rPET Industrial Yarn - everything you need to know (for now).

Ever since I read that 4Ocean bracelet is using post-consumer recycled plastic bottles to make its cord, I knew I needed it for my project too. I searched through all the cord/yarn providers in my country, contacted zero waste groups and even thought of making the cord myself. With no luck. The eco-awareness is  unfortunately only crawling in Poland and so far remains a domain of zero waste ideologists rather than responsible businesses. Companies fail to see how important role they play in protecting our earth by offering us, consumers, eco-alternatives for the everyday products. Not only could they lessen the negative impact of human activities on our environment, but also share the awareness among its consumers encouraging them to make similar conscious decisions in other areas of life. 

Luckily I found Morrsinkhof Sustainable Products from Netherlands that produces high quality industrial yarns made of recycled PET plastic. I was both amazed an intrigued by the product range available on their website and immediately sent them an inquiry. Within an hour I received answers to all of my questions together with a detailed description of individual yarn types suitable for my project. Within a day, two samples of their yarns were sent to me. I cannot rave enough about the excellent customer service that I received. From the very first sentence in the email, I felt such a great energy, positive attitude and just this - the level of awareness that goes deep to the core value of an individual or, in that case, a company. One that, if reached, triggers natural kindness, care and respect which become an integral part of your philosophy. 

rPET industrial yarn is essentially made of recycled PET polymer which can be found in many consumer and industrial products such as plastic bottles, clothing or food/liquid containers. The key difference between rPET and virgin PET industrial yarn is that the latter is usually petroleum-based. The yarn produced by MSP saves the precious oil part and use recycled polymer instead. The 'new' industrial yarn has the same properties as the original and therefore can be used in fabrics, netting, ropes etc. exactly as the virgin one. Some types of yarn are also appropriate to use in various food content applications. The company offers a Pilot Spin facility for consumers interested in a new product but who need only a limited amount of yarn. It is particularly important for small businesses or individuals, like myself, who only start with sustainable products or need it for a specific product/design/project. The yarn based on other polymers such as PLA, PA, PBS is also available for order.

Why is replacing virgin PET with rPET so important? The answer is quite simple. The difference in impact on the environment with the production of PET and rPET respectively is drastic. With PET being our traditional polyester used, we continue to rely on and drain our precious oil resources (PET is derived from crude oil and natural gas). rPET on the other hand, uses the plastic obtained from the landfills and needs less water and energy resources for its production. With the same results in terms of properties and durability of the final products it is a win win situation for both our planet and us. Circular recycling is without doubt the FUTURE of our business but it is up to us if we make this future happen NOW.