What is PET Plastic?
PET stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic. It is one of the most common plastics in the world and 71.1% of soft drinks in the UK are now packaged in PET plastic bottles. The reason for PET’s popularity is that it is low cost, extremely durable, flexible and lightweight.
Did you know that 20 – 24 billion single use plastic PET bottles produced and sold by the soft drinks industry enter the ocean each year?
PET is a virgin plastic, which means it has been created from raw, non-recycled materials. As of 2015, approximately 8,300 million metric tons of virgin plastics has been made and a staggering 12,000 metric tons is predicted to be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050.
However, PET although a virgin plastic, once manufactured, it is also 100% recyclable. In fact, PET can be recycled time and time again, meaning fewer end up in landfill than other commonly used materials. For example, if just 200,000 people each recycled one more PET bottle per day, it would eliminate 2,168 tons of greenhouse gases.
What is RPET Plastic?
The ‘R’ in RPET stands for, you’ve guessed it, Recycled! Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic is now used in a wide range of recycled promotional products; including reusable bottles and travel mugs, bags, clothing, blankets, umbrellas and even notebooks.
How is RPET an Eco-friendly Alternative?
Recycled PET uses 90% less water than manufacturing PET plastic from scratch. 79 to 85% less energy is consumed than in the production of virgin plastic products. It can be 100% recycled after use multiple times.
How is RPET Made?
- Clear plastic bottles are taken to specific PET recycling facilities.
- The bottles are cleaned, labels and caps removed, then steam and chemicals are used to wash them.
- The bottles are then shredded in to flakes and cleaned again.
- The flakes are turned into pellets and melted down.
- As it is cooled it is smoothed and stretched in order to make yarn.
- The yarn is then ready to be used as fabric and has the same functional performance as conventional polyester yarn.
Benefits of RPET as a Material
- Lightweight yet strong.
- Very durable meaning it is long lasting and your brand will be seen time and time again.
- Are recyclable after use, reducing waste in landfill.
Which are the Best RPET Promotional Products?
1. RPET Backpacks
Made using 100% recycled plastic bottles, (600D certified RPET), the Three Peaks RPET bag pack range is new this year. It includes three backpack styles (and two larger travel bags) and which include multiple inner pockets, padded shoulder straps and a sleeve which fits up to a 16 inch laptop. Ideal for the commute to work, a day trip or even to take on holiday!
2. RPET Shoppers
Ever seen a shopper that also converts into a backpack?! The RPET Convertible backpack shopper features woven straps that convert from a long handled shopper, into a backpack. A high quality, durable gift that your customers are bound to rave about!
3. RPET Foldable Shopper
Another RPET shopper, but this one can be folded up and packaged away neatly into a small pouch for easy storage. It’s lightweight and will easily fit inside a handbag or man-bag!
4. RPET Drawstring Bags
Perfect for sports clubs, societies and events, RPET drawstring bags are a low cost and handy giveaway. This RPET drawstring bag has unique white piping detail and mesh side pocket for added interest.
5. RPET Picnic Blankets
If you are wanting to engage with your customers or employees whilst they are enjoying some outdoor leisure time, a branded picnic blanket could be the answer! Particularly when it is made from certified RPET.
Contact us for more information.
6. RPET Dog Leads
Yes you read it right, we do brand dog leads! Made of 20mm thick recycled PET with a heavy duty G clip fitting. If you want to really spoil those dog lovers, make sure to include a matching branded RPET dog collar!
7. RPET Luggage Tags
Celebrate travel with a RPET luggage tag. Whether you work in hospitality, or just want to embrace the positive feeling of travelling, these RPET luggage tags will be used time and time again. Team with a RPET travel wallet for the ultimate travel set.
Contact us for more information.
8. RPET Caps
Not just for a one-off promotional event, branded caps can make a real statement and you can explore your creative side with the design of a promotional cap. Who knows, you could create a cult fashion piece! These Premium baseball caps are made from certified recycled PET.
9. RPET Cables
Mr Bio is an award winning technology promotional gift. Mr Bio Smart is an all in one multi-charger made from recycled drinks bottles (RPET). It has NFC technology inside so that you can link your website and promote your company or product too!
10. RPET Umbrellas
Not only is this umbrella canopy made with RPET, it is manufactured in the UK, adding to the sustainable nature of the product. With the amount of rain we see in the UK, a promotional umbrella is a worthy investment, with a surprisingly low cost per impression.
11. RPET Notebooks
Many promotional notebooks are now made with RPET. TheA5 Como Recycled Silkstone Notebook packs a punch in the sustainability stakes, with Wood free paper made from recycled limestone and a certified RPET cover. Made in the UK, with radiused corners and ribbon page marker, it is a high quality, eco friendly notebook you will be proud to have your logo on.
12. Prevented Ocean RPET Bottles
We couldn’t not mention the Prevented Ocean RPET plastic in this blog. Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is ocean bound plastic. This is material collected from areas at-risk of ocean plastic pollution and are processed with full traceability. Made in the UK and 100% recyclable, this collection of branded bottles come in a range of colours and styles to suit your brand.
Click here to view all our Prevented Ocean Plastic Items
We hope this blog has helped to explain what RPET is and why you may want to choose RPET promotional products over virgin plastic versions. If you have any queries or would like advice on your next branded gift, please get in touch with our experience team.
Read Next: Recycled Promotional Products
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