Creating a Program to Process PET Water Bottles Collected from Waterways into New Bottles

PET water bottles are one of the most common pollutants in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas—but they can also be a valuable resource. By creating a program to collect, clean, and reprocess PET bottles from waterways, you can close the loop and turn waste back into new bottles. This resource explains how to design and implement a circular system that benefits the environment and your sustainability goals.

What you’ll learn in this resource:

• Why PET bottles from waterways are ideal for recycling into new bottles
• Steps for organizing collection and cleanup initiatives
• Cleaning and decontamination processes for recovered PET
• Extrusion and molding techniques for producing new bottles
• Compliance and safety standards for food-grade PET recycling
• How to partner with NGOs, recyclers, and suppliers for program success

Download the guide now to start transforming waterway waste into high-value packaging.

FAQs

Why focus on PET bottles from waterways?
They represent a major source of plastic pollution, and PET is highly recyclable—making it perfect for closed-loop systems.

Is recycled PET safe for new bottles?
Yes—when processed under strict food-grade standards, including advanced cleaning and melt filtration.

What equipment is needed for reprocessing?
Washing systems, decontamination units, extrusion lines, and injection molding machines designed for rPET production.

Who should I partner with?
Environmental NGOs for collection, recyclers for processing, and packaging suppliers for bottle manufacturing.

What are the sustainability benefits?
Reduced plastic pollution, lower demand for virgin resin, and alignment with circular economy principles.