Use and safety of pet, package material in contact with beverages

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a long-chain polymer belonging to the generic family of polyesters. PET has found increasing applications within the food packaging field. The aim of the study was to survey the behavior of materials intended to come in contact with non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic concentration greater than 5% vol., like fruit juices, sparkling water, beer and others. The conclusion was that PET is a stable material, the value of global migration of components in selected simulants being in compliance with the legislation’s requirements (10 mg/dm2 or 60 mg/kg of food).