PET bottled tea

The production of canned tea began in 1981. In 1990, PET bottle was introduced by U.S and it proceeded the switch from cans to PET bottles for all kinds of beverages. One of the characteristics of PET plastic is it is extremely heat-resistant. Even if you pour 100 degrees Celsius boiled water into the PET bottle, it will not melt, oxidize or change the drinks taste. Currently, there are 4 sizes of bottles on the market. They are 500ml, 1000ml, 1500ml, and 2000ml. Before tea is poured into the bottles, the bottles are sterilized with liquid choleric acid. The caps are sterilized using ultraviolet rays. The tea is also sterilized at 130 to 140 degrees Celsius for 30 to 40 seconds. The bottles are then filled in a sterile room. Using PET bottles, greatly reduces the time of sterilization, and the canned drinks need to be sterilized for 10-15 minutes. The drastically shorter times of sterilization needed, allows for better retention of flavor in PET beverages.

(Tadakazu Takeo)