Material Guide
Recycled PET (rPET)
Giving existing PET plastic another use.
Recycled PET, commonly known as rPET, is made from PET plastic that has been collected, processed and converted into material that can be used again. PET is commonly associated with beverage bottles and other packaging, while recycled PET can be transformed into fibres, fabrics and other materials used across promotional merchandise.
What is Recycled PET?
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a widely used plastic commonly found in beverage bottles and packaging.
Rather than relying entirely on virgin PET, recycled PET uses PET material that has already entered the material stream and is processed for another use.
Depending on the product and manufacturing process, rPET may be used to create polyester fibres, woven or non-woven fabrics, felt-style materials and plastic components.
From used plastic to new material
- 1
Collection
Used PET material is collected for recycling.
- 2
Sorting & cleaning
PET is separated from unsuitable materials and contaminants and cleaned.
- 3
Processing
The material is typically shredded or processed into smaller flakes.
- 4
Recycled material production
The processed PET can be converted into recycled feedstock suitable for manufacturing.
- 5
New applications
The recycled material can then be used in products such as bags, textiles, accessories and selected plastic components.
Where you'll find rPET
rPET is particularly versatile and appears across many promotional merchandise categories.
Bags & backpacks
Recycled polyester fabrics are widely used for totes, backpacks, travel bags and accessories.
Textiles
PET can be recycled into polyester fibres used in blankets, apparel and other textile products.
Felt & accessories
rPET can also be processed into felt-style material for sleeves, organisers, bags and accessories.
Hard goods & components
Some products use recycled PET in moulded components or other non-textile applications.
Why consider rPET?
Using recycled PET gives existing plastic material another use and can reduce demand for virgin PET feedstock.
It also creates a practical recycled-material option for products where polyester and PET-based materials already perform well, particularly bags, textiles and accessories.
However, “made with rPET” does not automatically mean a product is entirely recycled or has a lower overall environmental impact in every respect. Recycled content can vary between products, and the finished product may contain other materials, trims, coatings and components.
That distinction is important when comparing products or making sustainability claims to customers.
How much of the product is recycled?
The term rPET identifies the recycled PET material used in a product, but it does not necessarily tell you the recycled percentage of the entire finished product.
Where a supplier provides a verified recycled-content percentage, Ecosource may display that information against the individual product.
For example, a bag may use an rPET outer fabric while its zips, buckles, lining, thread, labels or other components use different materials.
Always refer to the individual product information when making a specific recycled-content claim.
Look beyond the material name
Certifications and supplier documentation can provide additional information about recycled content and material traceability.
Depending on the individual product, you may see certifications or supporting documentation such as GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or other supplier-provided recycled-content documentation.
Certification applies only where it is specifically shown for the individual product. Ecosource does not imply that every rPET product carries the same certification.
What about carbon impact?
Material choice is only one part of a product's overall carbon footprint.
Manufacturing, product weight, packaging, decoration, quantity, transport and final destination can all influence the footprint of a finished order.
Where supplier-provided product carbon information is available, Ecosource displays it separately on the relevant product.
Making accurate rPET claims
When presenting an rPET product to your customer, describe the material based on the information supplied for that specific product.
Avoid assuming that:
- the entire product is made from recycled PET;
- all rPET products contain the same percentage of recycled material;
- every rPET product carries a recycled-content certification; or
- using rPET alone determines the total environmental impact of the finished product.
Where available, use the product's stated material composition, recycled-content percentage, certifications and supporting documentation.
Explore products made with Recycled PET
Discover bags, textiles, accessories and promotional products across the Ecosource range that use recycled PET.