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 ?
- (a) 1 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 4
- (c) 1 and 4
- (d) 2 and 3
Why the answer is (a)
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the plastic of beverage bottles and 'polyester' fibre.
• Statement 1 is correct: polyester fibre is widely blended with cotton and wool to add strength, crease-resistance and durability.
• Statement 3 is correct: PET is among the most recycled plastics, turned into fibre, sheets and new bottles (rPET).
• Statement 2 is wrong: PET is not suitable for storing all alcoholic beverages — spirits and long-stored liquor can leach compounds and lose quality, which is why glass is used.
• Statement 4 is wrong: burning PET releases carbon dioxide and other emissions; incineration is not emission-free.
• Hence 1 and 3, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 4
- Statements 2 and 4 are wrong: PET is unsuitable for all liquor and burns with emissions.
- (c) 1 and 4
- Statement 4 is wrong: incineration emits CO2.
- (d) 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong: PET cannot store any alcoholic beverage safely.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.