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RECYCLED PET (RPET)
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a thermoplastic that is 100% recyclable into the same PET
products (fibre and bottles). PET is most commonly used in the packaging of drinks, food, personal
care and pharmaceutical products, labelled with the #1 code on or near the bottom of bottles
and containers.
PET material collected for recycling is carefully separated and cleaned in the process. Sorted
bottles are ground up to "flakes". These flakes then are thoroughly washed in more stages to
remove any residue of dirt or foreign materials. The material is heated to melt the plastic that is
extruded into strands and chopped into tiny pellets. Pelletized plastic provides a uniform-sized
material that can be reintroduced into the manufacturing process.
RPET can be used for numerous applications. PET that is spun into fibre is also used to make
clothing, jackets, polar fleeces, reusable carry bags and even roof insulation. PET plastic can be
recycled again and again without any change in its characteristics or quality.
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