PET Plastic: Everything You Need to Know
PET plastic can form many of our everyday items without you even realising. From sneakers to your drinks bottles, many companies are now moving towards PET plastic in a bid to save the environment. At Giesswein we use this recycled ocean material for our ballerina flats. Discover what else PET plastic can form and a brief history into how it started with our quick guide.
WHAT IS PET PLASTIC?
PET plastic is a recyclable and reusable plastic. This material is universally recognised as a safe and non-toxic fabric. Which is why we are proud to use it in ballerina flats.
Short for polyethylene terephthalate, both consumer and industrial waste can be super cleaned to create multi-use PET plastic. This material can then be used to create all sorts of items including products we use from day to day. It’s most common use however is clear packaging.
PET plastic’s best known characteristics are its strength and flexibility. Furthermore, it is 100% recyclable meaning it has the ability to be re-used and transformed into the likes of bottles, carpets and more everyday essentials. Due to its fantastic ability to be recycled, PET plastic can also craft footwear such as slip on ballerina flats. Choosing PET plastic for its ability to be reused and recycled therefore reduces the need to produce more new plastics. This has a knock-on effect, as it can reduce the consumption of energy of new plastic, and landfill space required for old plastic.
Committing to use PET plastic and other sustainably sourced materials is just one of the ways we are trying to achieve our green strategy. As part of this strategy, we have found numerous ways to sustainably produce our products, from our merino wool to PET plastic shoes. It is for this reason we pay close attention to new resource-saving and environmentally-friendly production methods.
STRIDE IN GIESSWEIN PET PLASTIC APPAREL
At Giesswein, we love sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives. Which is why a perfect example of the work we do with PET plastic is our comfortable ballet flats. Not only do they boast an extremely comfortable fit, they are an environmentally friendly option to standard ballerina flats. The ballet flats combine the properties of PET plastic with our 3D knit technology, which allows them to mould to your feet perfectly. With the option to choose between a rounded toe ballet shoe and a pointed toe ballet shoe, you can have a style to fit any occasion. They really are the perfect shoe for everyday, thanks to our extra-smooth plastic yarn.
Just like our men's sneakers and women's sneakers, odours do not stand a chance in your new PET plastic slip ons. Bacteria can find it hard to cling to the soft surface we provide, which is why you can enjoy odour free adventures, all year round. If you want to still freshen up your new kicks, washing your shoes at home is super easy! Simply pop them in a delicate cold cycle then leave to air dry. This quick and easy process can transform your PET plastic shoes to looking brand new again.
Not only will you look great in our range of PET plastic ballet flats, but you will also feel great too. When you know your shoes are made from recycled ocean PET plastic with a sustainable natural rubber sole, no other shoe can compare. Going with Giesswein means you can choose an elegant shoe while only leaving a small environmental footprint. By choosing recycled materials and looking to new technologies, we are proud to be able to do something for the environment.
PET PLASTIC: A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1941, an initial PET plastics patent was submitted by John Rex Whinfield, James Tennant Dickson and others from Calico Printers Association of Manchester, England. Over the next 30 years this type of plastic grew more popular and entered new markets such as the US. It was in 1973 that the first ever PET plastic bottle was patented and created. Today, it has so many applications. Typically you will find the majority of PET production is for synthetic fibres, then a further 30% of global demand accounted for water bottles.
HOW IS PET PLASTIC CREATED?
The first step to creating PET plastics is to separate and sort them from all the other types of plastic. It can be a lengthy process and many stages are involved for it to become classed as fully recycled. Those key stages include:
- Shredding
- Washing
- Melting
- Pelleting
Once cleared and the process has been performed, all the PET plastic can then begin its journey to become brand new items. These are items that are synonymous with everyday living, such as water bottles and sneakers. You could even be drinking from or wearing something with this recycled gem amongst its keep materials.
WHO ARE GIESSWEIN?
A family founded business now run by the third generation Giessweins. We have been dealing with different wool types since childhood. With our wool know-how, we have become Europe's largest producer of 100% virgin wool clothing. This responsibility falls under our mission to reinvent the positive attributes of wool, to create unique products that you will adore from first glance, including our wool slippers. We select only hand-picked wool qualities according to high ethical standards. So you can be reassured your products have had the environment in mind.
