RPET (recycled PET) is made from recycled PET bottles. It saves up to 79% CO2 and significant amounts of water and energy compared with virgin plastic, with comparable technical performance. Virgin plastic comes from crude oil and has a higher environmental impact per unit produced.
The RPET production process
PET bottles are sorted, washed, ground into flakes and melted down into yarn or pellets. This raw material is then processed into backpacks, jackets, water bottles, pens and textiles. Always ask for the GRS certificate to check that the recycled percentage is correct.
Advantages over virgin plastic
- Up to 79% less CO2 (source: Textile Exchange).
- Up to 60% less water.
- Up to 70% less energy.
- Reduces PET waste in landfill and the ocean.
Points to watch
- Microplastics when washing: ideally use a Guppyfriend washing bag.
- Colourfastness can vary slightly because the raw material comes from different sources.
- Ask for a GRS certificate in the name of your order.
More on our materials page, or request your RPET quote.
