How is PET bottle recycling?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles have become a present object in our daily lives. From the water bottles we take to the gym to the soft drink containers in supermarkets, PET is a ubiquitous material.

However, growing environmental awareness has led to the adoption of more sustainable practices, and PET bottle recycling, especially RPET (recycled PET) bottle recycling, has emerged as a key solution to addressing the plastic waste crisis.

The journey from a PET bottle to RPET

Recycling PET bottles to produce RPET is a fascinating and complex process that involves several stages, from initial collection to final transformation into recycled products. Here we break down each step of a PET plastic bottle's sustainable journey:

Collection and sorting: The process begins at home, on the street and at recycling centers. PET bottles are collected and classified according to their type and color. It is crucial to remove contaminants such as caps and labels to ensure efficient recycling. 

​Crushing and washing: After collection, PET bottles are crushed into small fragments known as flakes. These scales go through a rigorous washing process to remove any residue or impurities. Wash quality is essential to ensure pure, high-quality RPET.

Decontamination: The washed scales undergo a decontamination process. This involves removing any chemical or biological residue that may have been left in the bottles. Decontamination is a crucial step in meeting food safety standards, especially when it comes to food and beverage packaging. We recommend this article in which we talk about the 8 most requested sustainable materials in packaging.

 Melting and extrusion: The decontaminated flakes are melted to form plastic pellets. These pellets are used as raw material to produce RPET sheets through an extrusion process. Extrusion involves heating pellets and passing them through a series of molds to obtain thin, flexible sheets.

 End Use: RPET sheets can be used for a variety of applications, from food and beverage packaging to textiles and consumer products. Its versatility and ability to maintain final product quality have made RPET a popular choice in the industry.

Environmental advantages of RPET

Recycling PET bottles to produce RPET not only reduces the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, but also offers several significant environmental benefits:

●      Resource savings: Using RPET instead of virgin plastic helps conserve natural resources, since the extraction of raw materials for the production of new plastic is avoided.

●      Reduced carbon emissions: Manufacturing RPET generally involves a lower carbon footprint compared to producing virgin plastic, as it requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases.

●     Closing the life cycle: By recycling PET bottles to obtain RPET, the life cycle of plastic is closed, extending its usefulness and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.

●      Promoting the circular economy: The production and use of RPET encourages the adoption of circular economy practices by breathing new life into existing materials rather than constantly creating new plastics.

At The Brand company we suggest that changing plastic packaging for recyclable materials is a good step towards a more ecological future.

Future challenges and opportunities

Despite its benefits, PET bottle recycling and RPET production are not without challenges. Contamination of the recycling stream, lack of efficient collection systems, and the need for more advanced technologies are areas that require continued attention.

However, as environmental awareness continues to grow, so do the opportunities to improve and optimize the PET bottle recycling process. Investment in innovative technologies, education on the importance of recycling, and cross-industry collaboration are key steps to address challenges and maximize the potential of RPET.

Conclusions

Recycling PET bottles to obtain RPET is a significant step towards sustainability in plastics management. From initial collection to final transformation into recycled products, each stage of the process plays a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving resources. As we move towards a more sustainable future, recycling PET bottles and adopting RPET emerge as key solutions to address environmental challenges and build a world where circularity and environmental responsibility are fundamental. If you want to increase your commitment to the environment, at The Brand Company we are in charge of helping you with our sustainable merchandising.