Blog Post

What is rPET?

David Platt • 4 July 2023

And how is it used in branded promotional merchandise?

rPET T Shirt

rPET is recycled polyethylene terephthalate. PET is the widely used plastic. It is commonly used in beverage bottles, food containers, and other everyday items. PET, also referred to as just polyester is widely used as a fabric. The waste issue is particularly acute in the fizzy drinks bottle because of the tendency to discard bottles rather than dispose responsibly. PET is favoured by manufacturers because of its durability, clarity, and lightness. It also has the ability, unlike polythene, to act as a barrier to gases including carbon dioxide, hence the use for fizzy drinks. However, the proliferation of PET products has led to significant environmental concerns due to its slow decomposition rate. When one talks of Ocean Bound plastics we are often referring to PET.


But – the properties which make PET a problem, its durability and resilience to decomposition also make it ideal for re-cycling. This includes post-consumer recycling and not just recycling within the manufacturing process. The properties of PET allow it to be re-heated and melted over and over again without destroying its physical properties.

The recycling process involves collecting, sorting, and cleaning the PET waste, followed by shredding it into small flakes or pellets. These flakes are then melted and transformed into new products. The full details of the process can be found in a previous blog at https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/how-is-polyester-pet-recycled. The most valuable product produced is the fibre which can be used for clothing and for products like bags.

For the promotional world the most exciting rPET products are based on recycled polyester fibre. Two main reasons for this, polyester fibre when used in a t-shirt provides the moisture wicking fabric used in high quality sports products. The fibre is soft and yet hard wearing and it takes around 13 PET bottles to make a T shirt. Also, when made into a thicker weave polyester creates the high quality bags, rucksacks and suitcases. It is impossible to tell recycled PET form virgin fibre, it is strong tear resistant and it looks great.
A selection of ideas for promotional merchandise are shown here:

Supporting Sustainable Initiatives


There is another important aspect to the recycling of polyester. Namely, because the infrastructure for recycling is well known and commercially attractive, it has become part of a set of global initiatives. These involve third world communities collecting ocean bound plastics for recycling. These initiatives have an impact on the environment and plastics but also on local communities providing much needed income and hard currency.

Incorporating rPET into your business practices showcases a commitment to environmental and social responsibility, resonating with environmentally conscious customers and promoting a greener future.


Which products?


Pavilion Earth has a number of products made from rPET but our favourites are the T-shirt to be found here:


https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/clothing/recycled-polyester-t-shirts


And the ruck sack to be found here:


https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/bags/recycled-travel-bags

 

It is the combination of style and strength that makes it such a great material.

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Raster versus Vector Infogram
by David Platt 5 February 2025
Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.
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