Clear Recyclable rPET 16oz Smoothie Cup 1 x 1000

But what exactly is PET? And why is rPET so valuable?

First launched in 2019 to offer customers with a more sustainable solution to plastic tumblers, PET is a polymer that is used to manufacture strong, clear, bottles, lightweight containers and packaging. A key advantage of PET is that it has a well-established recycling infrastructure and can be recycled numerous times. Its superb physical properties enable the manufacture of lightweight containers which minimizes the use of natural resources. Whilst there is nothing wrong with virgin PET as it is the worlds most recycled plastic, our rPET range is made with 30% recycled content and offers a lower carbon footprint, whilst supporting the government’s target to reduce the number of virgin plastics in the market by 2025.

What is the recycling Process?

PET can be collected and sorted by any kerbside recycling programmes and nearly all local authorities offer collection for PET products. After the sorting process, the PET material is ground into particles known as “flakes.” Flake purity is central to preserving the value of the reclaimed plastic. Further separation techniques involve washing and air classification as well as water baths, where material either sinks or floats, which helps separate residual foreign materials. Washing can be undertaken at standard or elevated heat levels. The use of disinfectants and detergents aids in achieving a complete cleaning. The recycled PET is then dried before reintroduction as a manufacturing material or before further processing. Melt filtering can further purify material through the removal of any non-melting contaminants that may have survived earlier steps. Extruded material passes through a series of screens to form pellets while non-melted particulate is blocked. Pelletized plastic provides a uniform-sized material that can be reintroduced into the manufacturing process.

Does RPET have the same clarity as PET?

Did you know rPET has a lower carbon footprint than aluminium and glass. It also has excellent clarity, whilst being incredibly strong and shatterproof