PET plastic is one of the most common types of plastic used due to its many beneficial properties. Typically used for the manufacture of plastic bottle packaging, it is found across many industries and is both durable and lightweight. But, is PET recyclable?

With sustainability now a priority for many businesses, it’s important to consider how packaging waste can impact the environment and the role of recycling in reducing it. By reading our blog below, you can learn about PET plastic recycling, why it is a great option for eco-conscious businesses and the many beneficial properties of the material for plastic packaging.

What is PET?

PET, or polyethene terephthalate, is a type of plastic that is widely used across a diverse range of industries. It is often used to manufacture water and soft drink bottles, with over 70% of soft drink packaging made from PET, according to British Soft Drinks. At Origin, we create PET bottles for pharmaceutical packaging and pharmacy packaging, as well as many other industries, because they are lightweight, durable, flexible, and non-reactive with medications.

Products manufactured using PET can be easily identified by the “1” plastic recycling code, which features a triangle with three arrows. This symbol is typically found on the bottom of bottles.

For more details on PET, you can read our blog on what PET is for further insight into the unique qualities of the material.

Is PET Plastic Recyclable?

Though not all plastics currently are, PET is recyclable. In fact, it is one of the most widely recycled plastics due to it being 100% recyclable. Recycled PET (or rPET) is used to create new bottles as well as many other products, such as clothing, carpets and car parts.

Though rPET can be used to create new bottles, this is often only in part. According to Zero Waste Europe, only 17% of recycled PET is used to make new bottles, despite a recycling rate of about 50%. This percentage is likely to increase in the future, though it may be dependent on policy change to be a widespread practice. PET products could be made from 100% recycled material, though the cost of cleaning and ensuring the plastic meets food safety regulations is currently a barrier to this becoming commonplace.

Is PET Sustainable?

PET is considered sustainable because it is 100% recyclable. As a result, it is a leading choice for those looking for sustainable pharmaceutical packaging. Compared with glass and aluminium, PET requires a much lower temperature of 260°C to be recycled. It is also much lighter, which reduces emissions from its transport.

With plastic waste produced at an alarming rate each year, it’s essential to find ways to minimise it for the planet’s future. Plastic waste accounts for a significant portion of landfill waste. So, offering the capability for end users to recycle their packaging as PET is essential to leading us towards a more sustainable future.

How Does PET Recycling Work?

PET plastic, once collected by recycling companies, is then separated from other materials and plastics at a recycling plant. It is then compressed into small bales for ease of transportation and then sent to a processing centre to be turned into rPET. This is then ground down to form either flakes or granules and then decontaminated through washing and chemical treatments. After this point, they are dried for reuse in a range of other products and reformed for new purposes by melting the flakes or granules.

Recyclable PET Bottles at Origin

As PET plastic is highly recyclable, it is an ideal option for your business to increase its sustainability. Our PET plastic bottles are made with varying levels of recycled content and can be easily recycled by end users. 

Not only are our bottles recyclable, but they also offer many benefits for effectively protecting your products. Our PET bottles are lightweight and durable, providing reliable impact protection and portability. These come in a range of sizes, designs and colours so you can choose the best-suited packaging solution.

Get in Touch

Now that you know PET plastic is recyclable, sustainable, and highly practical, you can take advantage of these qualities for your products and order PET plastic bottles from our extensive collection of plastic packaging.

If you want to find out more about our PET plastic packaging, which options are best for prioritising sustainability for your business or anything else about our products, get in touch today. A member of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your enquiry with you.