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?

The correct option is 1 and 3.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:

Statement 1: Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
This statement is correct. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres are commonly known as polyester (e.g., Terylene or Dacron). These synthetic fibres are highly durable, wrinkle-resistant, and possess high tensile strength. Blending them with natural fibres like cotton (to form polycot) or wool (to form polywool) enhances the strength, durability, and crease-resistance of the resulting fabric while retaining the comfort of the natural fibres.

Statement 2: Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
This statement is incorrect. While PET is widely used for packaging water and soft drinks, it is not recommended for storing all types of alcoholic beverages, particularly those with higher alcohol concentrations or over long durations. Alcohol can act as a solvent and may cause leaching of chemicals (like antimony or plasticizers) from the PET container into the beverage, affecting its flavor and safety. Moreover, PET is slightly permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can degrade the quality of alcoholic beverages like wine or beer over time.

Statement 3: Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
This statement is correct. PET is a thermoplastic polymer, which means it can be melted and reshaped multiple times. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world. Recycled PET (rPET) is commonly processed and spun into polyester fibres to manufacture clothing, carpets, sleeping bags, fiberfill, or extruded into new sheets and bottles.

Statement 4: Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
This statement is incorrect. PET is an organic polymer composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Burning or incinerating PET releases carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is a primary greenhouse gas. In addition, incomplete combustion can release toxic gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere, making incineration a source of environmental pollution rather than a clean disposal method.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statements 2 and 4 are incorrect.