What is recycled PET or rPET?
What is recycled PET?
First, it is important to know that PET is a petroleum-based material used to make plastic bottles, among other things. This polyester is polluting, but it has the advantage of being recyclable. Recycled PET is therefore a material obtained by recycling plastic bottles, as well as used plastic packaging.
How is recycled PET made?
By shredding pre-sorted plastic waste into flakes and transforming them into pellets through a recycling process, rPET is obtained. The pellets are then melted into a paste that is stretched to form a recycled polyester thread used to make fabric.
A material for responsible fashion?
Recycled PET is part of a zero-waste and circular economy approach, as it makes it possible to reuse waste that pollutes the planet. Several organizations collaborate with fishermen to collect plastic that pollutes the oceans so that it can be recycled. Recycling this polyester also helps reduce the total amount of PET produced and oil extracted.
Washing rPET clothing in the washing machine
Despite everything, recycled PET clothing poses a risk of pollution when put in the washing machine. Microplastic particles can break off during washing and enter wastewater, and then the oceans. To prevent this, there are special laundry bags that capture microparticles.
Which brands use recycled PET?
Recycled polyester is now used in different categories of clothing and accessories. To continue reading, discover our Patagonia selection, Faguo clothing and accessories, as well as our clothing selection at NEIWA.
