It is designed to be repeatedly recycled because it can be heated and reshaped over and over again.
What is RPET?
Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is a type of plastic that's strong, lightweight and easily recyclable.
When PET is recycled and transformed into a new product, it becomes RPET, or recycled PET. Anything that has a #1 recycling symbol is made from PET or RPET. Products like bottled water, 2-liter soft drinks, salad dressing, mouthwash, liquid hand soap, and window cleaner are often packaged using PET or RPET.
PET is the most recycled plastic worldwide, with more than 1.5 billion pounds of PET bottles and containers recycled every year in the U.S. alone. Nearly all municipalities in North America and Europe accept PET as part of their recycling programs.
More and more, consumers are seeking out companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability in the products they make, the materials selected in production, and the packaging of those products. PET is therefore a popular choice for businesses who want an eco-friendly plastic that can be recycled again and again.
How is RPET made?
The process for collecting, recycling and creating new RPET starts with consumers.
Bottles and packaging made from plastic are recycled by consumers - either in their community curbside collections or by depositing recyclables in designated bins. From here, the items are taken to a recycling facility.
At the recycling facility, PET and RPET materials are separated from non-plastics and other plastics, then compressed and gathered into bales for easy transportation to a processing center.
How is RPET used?
Bottles made of PET or RPET can be recycled into new bottles or packaging.
However, when recycled bottles are not of high enough quality to transform into new bottles or packaging, RPET can be washed, heated, and stretched into fiber to create polyester yarn and fabric.
You can create a multitude of items from polyester, such as clothing, shoes, bags, luggage, carpet, seat belts, and even bungee harnesses.