UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2022

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?

  1. 1 and 3
  2. 2 and 4
  3. 1 and 4
  4. 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 3

Explanation

Statements 1 and 3 are correct: PET fibres can be blended with wool/cotton to reinforce fabric properties, and PET bottles are highly recyclable. Statement 2 is incorrect — PET containers are restricted for storing alcoholic beverages in some states. Statement 4 is incorrect — incineration of PET releases greenhouse gases and other emissions.

Topics: pet recycling, polyethylene terephthalate, polymer technology, science and technology