PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a widely used plastic, especially in food-safe bottles, due to its strength, lightweight design, and recyclability. However, the recycling process isn’t as straightforward as dropping bottles into a bin. Without effective management and innovation in recycling methods, contaminants and subpar recycling strategies can compromise PET’s ability to be reused effectively.
Notably, contamination is one of the biggest hurdles in achieving high-quality recycled PET (rPET). This contamination often comes from labels and adhesive residues, which, when not completely removed, lead to discolored and degraded recycled plastic flakes. For brands focused on creating food-grade rPET products (like new bottles), these contaminants can render the plastic unsuitable.
