PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are the lightest and usually cheapest option for water, juice, tea and many soft drinks, but they let oxygen in and CO₂ out slowly, which shortens shelf life for sensitive or sparkling drinks. In the EU, PET drink bottles must contain at least 25% recycled PET from 2025.
Key facts at a glance
- Light and shatter-resistant — lowers freight and breakage.
- Clear — shows colour and pieces such as nata de coco or chia.
- Barrier limits — gas exchange through the wall.
- rPET rules in the EU and other markets set recycled content targets.
- Resin code 1 — widely collected and recycled.
Where PET works best
| Drink | PET suitability | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Excellent | Industry standard |
| Juice and tea (hot-fill) | Good | Needs heat-set PET bottles |
| Drinks with pieces | Very good | Visibility sells the product |
| Carbonated soft drinks | Good | Shorter shelf life than cans |
| Oxygen-sensitive juices | Moderate | Barrier layers or scavengers help |
Ways to control PET costs
- Use standard bottle shapes — custom moulds add cost and minimums.
- Lightweight the bottle within strength limits.
- Standardise neck finishes and caps across SKUs.
- Choose labels or sleeves by run size; sleeves suit small runs.
- Plan rPET content early; supply and price vary.
Regulatory points
- EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: 25% rPET in PET drink bottles from 2025, 30% in all plastic drink bottles from 2030; tethered caps since July 2024.
- Food-contact approval for recycled PET processes.
- Deposit schemes in many countries require specific marks on labels.
Frequently asked questions
Is PET safe for drinks?
Yes. PET is approved for food contact in major markets and does not contain BPA.
Why do sparkling drinks go flat faster in PET?
CO₂ slowly passes through the plastic wall, unlike aluminium or glass.
What is rPET?
Recycled PET, processed to food-contact standards and blended into new bottles.
Can hot-fill juice go into PET?
Yes, using heat-set PET bottles designed to withstand filling temperatures.
PET-packed drinks from ACM Beverage
ACM Beverage fills juices, teas and sparkling drinks in PET in Vietnam for OEM and private label customers. See the sparkling drink range. Related reading: cans vs PET vs glass and beverage packaging customisation.
