Pet polyethylene terephthalate price

When sourcing PET, the price is heavily dictated by Intrinsic Viscosity (IV). For bottle-grade PET, an IV of 0.80–0.85 dL/g is standard, while textile-grade (fiber) usually requires 0.64–0.70 dL/g. You must also verify the Acetaldehyde (AA) content (ideally <1 ppm for water bottles) and melting point (typically 245-260°C) to ensure processing efficiency and food safety.

PET prices are highly sensitive to the costs of its primary feedstocks: Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and Monoethylene Glycol (MEG), which are derivatives of crude oil. B2B buyers should monitor crude oil indices and upstream paraxylene (PX) supply to predict price fluctuations. Additionally, anti-dumping duties in specific regions can significantly impact the final landed cost.

For food and beverage packaging, the resin must comply with FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulations or EU Regulation No 10/2011 regarding plastic materials intended to come into contact with food. Ensure the supplier provides Migration Test Reports and ISO 9001/ISO 22000 certifications to guarantee the material is free from harmful contaminants.

Virgin PET offers superior clarity and mechanical strength but is subject to petrochemical price volatility. Recycled PET (rPET) is increasingly in demand due to sustainability mandates, often commanding a premium price despite higher impurity risks. Buyers should evaluate the L a b* color values** of rPET to ensure it meets aesthetic requirements for transparent packaging.

In the chemical industry, prices change weekly. It is advisable to use formula-based pricing linked to recognized industry benchmarks (like ICIS or Platts). For large volumes, consider locking in a fixed price for 3-6 months or utilizing Made-in-China.com's Secured Trading services to ensure funds are only released upon verification of shipping documents.

PET is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture. Ensure the supplier uses moisture-proof PE inner lining in jumbo bags (typically 1.1 metric tons per bag). During sea freight, avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures to prevent clumping or degradation. Always verify the loading capacity of a 20GP container, which is usually 20-22 metric tons depending on packaging.

Prioritize Audited Suppliers who have undergone third-party inspections by firms like SGS or Bureau Veritas. Review their Export Experience to your specific country to ensure they understand local customs requirements. Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the specific batch before the balance payment is made.

Avoid focusing solely on the FOB price. Calculate the Total Landed Cost, including ocean freight, import tariffs, and port handling fees. Be wary of prices significantly below the market average for PTA/MEG feedstocks, as this may indicate sub-standard resin or a mix of off-grade materials that could damage your injection molding machinery.