METHODOLOGY

A review on PET recycling and fabric production reveals that PET can be recycled

and repurposed into a variety of products, including fabric. Previous research has also shown

that PET has a number of desirable properties as a fabric, including strength, durability, and

moisture resistance. However, there has been limited research on the use of PET packaging

from online shopping as a material for fabric production.

An experimental design was used, with the type of PET packaging serving as the

independent variable and the feasibility of making fabric as the dependent. A sample of PET

packaging materials was obtained from a range of online shoppers and e-commerce

platforms. The researcher will apply mechanical recycling i.e by extrusion process in order to

depolymerize and repolymerize the PET packaging and transform it into fibre. After woven

into fabric, the study will include an in-depth analysis of the properties and performance of

the resulting fabric, as well as an assessment of the feasibility of the fabric production

process. The researcher chose to examine the durable property of the resulting product.

Trials Packaging Material Recycling Method Fabric Durability

1 Polybags

2 Bubble Wraps Mechanical

Recycling

(Extrusion Process)

3 Plastic Bottles/Containers

4 Combination of Polybags,
bubble wraps, and plastic
bottles/containers
Table.1. Five different trials, each using a different type of PET packaging with the same recycling
method to produce fabric.

Experimental Procedures

The following are the outline of procedures for making a fabric out of online shopping

polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging:

1. Follow the necessary preparations or safety and precautionary measures when

conducting the research study.

2. Collect PET packaging from online purchases.

3. Sort and clean the PET packaging. Separate the PET packaging by type (e.g. polybag,

bubble wrap, plastic bottles/containers) and remove any contaminants, such as food

residue or stickers.

4. Chop the PET packaging into small flakes. This can be done using a shredder or a

similar machine.

5. Melt the PET flakes using a screw extruder. The temperature and pressure used in the

extrusion process will depend on the type of PET being used and the desired

properties of the resulting polymer.

6. Stretch and cool the PET polymer to create fibers. This can be done using a process

known as “melt spinning”, in which the polymer is forced through small holes to

create strands of fiber. The fibers can then be cooled using air or water.

7. Weave or knit the PET fibers into fabric. The fibers can be woven or knitted using

standard textile production equipment.

8. Analyze the data and write a report detailing the results of the study. Be sure to

include a detailed description of the procedures followed, as well as any statistical

analysis of data.
 The fabric will be put in a durability test. A set of trials will be manipulated, where

specific weights in kilogram(kg) from 2-10kg are applied to test the limitations of the fabric.

The results of the tests on the fabric samples and the property assessment will be presented,

including any statistical analysis of the data. The implications of the findings will be

discussed, including the potential benefits and limitations of using PET packaging from

online shopping as a material for fabric production.

Experimental Procedures

The following are the outline of procedures for fabric durability testing:

1. Follow the necessary preparations or safety and precautionary measures when

conducting the research study.

2. Spread evenly the fabric in a flat surface and put weights on.

3. Carefully lift the fabric .5 metres from the ground.

4. Take note of the changes done by the weights to the fabric.

5. Repeat the process until the 2-10kg target weight proves the durability of the fabric.