What PET Means and Where It’s Used
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate. It’s a plastic used for containers, especially bottles. It’s strong, clear, light, and can be shaped into different sizes. It’s found in homes, offices, factories, and shops — mostly used for water, cold drinks, and cooking liquids.
The Reason PET Is Chosen Over Other Plastics
PET can hold pressure and weight better than most other plastics used for packaging. It doesn’t break easily. It keeps liquids sealed inside. It doesn’t change the smell or taste of water when used properly. These are the reasons businesses and homes choose PET again and again.
How PET Bottles Are Made
It starts with a solid piece called a preform. This is a short, thick tube made of PET. It gets heated and blown into the shape of a bottle using high-pressure air. The mould gives it its final shape. Bottles made this way keep their strength and clarity.
What Preforms Are and Why They Matter
Preforms are not leftovers. They’re the starting point of the bottle. They are made with just the right amount of PET to suit a certain bottle size. The thicker and heavier the preform, the bigger or stronger the final bottle will be.
400g, 720g and 775g Preforms
A 400g preform makes bottles that don’t need to hold much pressure or weight. The 720g and 775g ones are used for bigger bottles like 15L or 18.9L. These need stronger walls and thicker necks. The weight of the preform helps avoid bottle collapse.
What Is a One-Way PET Bottle?
A one-way bottle is designed to be used once. After use, it goes straight to recycling. It’s common in deliveries and home use where return systems are not practical. These bottles are lighter and don’t need to be strong enough for multiple cycles.
15L One-Way Bottle Use Cases
Used for home or office water delivery. It’s big enough to reduce how often you need refills. It’s still small enough to carry or lift onto a counter. It’s not made for re-use, so it’s lighter than a dispenser bottle.
What Makes a Bottle a Dispenser Type
Dispenser bottles are built to go on water coolers or refill stations. They usually have a wide neck and a strong structure. They often need to be flipped upside down and must not leak. They have flat tops and thicker bases to handle movement and weight.
18.9L Dispenser Bottles and Handle Types
These are heavy once full. The bottle alone doesn’t weigh much, but with water inside, it gets close to 20kg. This is why strong built-in handles are included. These are moulded into the bottle to stop snapping or slipping.
Comparing Bottle Sizes: 10L, 15L, 18.9L
Each size has its place. The 10L is better for home use or where space is limited. The 15L balances weight and volume for short-term use. The 18.9L is the top choice for long-term or shared environments like offices and waiting rooms.
Why the 10L Handle Bottle Was Made for Women
This version is slimmer and has a comfortable handle. It’s made with weight and grip in mind. The bottle is easier to lift and pour. It helps people who can’t carry a standard 18.9L.
How Handle Shape Affects Use
A good handle fits the hand and doesn’t dig into fingers. It also keeps the bottle balanced during a lift. Some handles are open loops, others are reinforced strips moulded into the side. This small detail changes how safe and easy the bottle is to carry.
How PET Bottles Stay Strong
Strength comes from the way the bottle is stretched during production. When air is blown into the hot preform, the PET is pulled in all directions. This adds strength. Bigger bottles get this more than small ones. The thicker the preform, the stronger the final result.
Why Bottles Crumple When Empty
When full, the liquid pushes outward and helps hold shape. When empty, thin PET can collapse. This is normal and not a sign of weakness. It’s the trade-off for using less plastic to save weight and cost.
The Role of Base Shape in Bottle Strength
The bottom of the bottle takes pressure. If the base is too thin or the wrong shape, it bends or tips. Bigger bottles often have thicker bottoms. Some are domed inward or have special ribs to help them stay upright and take weight.
How to Check if a Bottle Is PET
Flip the bottle and check the triangle symbol. If it has a “1” inside, it’s PET. It may also be marked on the label. PET is usually clear and firm. It holds shape even when squeezed. It doesn’t tear or go soft like thin packaging.
Is It Safe to Refill PET Bottles?
Short answer: yes, for a few times. But PET is not made for endless reuse. Scratches and cracks can trap bacteria. Washing with boiling water can damage the plastic. For repeated use, thicker bottles like the 18.9L dispenser range are safer.
What Happens to PET Bottles After Use
PET can be recycled. It’s collected, sorted, cleaned and shredded. The flakes are turned into new products, including bottles, fibres and packaging. The cleaner the bottle, the better the recycling quality.
How PET Is Recycled in South Africa
Bottles are picked up by waste collectors or recycling programmes. They’re sorted at plants, labels and caps removed, and then ground into flakes. These go through washing and drying. They’re then melted and shaped into pellets or sheets used for other products.
What Food Grade Means
Food grade PET is tested to make sure it’s safe for storing drinks or food. It won’t change the taste or smell. It won’t release harmful chemicals into water or juice. Most PET bottles sold for water in South Africa are food grade.
Can PET Handle Hot Water?
No. PET is not made for high heat. It can hold cold or room temperature liquids. But boiling water can bend it. If stored in hot places (like in the boot of a car), the plastic softens. Always store PET bottles away from heat and sunlight.
Why PET Is Used in the Water and Cold Drink Sector
It’s easy to fill, seal and transport. It’s light but strong. It can be shaped into almost any design. It also doesn’t shatter, which makes it safe during transport. That’s why it’s the most common material for bottled water and cold drink products.
Storing Large PET Bottles Properly
Keep bottles upright. Don’t store near direct sunlight or hot rooms. Don’t lay them flat unless they’re sealed tight. Make sure the base is on a solid, level surface. Store them away from chemicals or cleaning liquids to avoid damage.
Bottle Neck Size and Cap Types
The neck needs to match the cap and, if needed, the dispenser. Large bottles often use 55mm caps. Smaller bottles use 28mm or 38mm. A mismatch will cause leaks. Always check neck size before buying caps or switching bottle suppliers.
Misunderstandings About PET Bottles
Some think PET cannot be reused — that’s not true. It can, but not forever. Others think PET is unsafe — it’s safe when used correctly. Some believe thicker bottles are stronger no matter what. That’s not always true — it depends how they’re made and what for.
How Bottle Shape Affects Everyday Use
A slim neck helps pouring. A wide body helps stacking. Curved handles are easier to lift. Grooves add grip and stop rolling. The best bottle shape depends on how and where the bottle is used. Function matters more than looks.
The Use of PET Bottles in Workspaces
Factories use PET for bulk water. Offices place dispenser bottles in shared areas. Events and sports venues use one-way PET for quick delivery and disposal. The 15L and 18.9L sizes are most common in these places because they last longer and reduce refills.
Large Bottle Handling Tips
Lift with both hands. Don’t carry full bottles by the cap. Place them down gently to avoid damage to the base. If the bottle has no handle, grip it from the neck and bottom. Use a trolley or crate for moving multiple bottles.
What the Triangle Symbol with 1 Means
It’s a recycling code. It tells waste sorters what kind of plastic it is. “1” means PET. It doesn’t mean the bottle is only recyclable once — just that it belongs to the PET group. Each number in the triangle stands for a different plastic type.
Why Preform Quality Impacts the Bottle
If the preform has bubbles, cracks or uneven shape, the bottle will too. A poor preform leads to weak spots. The bottle might collapse or leak. Good preforms feel smooth, have even weight, and are clear. Quality control at this stage makes a big difference.
The Difference Between PET and Other Packaging Materials
Compared to glass, PET is lighter and won’t shatter. Compared to cans, it’s resealable. Compared to boxes, it keeps liquids better. It’s cheaper than most alternatives but still strong. That’s why it’s used more than any other material for large water bottles.
