The introduction of plastic was seen as a boon for humankind. Still, with high consumption rates and the chemical properties of plastic, researchers soon warned about the side effects that plastic disposal could lead to. And today, we stand here, struggling against this non-biodegradable waste worldwide. The landfills are being dumped with garbage consisting of different kinds of plastic. This has started interfering with nature and indirectly affecting us. Plastic disposed of in water bodies has led to an increased number of incidents where marine life is in danger. Water animals and plants are dying due to the pollution caused by various plastic items. On the other hand, such debris also alters the soil composition, affecting the crops and flora immensely. Over time, this boon has transformed into a devil which needs to be suppressed today or else it will be too late tomorrow.

Recycling Plastic: The Must Needed Revolution

Recycling plastic is a process that has recently become popular because it will help reduce the disposed waste. Governments of several nations have recognised the need to use PET recyclable plastic. They encourage organizations to set up recycling plants and take back the plastic they introduced into the system. This is termed EPR-extended producer responsibility. The Foundation of EPR in India has been laid to reduce the production of virgin plastic and use recycling plastic products into reusable options.

RPSF Fiber: Making the Right Move

One great alternative product that recycled plastic generates is RPSF. This is known as recycled polyester staple fibre. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic can be easily decomposed using the right techniques and transformed into RPSF, which is in great demand across various industries. Automotive, furnishing, textile, and construction industries eagerly use regenerated fibre. Some apparel brands are also using fibre in manufacturing their products, as regenerated fibre is equally good and has the same properties as virgin polyester.

Enlightened consumers worldwide accept products manufactured with regenerated fibre, and thus demand for the same has increased drastically. The good news is that many companies are venturing into the PET bottle recycling business. It requires machinery, technique, and an effective plastic waste collection system.

Home Furnishings: Biggest Consumers of RPSF

Home furnishing as an industry has evolved immensely in the past few years. There were times when people kept the décor simple and avoided experimenting. But today, people love following aesthetic décor with themes. This has led to increased demand for variety since every consumer has a different taste. People today are aware of plastic waste pollution and are eager to contribute to reducing it by taking small steps. This is why products made with RPSF are a great move. The polyester fibre generated after recycling Used PET bottles is high quality and finds easy use in products like carpets, curtains, upholstery, bed sheets, etc. Some features that this fibre has are as follows:

• Dyeable fabric: This is one great aspect in favour of RPSF. The fibre is easily dyeable, and hence, companies can offer a variety of colours to the customer. The high-quality dyed fibre usually depends on how efficiently the fibre is processed in the recycling units. Good companies in plastic recycling make sure that there is no compromise in the output.
• Wrinkle resistance: The regenerated fibre is wrinkle-free, just like the virgin staple fibre. This property makes it a great option in home furnishing products since the least effort is required for maintenance.
• High durability: Polyester fibre has been popular because of its high durability. The items produced using this fibre have a long life compared to other alternate fibres.

RPSF Replacing Cotton Fiber in Textile Sector

The textile sector has adopted RPSF because people wish to buy lightweight, durable, quick-drying, fewer maintenance products. Several fashion brands have started considering RPSF as an alternative to traditional cotton fibre because it is breathable. Hence, the moisture evaporates from the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed by the clothing. This makes the clothes suitable for all seasons. Also, the durability of regenerated fibre is more compared to cotton.

Considering the trends, clothing made of RPSF will be in demand, which indicates that organizations producing recycled polyester fibre from plastic bottles will have good business. The recycling process involves setting up units that the government should approve. In India, there is a process to apply for a license.

Recycling is a complex process requiring collaboration with waste management bodies to supply used Used PET bottles and technology to facilitate the process. The waste collectors of municipal bodies collect plastic waste products. However, not all the waste collected can be directly recycled, which calls for the segregation and removal of parts or labels that cannot be included in the recycling process. Further, the waste bottles reach the recycling facility, where they are crushed and chemically treated to form PET flakes. These flakes can be used for making different recycled products, one being recycled polyester staple fibre. The PET flakes are pure and without any contamination. This is why organizations that consume regenerated polyester fibre depend on recyclers. In the times ahead, there will be a sustainable, smooth process at each level of the plastic waste management and RPSF supply chain.

With a well-defined EPR and recycling system, the government aims to manage plastic waste efficiently. The action plan would decide whether we would be able to evade the imbalance in nature. If plastic waste accumulation is not addressed with the right approach, our future generations may face hazardous effects on their lives. Thus, encouraging the use of recyclable plastic, proper waste management at the user’s end, and effective recycling can only save our future on this planet.

As end-consumers, it is the duty of each one of us to responsibly use plastic products and dispose of them as directed by government entities. At the very end of the consumer chain, this right approach can make things easy for waste collectors and recyclers. It is time to awaken and take steps in the right direction to support the much-needed revolution: replacing single-use plastic products with recyclable alternatives.