Recycled polyester fiber is made by recycling post-consumer PET bottles. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, the most common form of plastic used in beverage containers. When the bottles are recycled and processed, they turn into a fiber that can be woven into fabric. This fabric is remarkably durable and has excellent wicking properties. Recycled polyester fibers are used extensively in industries where durability and stain-resistance are important, such as clothing manufacturing, upholstery, carpeting, and automotive interiors. The process of making recycled polyester fiber from used PET bottles requires only four key steps: grinding, washing, melting and spinning into fibers. The process of creating recycled polyester fiber starts by collecting used plastic bottles. This material is then heated and stretched into a continuous strand, which is then spun into yarn that can be woven into fabric. The demand for recycled polyester fiber is on the rise because it is sustainable and eco-friendly.
Uses and Applications
Recycled polyester fiber, also known as RPET, is a type of fiber that is made from recycled plastic, usually from plastic bottles. The use of recycled polyester fiber is gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature, and it has a wide range of applications in various industries. Here are some of the most common uses and applications:
Ø Textile and Apparel: This is one of the largest industries that utilizes recycled polyester fiber. The material is used to manufacture a wide range of clothing, including t-shirts, jackets, and sportswear. Brands like Patagonia and Adidas have been using RPET to produce sustainable clothing.
Ø Home Furnishing: Recycled polyester fiber is used to manufacture a variety of home furnishing products such as carpets, upholstery, bedding, and curtains. It's chosen due to its durability, resistance to wrinkles, and ease of care.
Ø Industrial Applications: Recycled polyester fiber can also be used in various industrial applications. These include manufacturing automotive parts, insulating materials, and geotextiles.
Ø Filling Material: The fiber can also be used as a filling material in products like toys, pillows, and mattresses. It's a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional filling materials.
Ø Packaging: RPET is also used in making various packaging materials. It can be molded into containers, trays, and even blister packaging for a variety of products.
Ø Bags and Accessories: Many companies are turning to recycled polyester fiber to produce bags and other accessories. This includes backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags, and even wallets and belts.
Ø Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Recycled polyester fiber can be used in the manufacture of protective clothing such as surgical masks, gowns, and other types of PPE.
Global Market Outlook
The Recycled Polyester Fiber market revenue was Million USD in 2016, grew to Million USD in 2020, and will reach Million USD in 2029, with a CAGR of during 2020-2029. PET bottles are the most common form of plastic used for soft drinks and water. In the United States alone, we throw away about 2.5 million tons of plastic every year, and about half of this is in the form of PET bottles that can be recycled into fiber for clothing. This same process has already been done in countries like Japan and Italy which have a high recycling rate. However, recycled polyester fiber can be created by turning old plastic bottles into a raw material for production. This will create jobs and reduce waste in our landfills! North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Recycled Polyester Fiber. The market in North America is expected to grow considerably during the forecast period. The high adoption of advanced technology and the presence of large players in this region are likely to create ample growth opportunities for the market.
Conclusion
Recycling plastics is not just a great way to make use of the 10.3 billion tons of plastic that are currently in existence but also a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. In fact, recycled polyester fiber from used PET bottles could be worth as much as $1 billion annually, which means there are plenty of opportunities to entrepreneur and invest in this business.
Key Players
· Textile Fiber Joint Stock Company
· Bombay Dyeing
· Reliance Industries Limited
· Unifi Inc.
· PetroVietnam Petrochemical
· Alpek
· Indorama Corporation
· Stein Fibers, Ltd.
· China National Petroleum Corporation
· Huvis Corporation
· Xinda Corp.
· W. Barnet GmbH and Co. KG
· Diuou Fibre (M) Sdn Bhd.
· Toray Chemical Korea, Inc.
· S.A.B. de C.V.