Question 1

What plastic are water bottles made of?

Accepted Answer

European still and sparkling water bottles are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). PET is light, transparent, mechanically strong enough for thin-wall blow-moulded bottles, and recyclable through deposit-and-return schemes. From 2025, all PET beverage bottles sold in the EU must contain at least 25% recycled content, rising to 30% in 2030 under PPWR.

Question 2

Is PET plastic safe to drink from?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PET is approved for direct food and beverage contact under EU 10/2011 and FDA 21 CFR 177.1630. It does not contain BPA. Acetaldehyde levels in modern bottle-grade PET are below the threshold that would affect water taste — typically under 6 μg/kg in finished bottles. PET is the most widely used plastic for beverage packaging globally.

Question 3

What plastic is used for milk bottles?

Accepted Answer

Most European milk and dairy bottles are extrusion blow-moulded HDPE (high-density polyethylene), typically pigmented white with TiO₂ to protect light-sensitive vitamins. HDPE is food-contact compliant, robust through cold-chain handling, and recyclable into dairy-bottle-to-dairy-bottle closed loops in countries with deposit-and-return infrastructure.

Question 4

Why are some plastic bottles green or blue?

Accepted Answer

Coloured PET (green for sparkling water, blue for some still waters) uses pigments added at the resin or master-batch stage. Coloured PET is recyclable but sorts into a separate recyclate stream that commands a lower price than clear PET. Several major brands have moved to clear PET to maximise rPET recovery and meet recycled-content targets.

Question 5

Which polymers are most common for beverage bottles?

Accepted Answer

Most common materials are Polyethylene Terephthalate, High-Density Polyethylene. Choice depends on regulatory requirements, mechanical performance, and cost target.

Question 6

What regulations apply?

Accepted Answer

Key regulations include EU 10/2011, SUPD bottle attached cap, PPWR (25% rPET 2025, 30% 2030). Suppliers must provide a Declaration of Compliance documenting that the specific grade meets the applicable standards.

Question 7

What lead times can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Distributor stock items: 1–3 days. Producer-direct prime: 1–4 weeks. Off-spec or near-prime spot lots: same week. Plan inventory accordingly.

Polymers for beverage bottles

Recommended polymers

Specific recommended grades

Regulatory considerations

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