UPSC Prelims 2022 · Question 46 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2022 question on PET Plastic

With reference to polythylene 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. Bottle 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
Show answer

Answer: A. 1 and 3

Verdict

Correct statements: 1 and 3 → Option (a).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: PET fibres are often used in durable-press blends with other fibres such as rayon, wool, and cotton, reinforcing the inherent properties of those fibres.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Plastic packaging is dangerous to human health and the country liquor and country made foreign liquor cannot be sold in such bottles. Hence containers made of PET cannot be used to store any alcoholic beverage.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: PET bottles are made of one of the few polymers that can be recycled into the same form — a new beverage bottle — again and again. Some everyday items recycled plastic bottles can be made into include: clothing and shoes, carpets and soft furnishings, furniture, and automotive parts.

Statement 4 – INCORRECT: Globally, researchers estimate that the production and incineration of plastic will pump more than 850 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Producing a 16 oz. PET bottle generates more than 100 times the toxic emissions to air and water than making the same size bottle out of glass.

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