What is rPET?
David Platt • 4 July 2023
And how is it used in branded promotional merchandise?
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.
