bow • r22
recycled PET
Recycled bow-r22 is an industrial process that reconstitutes PET waste from water bottles. This waste is converted into granules for injection moulding, which can then be used for eyewear frames, and hard cases for packaging. The waste being recycled is entirely post-consumer.
composition & production
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a thermoplastic polymer, and r22 is made of 100% recycled PET. PET is the world’s most common polymer, accounting for about 18% of global plastics produced.
Properties include being lightweight, rigid and a good barrier to water and other solvents – as well as the option to have a clear finish, and to recycle post-consumer.
About 60% of PET is processed as a filament for the production of textiles – and is commonly known as polyester. Another 30% is used for making drinks bottles; PET being by far the most commonly used plastic for disposable water bottles.
post consumer
Readily recycled under the resin identification code 1, although some finishes will render r22 unrecyclable.
limitations
Recycled PET performs largely like virgin PET, except that it’s a little less flexible and has a few styling limitations. Best suited to solid colours, r22 is currently not suitable for crystals or paper-wrap effects.
accreditations
SCS Recycled Content Certified to standard V7 (100% post-consumer waste) – expected November 2019.