs of producing and recycling paper are much higher than PET plastic. Moreover, paper just cannot be used to store food long-term because it cannot keep the food fresh. You can read more about the paper vs plastic debate to explore further.
How can Multisteps help with PET packaging?
Built on over 20 years of experience and a network of loyal customers, Multisteps has the capabilities and expertise to meet all your packaging needs in the required capacity and time frame. Moreover, we have invested heavily to bring premium sustainable PET packing solutions to you. By doing this, we reduce wastage through breakage and poor quality. We design our PET packaging products to be:
Fully recyclable and suitable for kerbside recycling
Fully customisable, so they meet all your requirements
High quality because we use electronic devices and sensors for automatic quality control.
Contact us today to discover how Multisteps can save you time and money in your food packaging!
Sources:
https://www.phite.com/pet-production-process
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate
https://www.packagingstrategies.com/articles/-new-choose-plastic-initiative-promotes-benefits-of-pet-packaging
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Electronic PET Film Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.