Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that has gained worldwide attention. The production of single-use plastics has surged, resulting in harm to animals and human health. Reports suggest that approximately 50% of the annual production of over 380 million tons of plastic is used for single-use purposes. In addition, an estimated 10 million tons of plastic are dumped into oceans each year. The fashion and textiles industry is among the largest users of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic that is made from fossil fuels and contains highly unsustainable microplastics. To tackle the plastic pollution crisis, an eco-friendly alternative material called recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) has been developed. This blog explores rPET in detail, including how it's made, it benefits, and why it is more sustainable than conventional PET.
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What does rPET mean?
rPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate. It is a type of plastic made from recycled PET plastic, which is commonly used for packaging and containers for food and beverages. Recycling PET plastic reduces waste and conserves resources, as it can be made into new products instead of being discarded.
rPET is an important innovation because it helps to address the growing problem of plastic waste. According to the United Nations, around 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced every year, with only a small percentage being recycled. By using rPET instead of virgin plastic, companies can reduce their environmental impact by reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments.
In addition to its environmental benefits, rPET is also a cost-effective solution for companies that use large amounts of plastic. Since rPET can be made from recycled materials, it is often less expensive than virgin plastic.
What's the difference between PET and rPET?
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is a type of plastic commonly used to make water bottles, soda bottles, food packaging, and other products. rPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate, which is PET plastic that has been recycled and made into new products.
The main difference between PET and rPET is that rPET is made from recycled plastic, while PET is made from new or virgin plastic such as petroleum and natural gas. These fossil fuels are extracted from the earth using a good deal of energy and resources.
The recycling process for rPET involves collecting used PET plastic products, cleaning and processing the plastic, and turning it into new products. This can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the environment. However, its durability is a major drawback since most polyester forms are not biodegradable, and it takes over 700 years to decompose in landfills.
Another difference between PET and rPET is that rPET may have slightly different properties than PET, such as a slightly lower melting point or a slightly different appearance. Moreover, PET is lightweight, strong, durable, and resistant to chemicals, making it an excellent choice for various industries.
However, in general, rPET can be used for many of the same products as PET, including water bottles, food packaging, and clothing.
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How long does rPET take to decompose?
rPET is a type of plastic made from recycled PET bottles, which is a material that takes a long time to decompose. While the exact time it takes for rPET to decompose depends on a variety of factors, such as temperature and environmental conditions, it can take hundreds of years for rPET to fully break down in a landfill.
It's important to note that recycling plastic, including rPET, is an significant way to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment. By reusing plastic instead of creating new plastic, we can reduce the number of resources used and the impact of plastic on the environment. However, it's still important to properly dispose of and recycle plastic to minimize its negative impact on the environment.
Is recycled PET plastic safe?
Recycled PET (rPET) is considered safe for use in food packaging, beverage bottles, and other consumer products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that rPET is safe for use in contact with food and has cleared it for use in food packaging. However, as with any material, it is important to use it in accordance with industry standards and best practices to ensure its safety and performance.
The safety of recycled PET plastic depends on its source and how it is processed. The recycling process can remove impurities and contaminants from the original PET material, but it is important to ensure that the recycled material meets the necessary quality standards and is free from harmful chemicals and additives. Overall, using recycled PET plastic can help reduce waste and conserve resources, as well as offer a safe and viable alternative to virgin PET plastic.
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New Sustainable Life Range
We are excited to announce we now stock “Sustainable Life” tote bags. These bags are made by Sustainable life win collaboration with RPET fabric company Redivivus. The stylish lightweight RPET tote bags are made from recycled plastic which has been diverted from ending up in the ocean or landfill. A timeless classic integrated with ethical production. Promotional rPET Tote Bags are the perfect circular way to advertise your business. The Sustainable Life Range is fully customisable with your logo or design and is printed with your artwork from our Sheffield Print Factory.
The ‘Sustainable Life range’ includes two different bag styles; the flat tote bag and the luxury shopper bag. Each durable bag is made of 100% recycled, post-consumer plastic which contributes to the reduction of plastic waste. They are made from 80% rPET Redivivus fabric and 20% sustainable cotton. Redivivus creates rPET fabric from recycled plastic bottles that are found in the ocean. Recycling plastic waste is a sustainable, conscious method to help the environment stay cleaner. This new RPET tote bag range is great for companies who are looking for circular solutions, as these bags will communicate your eco-friendly, responsible attitude.
Printing logos or promotional messages on tote bags is the perfect eco-friendly ‘mobile’ advertising tool to promote your brand/company. Sustainable Life’s range of ethically sourced bags created with RPET Material can be used for giveaways, product launches, retail sales and promotions.
Join BIDBI’s mission to combat the plastic pollution problem, by reusing plastic bottles to ensure cleaner and plastic-free oceans today. Request a quote here.
Conclusion
When it comes to PET plastic waste, rPET is certainly a better alternative. It’s an innovative fabric that will transform the textile industry into a force for good, by implementing circular economy practices such as re-using recycled bottles to create fabric. rPET reduces the amount of waste in landfills, repurposing a material that does not naturally biodegrade. However, it is a short-term approach to a long-term problem: that of the continuing and growing pollution of plastics. By embracing rPET and other eco-friendly alternatives, we can reduce the impact of plastic waste and create a more sustainable future.
View our new RPET range
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