PET and Phthalates

I am back from vacation with my husband and kids. It feels good to get back. I have many customer emails....if I feel they have a broad appeal, I will post them in the blog.

The first question came from a customer in Indiana.

Question:

"I buy your PET bottles and love the quality. I was reading on the internet that PET stands for Polyethylene terephthalate. Does this mean they contain phthalates?"

Answer:

With the recent phthalate attention, this is a very good question. The American Chemistry Council does a great job with a full explanation. They state:

PET and Phthalates are not the same: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of plastic used extensively in food packaging applications like beverage bottles, microwavable trays and packaging films. Although “polyethylene terephthalate” (the plastic) and “phthalate” (the additive) may sound alike, they are chemically dissimilar. PET is not considered an orthophthalate, nor does PET require the use of softening additives.

The Journal Enviromental Health Perspectives states:

The term "phthalates," short for "orthophthalates," refers to a class of additives that are used in some plastic products, specifically products made with a particular type of plastic--polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl)--to make the material soft and flexible. Vinyl shower curtains, cable, wire, and flooring are examples of flexible PVC products that can contain phthalates.

Plastic beverage bottles sold in the United States are made from a type of plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Although polyethylene terephthalate (the plastic) and phthalate (the additive) may have similar names, the substances are chemically dissimilar. PET is not considered an orthophthalate, nor does PET require the use of phthalates or other softening additives.

If you have further questions....please do not hesitate to email me personally at debbie@wholesalesuppliesplus.com

Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944