Recycling Wine Bottles to Make Clothing

Wednesday 20th of June 2007 04:36:33 PM

Recycling Wine Bottles to Make Clothing

In an effort to protect the environment, and save money in manufacturing and transportation costs, French wine maker Boisset Vins & Spiritueux has introduced a new wine that is contained in recyclable plastic bottles. After testing certain types of plastic in order to find one that would protect the integrity of the wine for up to a year, MPI, a Canadian packaging manufacturer, decided that PET plastic bottles were the best.

But using recyclable wine bottles is just the beginning. After people have enjoyed their wine, the bottles can be sent to recycling plants where the plastic is melted down and used to make a variety of items including frozen dinner trays, fleece jackets, and T-Shirts - it would only take 14 bottles to make one polyester shirt.

"We are the only Canadian supplier licensed to provide this patented technology. For about a year and a half now, we've had the pleasure of working with Philadelphia-based Constar International in a combined effort to introduce this innovation into Canada," said Ron O'Brien, President, MPI Packaging Inc.

While the idea of plastic wine bottles will take more time to catch on, there is much to be said for the ability to recycle the bottles to make clothing and other everyday items. Money would also be saved in labels, boxing up the bottles, and transporting them to different locations. Plastic wine bottles can also be molded easily into different shapes.

As more research is conducted on using plastic products that are friendly for the environment, more companies will be introducing products that can be recycled into T-Shirts and other clothing. This will not only help the environment, but will also provide less expensive clothing for those who cannot afford to buy clothing made from natural fibres.

(c)Daniela Llano, www.sxc.hu