FAQ
PET Flakes: Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about recycled PET flakes for buyers, manufacturers and anyone new to PET recycling.
What are PET flakes?
PET flakes are small pieces of polyethylene terephthalate plastic, typically 8 to 14 mm across, made by sorting, grinding, washing and drying used PET bottles. They are sold to manufacturers as a recycled raw material.
What is the full form of PET?
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a clear, strong, lightweight polyester plastic. It carries recycling code 1 and is the standard material for water and soft-drink bottles.
What are PET flakes used for?
The main use is polyester staple fibre for textiles and fibrefill. PET flakes are also used for PET sheet and thermoformed packaging, strapping, monofilament for brushes and ropes, filament yarn and as feedstock for resins in the chemical industry.
What is the difference between hot washed and cold washed PET flakes?
Hot washed flakes are cleaned in hot water with caustic soda and detergent, which removes glue, oil and fine dirt. Cold washed flakes are cleaned in ambient water only and keep more residue. Hot washed flakes are cleaner and are preferred for fibre and sheet.
What is the difference between PET flakes and PET granules?
Flakes are produced directly by grinding and washing bottles. Granules, also called chips or pellets, are made by melting flakes, filtering the melt and cutting it into uniform pellets. Granules are more uniform but cost more.
What is rPET?
rPET means recycled PET: PET plastic that has been recovered from used bottles or packaging and reprocessed. PET flakes are the most common form of rPET.
What decides the price of PET flakes in India?
Price depends on colour (clear costs more than coloured), washing grade (hot washed costs more), contamination levels, the price of PET bottle scrap, the price of virgin PET resin, order quantity and freight. Prices change frequently, so ask for a current quote.
Why does PVC content matter in PET flakes?
PVC breaks down at the temperature used to melt PET and releases acid that degrades the PET, causing black specks, yellowing and weaker product. Buyers therefore ask for PVC content to be as low as possible, commonly below 100 ppm.
What is intrinsic viscosity (IV) in PET?
Intrinsic viscosity is a measure of the molecular weight of PET and indicates how strong the finished product will be. Bottle-grade PET typically has an IV of roughly 0.70 to 0.80 dl/g.
How are PET flakes packed and transported?
PET flakes are normally packed in jumbo bags (FIBCs) and moved by truck. Bag weight and load size are agreed between buyer and seller.
Is recycled PET as good as virgin PET?
For most fibre, sheet, strapping and monofilament applications, well-sorted and well-washed recycled PET performs well and is widely used. Quality depends on the cleanliness and consistency of the flakes.
Which industries does Shree Hari Polymers supply?
Shree Hari Polymers supplies recycled PET material to the fibre, sheet, chemical and monofilament industries in India.
Where is Shree Hari Polymers located?
Shree Hari Polymers is located at 49/68, Site-4, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201010, in Delhi NCR. GSTIN: 09CBOPA7522G1ZM.
How do I buy PET flakes from Shree Hari Polymers?
Call +91 97112 26556 or email anshagarwal481@gmail.com with the colour, washing grade, quantity and delivery location you need, and we will reply with availability and price.