Today, there has been an increasing awareness about the harm caused by plastic waste to the environment. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles, the most common of these wastes, pose a serious threat to the protection of nature and our future. PET bottle recycling is an effective method that provides a solution to eliminate this threat.
PET is one of the frequently preferred materials in the production of plastic bottles and food packaging. PET is used as a raw material, especially in the packaging of products such as water bottles and carbonated beverage bottles. However, since PET waste remains in nature for years, it causes various environmental problems. Therefore, the PET bottle recycling process is extremely important in terms of ensuring sustainability.
What is PET Bottle Recycling?
The PET bottle recycling process covers the collection, processing and reuse of used PET bottles. PET is a widely used material in the manufacture of plastic bottles and food packaging. However, PET bottles, which do not dissolve in nature for a long time, harm the environment in many ways. For this reason, pet bottle recycling can ensure the reuse of used PET bottles and the protection of natural resources.
What is the Importance of PET Bottle Recycling?
Recycling used PET bottles helps to minimize negative impacts on the environment. The importance of PET bottle recycling can be listed as follows:
- PET bottle recovery allows to reduce the demand for the crude oil required for the production of new plastics. For this reason, sustainability in production can be achieved by minimizing the use of natural resources.
- The recycling process, which is carried out by melting used PET bottles and turning them into granules, supports energy saving. This reduces the use of fossil fuels, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts.
- Recycling PET bottles reduces waste. PET bottles that are disposed of correctly in recycling bins prevent any harm to nature. In addition, recycling can prevent waste generation by reusing PET bottles.
- PET bottle recycling also provides many economic benefits. The use of recycled PET materials in production by creating employment through the recycling process supports the economic cycle. In addition, recycled PET products are often sold at more affordable prices and provide financial advantages to consumers.
How to Recycle PET Bottle?
PET bottle recycling, which benefits nature in many ways, is a special process carried out by recycling facilities. The following steps are followed for the physical recycling of PET bottles:
- Used PET bottles are taken to special collection points designed for recycling or taken from recycling boxes and delivered to recycling facilities.
- PET bottles are sorted by type after they arrive at the recycling facilities. Separation can be performed automatically or manually.
- Separated PET bottles are subjected to special washing processes to be cleaned. In the washing process, PET bottles are cleaned of contaminants such as labels, dirt and oil.
- Then, PET bottles are crushed into small pieces by means of special machines. These pieces are turned into granules after certain processes.