Are PET containers made for use in the oven or microwave different from PET containers used for beverage bottles and food jars?
Yes. Special grades of PET are used for take-out food containers and prepared food trays that can be warmed in the oven or microwaved. These “dual ovenable” trays and containers have the same basic chemical formula as PET bottles and jars, but have special additives that crystallize and toughen the PET so it can withstand the much higher temperatures of oven and microwave heating. Ovenable PET is approved as safe by the FDA and other health-safety agencies around the world.