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?

Answer: A. Statements 1 and 3 only are correct. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a widely used synthetic polymer. Common uses: water bottles, food containers, polyester textile fibres (e.g., 'Terylene', 'Dacron'), packaging films. Statement 1 is CORRECT. PET fibres (polyester) are commonly BLENDED with WOOL and COTTON to improve fabric properties — wrinkle resistance, durability, easy care. 'Poly-cotton' (polyester-cotton blend) is among the most common fabrics. Statement 2 is WRONG. PET containers should NOT be used to store any alcoholic beverage. Strong alcoholic beverages (spirits over 20% alcohol) and acidic drinks can extract endocrine-disrupting chemicals (antimony, plasticisers) from PET over time. PET is generally certified only for water, soft drinks and beer/wine, not high-alcohol spirits. Statement 3 is CORRECT. PET bottles are widely RECYCLED into other products: polyester textile fibres (used in clothing, carpets, fleece), strapping, geotextiles, new PET bottles (rPET). Bottle-to-bottle recycling is a major global initiative. Statement 4 is WRONG. PET incineration RELEASES CO2 (a greenhouse gas) plus dangerous toxic byproducts. PET incineration is NOT a 'clean' disposal route. Source: FSSAI / Bureau of Indian Standards plastic packaging regulations.