PET is widely used  because it has excellent barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide and good chemical and UV resistance. It is therefore extremely popular for bottles for mineral water and other beverages. It is also used for oven trays and roasting bags due to its ability to remain stable up to 220˚C. It exists both as an amorphous (APET - transparent) or as a crystallised (CPET - opaque and white) plastic.

PET is also an important layer in many multi-layer films and laminated films as a result of its excellent barrier properties. Other popular uses include blister packs, capsules and lids as a result of its shiny, transparent qualities in the amorphous (APET) form. In most households PET will be found in the form of audio and video tapes. PET is also used for fibres for textiles and industrial uses. Used PET bottles are now being recycled into textiles for clothing.