PET Flakes

PET flakes from Iran

PET flakes are post-consumer PET bottles that have been sorted, ground into small chips and washed. They are the main raw material for recycled polyester staple fibre and filament yarn, PET strapping, sheet and thermoformed packaging, and rPET pellets. How well the flakes run on your line depends on three things: the bottles they came from, how they were washed, and how much PVC, glue and other plastics are left in them.

Rabin Polymer supplies hot-washed clear, cold-washed, light-blue, green and mixed-colour PET flakes from Iran. Part of the volume is produced at our own plant in the Eyvanaki Industrial Zone, Semnan province, and part comes from partner washing lines in Iran. Every lot is checked before it is offered, and its figures are written in the offer.

Types of PET flakes

Typical quality parameters

PET flakes do not have one datasheet: every lot depends on the bottle stream and the washing line. The table shows the ranges usually traded in the market. The figures of the lot you buy are confirmed in the offer.

Typical market ranges, not a specification. PVC, moisture, flake size and colour mix of each lot are confirmed in the offer. Photos and a sample of the lot can be sent before loading, and third-party inspection can be arranged on request.

How PET flakes are washed

1. Sorting. Bottles are sorted by colour and PVC bottles are removed. A simple check: a PET bottle has a dot at the centre of its base, a PVC bottle has a line.
2. Label and cap removal, then grinding into flakes.
3. Float–sink tank. PE and PP caps and labels float; PET is heavier and sinks.
4. Hot wash. Flakes are washed in hot caustic water to remove glue, oil and dirt. Temperature and pH are controlled, and the caustic is rinsed out fully; caustic left on the flakes causes yellow stains.
5. Friction washing rubs off loosened glue and remaining dirt, then the flakes are rinsed and dried in a centrifuge.
6. Testing. PVC is measured in ppm. The lower the number, the cleaner the flakes; buyers test this first, because PVC breaks down at PET processing temperature and causes black specks, yellowing and fibre breaks.

Applications

How to order the right PET flakes

Send us five details and we will offer the lots that fit:

1. Your product and process – staple fibre, filament yarn, strapping, sheet, pellets
2. Type and colour – hot-washed clear, cold-washed, light blue, green or mixed
3. The maximum PVC and moisture your line accepts
4. Flake size, if you have a limit
5. Monthly quantity and destination

Supply and packing

• Jumbo bags of about one tonne; other packing on request
• Sea freight in 20′ / 40′ containers from Bandar Abbas (Karachi / Port Qasim and other ports) or delivery by truck
• Can be loaded together with other Rabin Polymer products in one container
• Commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin with every shipment

The shipping mode, route and Incoterm are agreed for each order, depending on quantity, destination and timing.

PET flakes for buyers in Pakistan

In Pakistan, PET flakes are bought mainly by polyester staple fibre and strapping plants. Tell us your line and the PVC limit you work to, and we will offer matching lots. Rates are given CFR Karachi or for road delivery via Taftan.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there no datasheet for PET flakes?

Flakes are a recycled material, and each lot depends on the bottles it came from and on the washing line. Instead of one datasheet, the PVC, moisture, flake size and colour mix of each lot are confirmed in the offer.

What is the difference between hot-washed and cold-washed PET flakes?

Hot-washed flakes are washed in hot caustic water, which removes glue, oil and most contamination; they have lower PVC and are used for filament, strapping and sheet. Cold-washed flakes are cheaper and are used mainly for staple and filling fibre.

Why does PVC matter so much?

PVC looks like PET but breaks down at PET processing temperature. Even a few hundred ppm can cause black specks, yellowing and broken filaments, so buyers test PVC first. It is measured in ppm; lower is better.

Are your PET flakes food grade?

No. Our flakes are supplied for non-food uses such as fibre, strapping and sheet. Food-contact rPET needs a certified decontamination (super-clean) process.

Can I see the lot before ordering?

Yes. Photos and a sample of the lot can be sent before loading, and third-party inspection can be arranged on request.

Tell us your process, type and monthly quantity on WhatsApp or email sales@rabinpolymer.com.