PET, more commonly known as Polyethylene terephthalate (sometimes called PETE), the chemical name for polyester, is one of the world's most well-known plastics.

It is a robust all-purpose material that can make everything from modern cushions, pouffes, and rugs to food packaging. Virtually all single-serving and 2-litre bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. are made from PETE.

PET is the preferred thermoplastic polymer resin because of its strong gas barrier properties. It allows manufacturers to utilize plastic waste in their products, turning it into a sustainable, versatile, and durable material that can be moulded into any shape.

PET bottle has been around since the mid-1940s when Nathaniel C. Wyeth, a DuPont chemist, invented it by accident while working on a new type of synthetic fibre. DuPont later branded its PETE fibre as "Dacron." 

Today, more than half the world's synthetic fibres come from petroleum products, processed, and turned into PET, called "polyester" when used for fibre or fabric applications. It is typically called PET or PET resin when PET is used for bottles, containers, and other applications.

What is PET (material)

PET is made by heating two chemicals—ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The basic building blocks of PETE are produced by heating both chemicals at high temperatures and pressure until their molecules bond together to form a polymer chain. The resulting spaghetti-like strands of PETE can be moulded into items of practically any shape.

Why choose Polyester (PETE)?

PET fabrics are solid, lightweight, resistant to stains and water, and environmentally friendly. Cleaning the material is a breeze with a little warm water and soap. We also recommend using a bleach solution for tougher stains. This advantage over other fabrics may come in handy for cleaning and sanitizing those accident-prone kittens and puppies.

These fabrics designed for outdoor use are fast becoming popular options for indoor furniture and especially with pet owners. The materials come in a wide variety of colours and patterns to fit into any design style. Some fabrics can mimic the look of high-end velvet and suede furniture. The materials are so soft to the touch and comfortable to sit on that you may never get your dog off the sofa again.

The long-term durability of polyester makes it an ideal choice of sofa fabric for families with children and pets. 

Here are all the benefits of buying PET furniture:

  • Water Repellent: the fabric's tight weave makes it resistant to water and other liquids, which means it's an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor furniture 
  • Stain Resistant: dirt and grime don't easily penetrate polyester sofas
  • Pet-Friendly: high-quality polyester can stand up to claws and dirty paws
  • Strength to Weight Ratio: PET is powerful for its lightweight.
  • Hypoallergenic: PET materials don't collect pollen, pet hair, or dust, and they're less itchy than wool-covered sofas 
  • Budget-Friendly: furniture with polyester tends to be cheaper than those finished with natural fibres
  • Less Prone to Discoloration – other synthetic materials, e.g., acrylic, fade much faster 

 

How is PET Used in Today's Product?

Plastic bottles—in some cases end up in canals, the ocean, or landfills—arrive at the recycling centres where they must first be sorted by colour. The bottles are then cleaned and shredded into what are called flakes.

Meanwhile, the granulator removes all remaining debris to produce pure PET flakes, ready for the next phase of their transformation. The PETE flakes now travel through an extruder, melting them and forming polyester fibres with a soft wool-like texture. Colour can be added at this point. The threads are then cut into thin sheets to prepare them for felting.

Meanwhile, the granulator eliminates any leftover debris to produce a pure flake of PET ready for the subsequent step of its transformation. The PETE flake now travels through an extruder, melted into the polyester fibre with a soft wool-like texture and coloured if necessary. The sheets are also cut into thin threads to prepare them for felting.

The 3D pressing machine turns a sheet of felt into a sturdy form in a single moulding action, preserving its soft wool-like texture. PET Felt can take any shape—chair shells, cushions, backs, dividers, lampshades, even Bench! The felt also has excellent sound-dampening properties, ideal for acoustic products such as wall panels and baffles.

Final Thought.

PET polyester certainly has its place in the furniture world thanks to the many advantages over natural upholstery options. This makes it a great, affordable, yet durable fabric that can last whether you use it indoors or out. Consider buying an appealing PET Rug, Pouffe, or cushion at a great price today from arthurcameron.co.uk