The use of rPET or recycled PET plastic is becoming increasingly common in our attempt to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Is rPET biodegradable and any better for the environment that regular PET? We find out in this article.
What is rPET?
PET is also known as Polyethylene Terephthalate and is the most common polyester made from thermoplastic resin. This is the type of polyester used to make clothing fabric.
PET is also extruded and molded into plastic, the most common type of plastic being that used for single use plastic bottles and food packaging. PET is strong and lightweight and as a petrochemical thermoplastic it can easily be formed into different shapes.
rPET is PET that has been recycled rather than virgin PET.
PET can be identified by looking for a triangular symbol with the number 1 inside. You will see this symbol on plastic packaging.
Is rPET Biodegradable?
No, rPET is not biodegradable. rPET is still plastic and plastic does not biodegrade.
rPET should be recycled to further reduce the impact to the environment by preventing it from going to landfill.
Is rPET Eco Friendly?
rPET is better for the environment than virgin plastic as it requires less petrochemicals to produce. A reduction of 24% in carbon emissions is the minimum that should be achieved during the process of manufacturing rPET.
rPET can also be recycled, further reducing the negative impact that plastic has on our environment.
Conclusion
rPET is not biodegradable but it is sustainable and a far better alternative than non-recycled PET and other types of virgin plastic.
rPET can be recycled repeatedly, and every time it is, it goes some way to offsetting the damage caused by plastic production as well as the damage caused to our oceans and coastlines by plastic waste.
