1. How is a preform made?

Preforms are produced from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on injection moulding machines. Initially, the plastic has the form of granules. At the first stage of production the plastic is heated to 250 - 300ºC. When a liquid state is achieved, the plastic mass is injected into a mould where it reaches the desired shape. It crystallizes while cooling, which gives the preform its desired features.

2. How is a PET bottle made?

Bottles are produced on injection blown moulding machines. The technological process is based on PET preforms, which are semi-finished products. A preform is heated to a temperature of ca. 80 º C, which makes it flexible. After placing it in a suitable mould, it is blown with a high-pressure stream of air until it reaches the desired shape. Cooling takes place at the same time, which gives the bottle its desired features.

3. What are the advantages of PET?

PET plastic has become exceptionally popular in recent years. Consumers appreciate its practical features demonstrated in its strength, resistance to breaking and low weight. However, its other advantages are also important: aesthetic appearance, a wide range of formability and colouring options and high transparency. Importantly, PET can be very easily processed by almost all recycling methods applied to polymer materials.

4. What shapes of bottles can I have?

One of the most important advantages of PET is its unlimited formability options. Therefore, we can produce a bottle or jar in a shape that fits your product best. We can offer you a standard mould or help to design a unique package. In the case of large orders WGM can even cover 100% of the cost of a new design. It is all a matter of individual agreement with the client.

5. Interesting facts

PET was developed for industrial use for the first time for the production of synthetic fibres by British Calico Printers in 1941. Patent rights were sold to DuPont and ICI, which then re-sold the rights to different companies in different countries.

In the mid-60s. PET was introduced in the production of films used in photography, video cassettes, photographic plates for X-rays and in packaging.

At the beginning of the 70s. the method for the production of bottles by blowing with biaxial orientation was developed.

Nowadays, the production of bottles constitutes the largest sector of PET plastic applications. PET is used, among other things, for the production of packages (bottles, jars, cans) for water, sparkling beverages, juice, alcoholic drinks, edible oils, household cleaning chemicals and other packages intended for contact with food.