BlackBridge supplies recycled PET plastic — including clean rPET flake, baled post-consumer PET (PCR-PET), and #1 PET regrind — to manufacturers turning yesterday’s scrap into new products. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely recycled resin in the U.S., and demand for recycled PET keeps climbing as brands hit recycled-content targets. Below: what recycled PET plastic becomes, the grades we sell, and how to source it consistently. We also supply recycled HDPE plastic.
- Board shorts: Billabong is a popular Australian clothing company selling surfwear worldwide. The company got a lot of publicity back in 2008 when it introduced a new type of board shorts made from 100% recycled PET plastic. The fabric is known as Eco Supreme Suede, and it is made from PET plastic flakes that are dried and then converted to fiber via a process called polymerization. Each pair of board shorts uses the equivalent of approximately 10 recycled plastic PET bottles. As of June 2010, Billabong had recycled approximately 6 million plastic PET bottles to manufacture its Eco Supreme Suede fabric for these environmentally friendly board shorts.
- Running shoes: New Balance has introduced a new running shoe, the newSKY, which has an upper portion that is made from 95% recycled PET plastic. The shoes are made with Eco-Fi, a high quality polyester fiber. Each pair of shoes requires approximately 8 20-ounce plastic PET bottles to create. Foss Manufacturing, the maker of Eco-Fi, believes that the strength and versatility of this recycled PET plastic fabric could make it a potential replacement for almost any household consumer item that is currently made from polyester. Recycled PET plastic is ideal for making shoes because the material is 10% lighter than cotton, and tends to keep out cold and block water better than nylon or wool.
- PET recycling for Pet beds: Who knew that recycling “PET” plastic could make life better for “pets” (animals)? West Paw Design is a maker of pet beds, toys and accessories for dogs and cats. Ever since 2006, West Paw Designs has been making their pet beds out of IntelliLoft® material, a fiber fill made from 100% recycled plastic PET bottles. West Paw Design has saved over 4.6 million plastic PET bottles from going to the landfill, and the manufacturing process takes 8 times less energy by using recycled PET plastic instead of new material.
- Carpet made from PET plastic bottles: Since so much carpeting is made from polyester, it’s no surprise that recycled PET plastic is an ideal component to use in making eco-friendly carpets. Shaw Floors has introduced a line of carpet called ClearTouch that is made from plastic PET bottles. The carpets are known for their appearance retention, exceptional softness and durability – with the latest innovations from Shaw Floors and other carpet companies, carpets made from PET plastic bottles should perform just as well (or better) compared to traditional carpets.
Buying recycled PET plastic? BlackBridge sells graded rPET flake and baled post-consumer PET in truckload quantities with consistent specs. Whether you need PET for fiber, sheet, strapping, or bottle-to-bottle, we match grade to application. Request a quote »
Recycled PET Plastic — FAQ
What is recycled PET plastic (rPET)?
Recycled PET plastic (rPET) is post-consumer or post-industrial polyethylene terephthalate — the #1 resin — reprocessed into flake or regrind and sold to manufacturers for fiber, sheet, strapping and bottle-to-bottle applications.
What products are made from recycled PET plastic?
Recycled PET is used to make polyester fiber for clothing and carpet, fiberfill for pet beds, food and beverage packaging, strapping, and new PET bottles.
Where can I buy recycled PET plastic in bulk?
BlackBridge Recycling sells graded rPET flake and baled post-consumer PET in truckload quantities to manufacturers across the U.S. Request a quote for current availability and pricing.
Have PET bales to sell? BlackBridge reviews post-consumer PET bottle bales, clear PET, and recurring PET supply. Send photos, bale specs, estimated monthly pounds, and pickup location so the team can confirm the right outlet.
See the full materials we buy and place guide for HDPE, LDPE film, PET, mixed rigid plastics, OCC, foam, aluminum, and metals.
