Promotional Products from Recycled Plastic - Some Facts

David Platt • 26 June 2019

The world has enough plastic, and we want to help keep it that way.

recycled-plastic-promotional-products

Recycling plastics is at the forefront of the battle to prevent the current 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the Earth’s oceans per annum. Unless plastics are created with additives which can help in biodegrading, they will take around 500 years to breakdown. Putting additives into plastic is not a ‘silver bullet’ because it creates some issues with the other properties of the plastic which can render them unusable - more on that below.

Types of Plastic

In principle all plastics can be recycled however the chemical composition of the various plastics make some considerably easier than others. As consumers we are familiar with the recycled sign in most plastics as follows:

types-of-plastic

PET - polyethylene terephthalate

Water bottles, soft drink bottles, pots, tubs, over ready trays, jam jars.

HDPE - high density polyethylene

Chemical drums, Jerry cans, carboys, toys, picnic ware, household and kitchenware, cable insulation, carrier bags and food wrapping material.

PVC - polyvinyl chloride

Window frames, drainage pipe, water service pipe, medical devices, blood storage bags, cable and wire insulation, resilient flooring, roofing membranes, stationery, automotive interiors and seat coverings, fashion and footwear, packaging, cling film, credit cards, synthetic leather and other coated fabrics.


LDPE -low density polyethylene
Squeeze bottles, toys, carrier bags, high frequency insulation, chemical tank linings, heavy duty sacks, general packaging, gas and water pipes.

PP - polypropylene

Buckets, crates, toys, medical components, washing machine drums, bottle caps, and battery cases.

PS - polystyrene
 Toys and novelties, rigid packaging, refrigerator trays and boxes, cosmetic packs and costume jewellery.

Separation of Post Consumer Waste

Most plastic re-cyclers do not rely on the Code (shown above) now; they use various sorting systems to identify the resin, ranging from manual sorting and picking of plastic materials to mechanised automation processes that involve shredding, sieving, separation by rates of density i.e. air, liquid, and complex spectrophotometric distribution technologies. Some plastic products are also separated by colour before they are recycled.

The plastic recyclables are then shredded. These shredded fragments then undergo processes to eliminate impurities like paper labels. This material is melted and either extruded into the form of pellets (PP and LDPE) or spun to create fibre as in the case of PET which are then used to manufacture other products.

The products that are sold within the promotional products industry are either the rigid Frisbee or ice scraper type made from LDPE or the spun fibre of PET.

Recycling Methods

Currently, plastics being recycled by either one of the two ways:


  • Mechanical recycling – This involves mechanically treating the waste (e.g. grinding) to reduce it into smaller particles. The resulting granules, called re-cyclate, can be melted and re-moulded into different products, usually the same product from which it came.
  • Feedstock recycling – Chemical processes such as pyrolysis, hydrolysis and heating are used to convert the waste into its chemical components. The resulting products – sodium chloride, calcium chloride, hydrocarbon oil products and heavy metals to name a few – are used to produce feed for other manufacturing processes or as fuel for energy recovery.

Clearly for promotional products we are talking about mechanical recycling of the plastic back into similar products. This is fine for the HDPE, PP and indeed for spun PET but can be an issue for PVC. PVC products, depending on their application, contain different additives. For example, rigid PVC is unplasticised whereas flexible PVC is added plasticisers because this additive increases the plastic’s fluidity and thus, its flexibility. Even products used for the same application may still differ in composition if they have different manufacturers.

PET Recling

The main use for PET is for carbonated drinks bottles and one use for this recycled PET is to create fabrics.

The fabrics are created by spinning the PET flakes into thread and yarn. This is done just as easily as creating polyester from brand new PET. The recycled PET thread or yarn can be used either alone or together with other fibres to create a very wide variety of fabrics. Traditionally these fabrics are used to create strong, durable, rough products, such as jackets, coats, shoes, bags, hats, and accessories since they are usually too rough for direct skin contact and can cause irritation. However, recent developments in technology have improved these types of fabrics under environmental pressure.

There is now a range of polyester t-shirts made from recycled PET including product from Under Armour. Polyester has fantastic wicking properties which makes it ideal for high performance sportswear.

Some Key Recycling Statistics

It is common to see plastics as a story of doom and gloom – but in truth recycling is making real progress. In 2000 some 13,000 tonnes of plastic bottles were recycled – the rate in 2018 was 350,000 tonnes.

Other key statistics:


  • 74% of plastic drinks bottles are recycled.
  • 46% of all plastic packaging is recycled.
  • 31% of all plastic is recycled (this is a European figure).

Sources

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Eco certification

Top 5 Certifications to Look for in Eco-Friendly Promotional Merchandise

21 April 2025
How can you tell which items genuinely meet environmental and ethical standards? How do you know your promotional merchandise is eco? One of the best ways is by looking for trusted third-party certifications. These certifications offer transparency, set rigorous criteria, and help ensure that your branded merchandise aligns with your sustainability values. Here's a quick guide to five of the most respected certifications to look out for when choosing eco-conscious products. 1. FSC – Forest Stewardship Council What it means: The FSC certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Why it matters: If you're sourcing promotional items made from wood or paper—like notebooks, packaging, or wooden gifts—FSC certification guarantees that the materials are sustainably harvested. Look for: Products marked with the FSC logo; and check the certificate number on the FSC Certificate Search. Visit FSC official site 2. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard What it means: GOTS is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. It ensures that fabrics like cotton are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Why it matters: Many promotional products, like tote bags, T-shirts, and towels, are textile-based. GOTS certification means these items are organic, safe, and ethically produced from farm to finish. Look for: A GOTS-certified label and supplier. You can verify through the GOTS Public Database. Visit GOTS official site What it means: Fairtrade certification supports better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Why it matters: Products like cotton bags, chocolate bars, or coffee mugs with Fairtrade-certified contents ensure ethical treatment of producers and sustainable farming practices. Look for: The blue and green Fairtrade logo on packaging or labels. Visit Fairtrade Foundation (UK) 4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 What it means: This certification verifies that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human use. Why it matters: Even "natural" fabrics can be treated with dyes or chemicals. OEKO-TEX® ensures that every component of the product—from threads to prints—is free from harmful levels of over 100 substances. Look for: The STANDARD 100 label and certification number for verification via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Visit OEKO-TEX® official site 5. Cradle to Cradle Certified® What it means: Cradle to Cradle certification assesses products for environmental and social performance across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness. Why it matters: This is especially valuable for innovative and multi-material products. It focuses on the entire lifecycle, not just sourcing or disposal. Look for: The Cradle to Cradle Certified® mark and specific level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Visit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Why Certifications Matter for Your Brand Choosing certified eco-friendly promotional products isn’t just about ticking a box—it shows your customers, staff, and stakeholders that you care about ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long-term environmental impact. These certifications offer peace of mind and add real value to your brand story. At Pavilion Earth, we’re proud to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability and transparency. Want help finding the right certified products for your campaign? Get in touch with us — we’d love to help.
Organic Cotton T shirts

Eco T shirts – Different printing techniques

by David Platt • 18 March 2025
This article explores the pros, cons, quality, cost, and durability of three major printing techniques: DTG, screen printing, and transfer printing.
Raster versus Vector Infogram

Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025
Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.
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