Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Bottle, Textile and Supply

Polyethylene Terephthalate as an Industrial Raw Material Category

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polyester produced by polycondensation of terephthalic acid (or its dimethyl ester) with monoethylene glycol. Unlike polyolefins and polystyrenes, PET possesses a unique combination of properties: high strength, transparency, barrier characteristics, chemical resistance and the ability to be recycled multiple times. This balance makes PET indispensable in the production of bottles, food packaging, polyester fibers and technical yarns. The specificity of the category is determined by the fact that PET properties critically depend on molecular weight, which is expressed through intrinsic viscosity (IV). Different applications require different IV values: for bottles 0.72 to 0.84 dL/g, for textile fibers 0.62 to 0.68 dL/g, for films 0.65 to 0.72 dL/g. This parameter is key when selecting a grade and finding analogues.

Chemical Identification and Classification of Grades

PET is identified by CAS number 25038-59-9. In international trade, HS code 3907.61 is used for polyethylene terephthalate with a viscosity number of 78 mL/g or more, and 3907.69 for other PET. Density of amorphous PET is 1.33 g/cm3, crystalline 1.40 g/cm3. The melting point is in the range of 245 to 255 degrees Celsius, the glass transition temperature is 75 to 80 degrees Celsius. In Russian practice, PET is regulated by GOST R 51695-2000, which establishes general technical conditions and marking. Grades are designated depending on the limiting viscosity number: for example, PETF-G-75 (75 to 79 mL/g) and PETF-S-75 (80 to 84 mL/g). The letter G indicates granulated, S indicates copolymer. International nomenclature often uses IV designations. Bottle-grade PET with IV 0.80 plus or minus 0.02 dL/g is the standard for preforms. Textile PET with IV 0.62 to 0.68 dL/g is used for staple fiber and filament yarns. Film PET with IV 0.65 to 0.72 dL/g is used for BOPET films.

Regulatory Framework and Quality Standards

Circulation of PET and articles made from it in Russia and the EAEU is regulated by Customs Union technical regulations, in particular TR CU 005/2011 for packaging, TR CU 021/2011 for food contact, TR CU 007/2011 and TR CU 017/2011 for products in contact with children and skin. For PET itself, GOST R 51695-2000 applies. For finished PET packaging, GOST 32686-2014 applies. International standards used for identification and control include ASTM D4603 and ISO 1628-5 for intrinsic viscosity determination, ISO 1183 for density, ASTM D1238 for MFR, ISO 527 for tensile strength, ASTM D638 for mechanical properties.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Intrinsic Viscosity

The key parameter of PET is intrinsic viscosity (IV). The higher the IV, the higher the molecular weight, strength and crack resistance, but the lower the flowability. For bottle grades the optimum is IV 0.72 to 0.84 dL/g, with carbonated beverages using IV 0.80 to 0.84 dL/g and water using IV 0.72 to 0.78 dL/g. Textile fibers use IV 0.62 to 0.68 dL/g. Mechanical properties of PET depend on the degree of orientation. Amorphous PET has a strength of 50 to 70 MPa, oriented PET 150 to 200 MPa. The elastic modulus is 2800 to 3100 MPa, elongation at break is 50 to 300 percent. PET has good barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is critical for carbonated beverages. Chemical resistance is high: the material is resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohols, fats and mineral oils, but has limited resistance to strong oxidisers and alkalis at elevated temperatures.

Applications by Industry

Packaging remains the largest consumer of PET. Bottles for water, beverages, juices, beer, vegetable oil and household chemicals, as well as food containers, trays and blisters are produced from bottle-grade PET. About 50 percent of total PET volume goes to the bottle segment, 35 percent to textile, 15 percent to film and engineering. The textile industry uses PET for polyester fibers, yarns, fabrics, carpets and nonwovens. Engineering PET is used for injection moulding, glass-filled compounds and technical parts. Film PET is used for BOPET films, flexible packaging and electrical insulation.

Recycling and Circular Economy

PET is one of the most recyclable polymers. In Russia, the PET recycling rate is estimated at about 35 percent, and consumption reaches almost 800 thousand tonnes. Mechanical recycling includes collection, sorting, grinding into flakes and granulation. For food-grade applications (bottle-to-bottle), technologies are used that ensure PVC content of no more than 10 ppm and IV of 0.78 to 0.82 dL/g. SIBUR produces Vivilen rPET granules with recycled content up to 30 percent, and the Senezh plant has mastered FTR (flakes-to-resin) technology for CleverPET production. Chemical recycling (depolymerisation) allows PET to be returned to monomers.

Market and Supply

By the end of 2025, apparent PET consumption in Russia reached 986 thousand tonnes, of which 316 thousand tonnes came from net imports. PET production in Russia in 2025 grew by 2 percent to 671 thousand tonnes, with capacity utilisation at 96 percent. The largest Russian producers are Sibur-PETF (486 thousand t/year), Alco-Nafta (210 thousand t/year) and NPET Plant (250 thousand t/year). Imports cover 30 to 40 percent of consumption, with China being the main supplier (97 percent of PET imports). In 2025, China exported 283 thousand tonnes of PET to Russia, 11.7 percent less than a year earlier. Each supply is treated as a separate project with an individual scheme.

Logistics and Customs Clearance

PET logistics includes sea, rail and road routes. Granules are supplied in 25 kg bags, 500 to 1000 kg big bags and octabins. Customs clearance is supported by the portal broker: classification under HS codes 3907.61 and 3907.69, certification and interaction with control authorities. For food-grade PET, confirmation of compliance with TR CU 021/2011 is important.

FAQ

What is intrinsic viscosity (IV) and why is it important?

IV characterises the molecular weight of PET. The higher the IV, the higher the strength and barrier properties, but the lower the flowability. Bottles use IV 0.72-0.84 dL/g, fibers use 0.62-0.68 dL/g.

How does bottle-grade PET differ from textile-grade?

Bottle-grade PET has a higher IV (0.72-0.84 dL/g) and is intended for blow moulding. Textile PET has a lower IV (0.62-0.68 dL/g) and is used for melt-spinning fibers.

Can recycled PET be used for food packaging?

Yes, using technologies that ensure food-grade purification (PVC content no more than 10 ppm, IV 0.78-0.82 dL/g). In Russia such products are produced under Vivilen rPET and CleverPET brands.

What documents accompany a supply?

Conformity certificates, quality certificates, sanitary documents for food contact, test reports, origin documents.

Are small batches available for testing?

Yes, trial batches from 25 kg are available for most grades. Terms are agreed individually.

Conclusion

Polyethylene terephthalate remains a key polymer for packaging, textiles and engineering applications due to its combination of strength, transparency and barrier properties. A processor success depends on the correct choice of grade considering IV, purpose and food-contact compliance. The portal helps select analogues, organise logistics and customs clearance.

Contact Us

If you are looking for PET granules or need advice on grade selection, analogue search and worldwide supply organisation, please contact our team at info@apptrade.ru. We will help you find the right product, verify documentation and organise supply.