PET Strapping

PET STRAPPING: CHARACTERISTICS & USAGES

 

Made from durable polyethylene terephthalate (plastic), PET strapping is identifiable by its green colour and offers high tensile strength, appropriate elongation, and excellent temperature resistance. PET strapping’s ideal elastic memory makes it suitable for heavy loads and a safer, lighter alternative to steel strapping. Black PET strapping, while slightly more expensive, delivers enhanced performance. Alternative strapping, such as Polypropylene (PP), comes in various colours, is lighter and flexible but is suited for lighter applications. Both types are 100% recyclable.

 

PET strapping is widely used across various industries due to its strength, durability, and versatility. Here are some common uses:

 

• Palletising – Securing goods on pallets to ensure stability during transportation and storage.
• Bundling – Bundling products together, such as pipes, lumber, or other long, bulky items.
• Brick and Block Industry – Securing heavy loads of bricks, blocks, and other construction materials.
• Bailing – Tying together bales of recyclable materials, such as cardboard, paper, and plastic, for easier handling and transport.
• Metal Industry – Securing coils, sheets, and bundles of metal products like steel, aluminum, and copper.
• Glass Industry – Strapping loads of glass sheets and other fragile glass products for safe transportation.
• Logistics and Shipping – Ensuring the safe transport of various goods and packages by securing them with PET strapping.
• Food and Beverage Industry – Securing cases of beverages, canned goods, and other food products on pallets.
• Textile Industry – Bundling rolls of fabric, textiles, and carpets.
• Paper and Printing Industry – Securing stacks of printed materials, books, and paper products.
• Appliances and Electronics – Strapping large appliances and electronics for secure shipping and handling.
• Automotive Industry – Bundling auto parts, tires, and other components.
• Construction Materials – Securing bundles of construction materials like pipes, rods, and roofing materials.
• Furniture Industry – Securing furniture pieces and flat-pack items for safe transport.

 

These diverse uses demonstrate PET strapping’s importance in ensuring the safe and efficient handling, transport, and storage of various products across different sectors.

CHALLENGES OF PET STRAPPING WASTE MANAGEMENT

 

In Australia, PET strapping waste recovery and recycling face numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited awareness, and accessibility issues. There is no specific national stewardship programme solely for PET strapping. However, with pressure from the 2025 National Packaging Targets, packaging manufacturers are increasingly involved in PET strapping recycling initiatives.

 

PET strapping waste can be recycled through various waste management and recycling facilities, leading to many industrial and commercial facilities to have their own systems for recycling PET strapping waste offsite.

 

Recycling of PET strapping waste typically involves:

 

• Collection – PET strapping is collected separately from other waste materials.
• Sorting and Cleaning – The strapping is sorted and cleaned to remove contaminants.
• Cutting and Shredding – The strapping is cut into smaller pieces or shredded.
• Pelletising – The shredded material is processed into pellets, which can be used to create new products.

 

To find out about local options, it’s best to check with local councils or recycling service providers.