Recycling Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in Food Science: Challenges and Opportunities (a review)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used polymer in food and beverage packaging due to its strength, transparency, and recyclability. However, the increasing accumulation of PET waste has raised environmental concerns, prompting the development of advanced recycling technologies. This review explores the latest advancements in PET recycling, including mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic methods, with a focus on their applicability in food packaging. Additionally, the paper examines regulatory frameworks, safety challenges, and economic implications of using recycled PET (rPET) in the food industry. While PET recycling has significant potential, obstacles such as contamination, high processing costs, and consumer skepticism must be overcome to ensure its large-scale adoption in food packaging.

کلیدواژه ها:

Recycling ، Polyethylene Terephthalate ، PET ، Food Science