UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives

consider the following statements:

1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
   
   

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: 

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the predominant polyester used for fibre production. They are often used in durable-press blends with other fibres such as rayon, wool, and cotton, reinforcing the inherent properties of those fibres while contributing to the ability of the fabric to recover from wrinkling. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  

• • Particularly for highly concentrated spirits in small PET bottles and high storage temperatures the water permeation is unfavourable. In fact, the leaching effects of plastic and plastic chemical substances (such as ethylene glycol) have the tendency to leach considerably into alcohol stored if the temperature goes up during storage. So, statement 2 is not correct.
    
    

• PET bottles can be recycled back into bottles, fibres, film, thermoformed packaging and strapping. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

• The burning of plastics releases toxic gases like dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (better known as BCPs) into the atmosphere, and poses a threat to vegetation, and human and animal health. So, statement 4 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment|Waste Management