What Does Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Mean?
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a type of plastic that is used to make
different types of products, including, but not limited to, containers, clothing, and
soda bottles. It can be made into durable, food-safe equipment suitable for use in hydroponics systems, including the containers to house the plants.
Because it is pH-neutral is an excellent choice in situations where the plants will receive regular watering, such as an ebb and flow garden. PET starts out as a colorless, semi-crystalline resin. It can be processed to be semi-rigid to rigid, or to form fibers. In any case, it is very lightweight.
Maximum Yield Explains Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Plastics marked with PET1 or PETE1 are made of polyethylene terephthalate. These plastics are not known to leach any chemicals or be harmful to human health, making them suitable for re-use in a garden or food production application.
In some
cases, PET1 can even be turned into sterile fibers that are commonly
used as a hydroponic medium. PET1 does not break down too much over time, but since the plant roots will permeate the material over time and embed themselves throughout, the material is not easily reusable.
PET1 is relatively inexpensive, which is why it’s such a popular choice among gardeners. However, according to botanists, it’s best to go for PET2, since these are made from high-density polyethylene and can easily resist UV rays.
PET2 has been known to easily tolerate up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, unlike PET1, which is not as heat resistant. Additionally, PET2 doesn’t transmit any kind of chemical into the plants or soil, making it food-grade.
