01a Btg Pet Presentation

The Safety of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Presentation „ What

is PET? „ Manufacture of PET „ Physical nature of PET „ Food packaging applications „ Health and Safety Considerations „ Toxicological status of PET materials „ Migration of PET components „ Use of recovered PET in food contact end uses

What is PET? a long chain polymer belonging to the generic family of polyesters. ¾ formed from the intermediates terepthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG), both derived from oil feedstock. ¾ in its purest form, is amorphous glass-like material. Under the influence of direct modifying additives, it develops crystallinity. ¾Crystallinity can be developed by heat treatment of polymer melt. ¾

Manufacture of PET „ Polymers made by reaction of acids & alcohols in presence of metal catalyst. „ Key polymerization step is condensation, where molecules react & release water. „ The second polymerization stage is carried out in solid state at lower temperatures, manufacturing required high molecular weight PET essential for stiffness, toughness & creep resistance.

Background: PET provides excellent barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide. It has become the material of choice for bottling beverages, such as mineral water and carbonated soft drinks. „ It is also used for microwave food trays and food packaging films. „

Safety Testing of PET „ Advances in analytical chemistry can now measure even the most miniscule level of migration from plastic to food. „ For PET, migration of any component under laboratory conditions is well below safety levels. FDA has determined that PET is acceptable to use in applications for which it as been simulated and tested.

Safety Testing of PET Toxicological properties of PET and compounds that migrate under test conditions have been studied. „ The International Life Sciences Institute report of July 2000 shows that PET is biologically inert, nontoxic and poses no threats to human health. There is no evidence of oestrogenic activity. „

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