Because of its excessive mechanical power, PET film is commonly used in tape purposes, such because the provider for magnetic tape or backing for stress-delicate adhesive tapes. The #7 class was designed as a catch-all for polycarbonate (PC) and “different” plastics, so reuse and recycling protocols usually are not standardized within this class. Of main concern with #7 plastics, nevertheless, is the potential for chemical leaching into food or drink merchandise packaged in polycarbonate containers made utilizing BPA (Bisphenol A). Most curbside collection providers will not settle for polystyrene, which is why this material accounts for about 35% of US landfill materials. While the expertise for recycling polystyrene is available, the marketplace for recycling is small.

Recently, molecular stage stabilization of the material utilizing nanostructured chemicals has additionally been thought of. Biaxially oriented PET film (usually identified by one of its trade names, 'Mylar') could be aluminized by evaporating a thin film of metallic onto it to cut back its permeability, and to make it reflective and opaque (MPET). These properties are helpful in many applications, together with versatile food packaging and thermal insulation (corresponding to space blankets).

In this case, almost every kind of recycled-materials suggestions into the fabric circulation are attainable right now. These various recycling processes are being discussed hereafter intimately.

The affect of the microscopic particles, which—as a result of they are many—improve the frequency of defects within the polymer, is comparatively higher. Mechanical recycling or direct circulation of PET within the polymeric state is operated in most various variants at present. These kinds of processes are typical of small and medium-dimension industry. Cost-effectivity can already be achieved with plant capacities within a range of 5000–20,000 tons/yr.

Comonomers such as CHDM or isophthalic acid decrease the melting temperature and cut back the degree of crystallinity of PET (especially important when the material is used for bottle manufacturing). Thus, the resin could be plastically formed at decrease temperatures and/or with lower pressure. This helps to stop degradation, decreasing the acetaldehyde content material of the finished product to an appropriate (that's, unnoticeable) level. Another way to improve the steadiness of the polymer is to use stabilizers, mainly antioxidants corresponding to phosphites.