Jun 24 2009
Husky Injection Molding Systems today announced initiatives that will raise awareness about the benefits of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as a packaging material. To support this goal, Husky is participating in several projects dedicated to providing accurate information about the safety, sustainability and recyclability of PET.
"Recently, there has been increased public interest concerning the safety and environmental impact of plastics. Our goal is to educate the media and consumers so that they can make informed, fact-based decisions about PET packaging," said Jeff MacDonald, Husky's Vice President of Marketing. "Studies have shown that PET is one of the most lightweight and recyclable packaging materials. As PET technology continues to advance, it is becoming an increasingly attractive packaging alternative for many applications."
In April 2008, Husky partnered with others in the plastics industry to launch the Facts on PET (www.factsonpet.com) campaign. The goal of Facts on PET is to promote accurate information about PET and dispel any misleading information. For example, there has been confusing information linking PET plastic products to those that contain bisphenol-A (BPA). Over the past year, Facts on PET has been successful in correcting misleading reports and educating the mainstream media on the safety, recyclability and convenience of PET containers.
Husky is also working with the Allied Development Corporation, a third party consulting and publications company, to conduct Life Cycle Analysis studies. The studies determine how the environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions of manufacturing and transporting PET relates to alternative forms of packaging. The first study found that in North America, PET is the most favorable alternative when compared to aluminum cans and glass bottles for a 355 ml carbonated soft drink application. When measuring greenhouse gas emissions, PET containers had the lowest output at 314.9 pounds per 1,000 units, approximately 250 pounds less than aluminum and 180 pounds less than glass. In terms of energy consumption, PET also performed the best with 3,225 MJ per 1,000 units, in comparison to aluminum at 3,917 MJ and glass at 4,227 MJ.
Not only are Husky systems capable of producing the lightest parts with the lowest scrap rates, but the company is exploring innovative ways to make use of recycled PET. Combining educational activities with advancements in technology, Husky continues to encourage recycling and make the PET package more sustainable.
PET (also known as PETE) plastic products are designated by the recycling code "1" and are 100% recyclable. Most single-serve plastic bottles, including those for water, soft drinks and juices, are made with PET, which is globally recognized as a safe, recyclable packaging material.