Final answer:
The major use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is for producing synthetic fibers, predominantly polyester for textiles, and also for manufacturing bottles for packaging liquids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is in the production of synthetic fibers, which accounts for more than 60% of the total PET production worldwide. These synthetic fibers are commonly known as polyester when used in the context of textiles. Additionally, around 30% of PET is used for manufacturing bottles, making it a vital material for packaging beverages and other liquids. PET is known for its durability and is also used in engineering resins when combined with glass fiber, in food packaging, photographic film, and clothing. In textile applications, polyester fabrics are valued for their resistance to wrinkling due to the cross-linking of the polymer strands, making them suitable for permanent-press clothing.