Intro: In May, Emergen Research released the data on 2021's global recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) market size and predicted its upward trend in 2030.
From the above picture, we can see the massive increase in its market worth. Then why does RPET become a hit nowadays？
One of the reasons is we urgently need recycled materials for sustainability. Last month, UNEP published an article on how a life-cycle approach can curb the plastic pollution crisis. They underlined that 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced annually, and 7 billion tonnes of all plastic manufactured between 1950 and 2017 has become waste. The reuse of plastics is a matter of urgency.
Of all these recycled materials, why do we choose rPET instead of others? It relies on the natural advantages of rPET, especially in the fiber industry. A large number of bag accessories are made of rPET fiber, small sizes as shopping bags, tote bags, large sizes even luggage.
In this article, I will explain to you what rPET is and most bag accessories available on the market.
Intro
What is rPET, and how is it recycled?
Pros and cons of rPET bags
rPET bag accessories available on the market
Conclusion
FAQ
What is rPET, and how is it recycled?
rPET, short for recycled polyethylene terephthalate, refers to any PET material from a recycled source rather than the original, unprocessed petrochemical feedstock.
To be simple, you can identify rPET as plastic bottles and food containers.
Currently, rPET is used as a packaging material, mostly in transparent bottles. However, it has also been employed in the textile industry, often as polyester, made into clothing or bags.
It's hard to imagine daily plastic bottles turning into bags, isn't it? The video below may give you some insight into the recycling process of rPET.
Pros and cons of rPET bags:
PROS:
Perfect quality as virgin PET:
Recycled PET (rPET) is as good as virgin polyester in quality. It almost inherits the most advantages of its original material, since they are all directly made from shattered plastic bottles.
Easy-recycling:
Moreover, rPET is easy to recycle. It relies on the large amount of PET bottles, which are used frequently. To be noticed, the PET bottles are easy to distinguish by their "#1" recycling label and are widely accepted by most recycling plans. For example, if you have a bottle of cola alongside, you may find the label on its surface, which means the bottle is made of PET and can be recycled into rPET.
Reduce carbon dioxide emissions:
rPET reduces carbon emissions in its recycling process. According to a study released by PET Recycling Team GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALPLA (Geldern, Germany), recycled PET (rPET) can reduce 21% carbon dioxide emission compared to its virgin material. To be noticed, the ALPLA (Geldern, Germany) has been experienced in PET recycling for more than 20 years.
Prosperous potential market:
And data shows that people nowadays are inclined to pay more for environmentally friendly products. This behavior sends the message that people are concerned about the environment they live in. At the same time, the company that chooses to use rPET in their products is confident about the rPET market. With support from both sides, sustainability can come into reality.
CONS:
Microplastics ending in landfills:
Have you ever heard of microplastic? We are already aware that rPET is sustainable. However, during its recycling process, especially the break-down part. There will be amounts of microfibers or microplastics. And its fabric form process, rPET can contain tiny plastic fibers that break off, making their way back to landfills.
The total number of tons of textiles generated, recycled, and landfilled between 1960 and 2018 from Textiles: Material-Specific Data
Yellowness in the recycled product:
Although the rPET is perfect as virgin material in its quality, such as durability, the color of recycled materials is inclined to be yellow. In an article published by Jim Johnson, they found that every melting cycle of PET can add yellowness to the recycled product. This weakness may put risk on the rPET product. You can imagine the inconsistent color of the finished product.
rPET bag accessories available on the market：
Tote bag:
One of the most frequent products of rPET is tote bags. You may see reusable shopping bags, grocery bags and so on These bags can replace the use of plastic bags we used before, which is rather sustainable for the environment.
Brand: GOODEE
Material: 100% Recycled PET(rPET)
Cosmetic bag；
A cosmetic bag can also be made of rPET. The small size and lightweight feature make it light for you to carry along with you.
Item: Akilax RPET cosmetic bag
Brand: ANDA
Material: Recycled PET polyester
Waist bag:
Same as a cosmetic bag, the waist bag is lightweight and durable. The features make it suitable for outdoor activities and carrying conveniently.
Brand: Pander
Material: recycled PET polyester
Lunch bag:
Generally, the exterior is made of rPET material. More importantly, rPET material can suffice the food-grade standards since the original pet bottles were used to contain water.
Brand: Puckator
Material: Recycled Plastic Bottles RPET, Foil and EPE Foam with Polypropylene Webbing Handles
Backpack:
Since the rPET is perfect as its virgin material, these backpacks are lightweight, energy-saving, and durable.
Brand: Gemline
Material: both webbing and backpack from rPET
Luggage:
rPET luggage can fully meet your needs during traveling, including large capacity, lightweight, and smooth pulling.
Brand: Samsonite
Material: 100% rPET
Conclusion：
Giving a second life to plastic bottles is a great opportunity. In our bag industry, it can almost cover various types of bags. With the demand created by people, we are capable of assisting the recycling of PET and building a more sustainable, fabulous life.
FAQ:
Q: Is rPET completely sustainable?
A: No, there will be microplastics out there during its recycling process.
Q: Any recommendation of brands for rPET bag accessories?
Q: Can you provide OEM or customize rPET bag accessories and luggage?
A: Yes. We have full experience in customization, and rPET products account for 45% of our product catalog currently.
Q: Apart from bags, can rPET be made into other products?
A: Absolutely, there are also rPET cups, clamshells, and clothing available.
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