By Wayne Buchen | September 14, 2019

Recycled plastic, commonly referred to as rPET, continues to gain status as a highly desirable material used by textile, footwear and accessories manufacturers and consumers alike. The production of rPET requires 59 percent less energy compared to virgin polyester, and fibers made from recycled plastic offer the same high performance, durability and aesthetic. Additionally, rPET helps brands and manufacturers satisfy consumer demands and their sustainability goals.

PET is the acronym for the chemical substance polyethylene terephthalate, which is a strong, lightweight plastic in the polyester family. PET bottles and containers have been used to package beverage, food, personal care and household items since the 1970s.

But plastic is a tenacious substance that resists decomposition—it can live on in the environment for more than 500 years. More than 8 million tons of plastic end up in oceans each year, creating a daunting environmental problem. In fact, companies such as Shell are opening new PET facilities here in the U.S. to utilize the excess oil production that has become available because the country has built up such large reserves.