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PET Recycling

Efficient PET Recycling

PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) is represented with the number 1 logo, and is considered perfectly safe to drink from. PET is a thermoplastic polymer resin and doesn’t actually contain Polyethylene. It has a high melting point of 245°c, which leads to it being formed and recycled in alternative ways. PET is produced through the polymerisation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.
Uses of PET Plastic
  • Non-food bottles
  • Fibres for clothing
  • Sleeping bags
  • Transparent carbonated drinks bottles
Recycling bottles

How is PET recycled?

Chemical recycling processes is especially suited to polymers formed by condensation reactions such as PET. However, the plastic must be fairly free from other impurities.
The recovery of polyester materials such as PET can be accomplished using a procedure called hydrolysis. It is the reverse of the reaction (polycondensation) used to form the polymer in the first place, as the addition of water or water vapour to the process causes decomposition.
Most plastic bottles are made from PET resin plastic which is 100% recyclable. Unlike high density polyethylene which is rigid and stiff, PET bottles are clear and lighter.

A GREENER FUTURE

Importance Of Recycling PET Plastic

Recycled plastic can be repurposed into new products, saving raw materials from being overused and bottles from polluting our environments. The recycling industry can then recycle this packaging material, reducing the problem we are seeing with single-use plastic. Once recycled materials are repurposed into new products with varying possibilities, they can then re-enter the multi billion pound plastics industry.
Making sure your business has an efficient recycling program in place will contribute to an increase in recycle rates and boost your green credentials. As this material is highly recyclable, organisations producing a large amount of this waste should ensure it is being sent to a materials recovery facility to further be recycled appropriately.