Photo by everdrop GmbH on Unsplash
Plastic is many things—lightweight, affordable, durable—but we all know it’s not great for the planet. So what are your options? If you want to capture all the perks of plastic, without generating the negative impact, look to RPET. We’ll cover what RPET is, why it’s kinder to the planet, and even share some of our favorite RPET swaps you can make instead of buying virgin plastic.
RPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate, also known as recycled plastic. But it’s not just plastic. Plastic bottles used in RPET can be made into fabric for totes and backpacks and even clothing.
RPET is recycled plastic, usually from plastic water bottles. Using RPET requires up to 50 percent less energy than production with new plastic. Many items are made using recycled PET or plastic, including RPET water bottles, tote bags, backpacks, tumblers, pens, and even clothing!
Here are a few more facts about RPET material, and how using it impacts the planet, including water and energy supplies1:
The best part about products made with RPET is that they can be recycled again and again, without limit!
No, RPET is not biodegradable. At the end of the day, though recycled, RPET is still plastic, and as such, it’s not biodegradable. Also, though RPET has a lower carbon footprint than virgin PET (new plastic), it still has a carbon footprint and can release toxins into the air and the ground during and after production. Using RPET is a great exampled of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Here are just a few promotional products that are made from RPET water bottles and other RPET such s from detergent bottles and other packaging:
Everyday RPET Drawstring Backpack: For group outings, kids’ camps, sports, and more, everyone’s a team player for the planet when they’re sporting this RPET backpack—along with your branding.
Chaya RPET Tote with Pouch: You’re doing your part and so are your customers, with this RPET shopping tote and pouch.
Budget Shopper RPET Tote: This might be a budget tote but the low carbon footprint of the RPET fabric is nothing short of haute couture!
Full Color Recycled Plastic Zia Pen: They’ll grab this one first because of your vivid full color logo—and because it just feels better taking notes with a pen that helps keep plastic out of landfills.
Full Color Recycled Plastic Liv Pen: Bright barrel colors, bright logo, and bright future for the planet—a winning trifecta for your brand!
Full Color Recycled Liv Gelebration™ Gel Pen: Translucent barrel colors, your logo in vivid colors, and smooth flowing gel ink make this RPET pen a head turner.
Though not made from recycled plastic, these materials help the environment as they are sustainable (bamboo, cork) or made from materials that would otherwise be discarded (coffee, corn, wheat). Check out a few best-sellers in our sustainable assortment of merchandise:
Tip: For more on promotional pens for planet lovers, check out our blog, It’s Time for Eco-Friendly Pens, and We’ve Short Listed the Best!
Look for products made with RPET when you’re updating your giveaways. As you promote you help the planet and your customers do, too. That’s branding we can all get behind.
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