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virgin resin production outpaces recycling
currently only about 3.5% of all plastics generated is recycled,
compared to 34% of paper, 22% of glass and 30% of metals.
at this time, plastics recycling only minimally reduces the amount of
virgin resources used to make plastics.
recycling papers, glass and metal, materials that are easily recycled more than
once, saves far more energy and resources than are saved with plastics recycling.
the PET bottle recycling line ,
which represent 44 percent of total plastic bottle production,
dropped to 25 percent.
PET soda bottles, which represent one fourth of all plastic bottles produced,
and nearly two thirds of all PET bottles, dropped to 36 percent last year.
PET bottle recycling has not kept pace with the dramatic increases in
virgin resin PET sales, particularly for PET bottles.
most of the increase in virgin resin sales has been for single-serve PET
soda bottles (under 24 oz) that now make up 60 percent of soda bottle
market share.
'bottle to bottle' recycling or downcycling ?
when glass, paper and cans are recycled, they become similar products
which (theoretically) can be used and recycled over and over again.
with PET bottle recycling line, however, there is usually only a single re-use.
some soda bottles make it to a recycler who must scramble
to find a buyer, and often ends up selling the bottles at a loss
to an entrepreneur who makes carpeting or traffic strips,
-- anything but new bottles.
and what is the plastic bottling industry doing to create a stronger
recycling market for its product? nothing.
see soda companies and recycling
if you think the latest fashions on the runway are trashy, you might just be right.
PET can be recycled into fibres that are used for polyester fabrics.
major designers used recycled plastic bottles for haute couture.
the strength, warmth, and durability properties of virgin and recycled yarns are
the same. the only difference is that recycled yarns have a matte rather than the
glossy finish of virgin polyester.
five PET bottles yield enough fiber for one extra-large t-shirt or
twenty-five two-liter bottles can make one sweater.
five two-liter PET bottles yield enough fiberfill for a ski jacket.
carpet companies can often use 100% recycled resin to manufacture polyesther
carpets in a variety of colors and textures.
PET is also spun like cotton candy to makr fiber filling for pillows and quilts.
it takes 35 two-liter PET bottles to make enough fiberfill for a sleeping bag.
PET can also be rolled ito clear sheets or ribbon for VCR and audio cassettes. from:odemade
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