In a changing world, more and more consumers are becoming aware of how products they buy are manufactured and packaged, and they are looking for ways to reduce their footprint.
Recyclable packaging is important, but products and packaging made from recycled and reclaimed materials take the concept of sustainability even further. At RSP, we are proud to continue to innovate in this field with our thermoforming services.
What Is Thermoforming?
Thermoforming is a process in which a sheet of plastic (e.g., PET sheet) is heated up and then vacuum sealed and stretched over a tool to be shaped into a product.
RSP, an expert contract manufacturer with production and sourcing capabilities in the US and overseas, is ISO13485 certified and serves a wide range of markets, such as medical, aftermarket automotive, and consumer and industrial goods. We have partnered with Oceanworks® to help supply our current and future customers with ocean reclaimed and recycled materials that can be used to manufacture their products.
Leveraging our decades of manufacturing expertise, we have invested resources into converting ocean-reclaimed plastic into the rPET (i.e., recycled PET) plastic sheet that is needed for the thermoforming process, and have prototyped multiple containers and packages from these ocean-reclaimed plastic sheets.
This is a live-action video of vacuum forming (it is a type of thermoforming using heat) in our facility! Thermoforming is a process in which a sheet of plastic is heated up and then vacuum-sealed and stretched over a tool to be shaped into a product. In this instance, we are using recycled ocean PET.
Capabilities of Thermoformed rPET Plastic Sheets
General capabilities for the sheets: Packaging, Trays, Insulation etc for anyone looking for “rpet sheets for X”. Also mention industries and related capabilities. Link to related industries where applicable.
Extruded sheets of ocean-reclaimed rPET can be used in a variety of packaging applications. The rPET sheet used for thermoforming is often found in plastic thermoformed packaging components like plastic trays, clear windows and blister packs. But thermoforming can also be used to manufacture items with food-safe applications and is commonly used to make water bottles. RSP has successfully tested forming these sheets of ocean plastic into carrier trays and clamshell packaging for food items, making them a natural fit for food and beverage companies that serve eco-minded consumers.
A quick look of a vacuum forming (type of thermoforming) sheet being removed from the machine.
Is Thermoformed Plastic Recyclable?
Answer this for SEO and highlight the use of already recycled ocean plastic -Link to oceanworks page.
Ocean plastics are recyclable like other plastics, so they can be placed in recycling streams, per any applicable local regulations and limitations. The ocean plastic itself of course is already recycled and reclaimed from the waterways and oceans of the world by our partners at Oceanworks. So when you choose ocean plastic to manufacture your products, they are not only recyclable but also reclaimed, part of a circular, more sustainable process.
Why Partner with RSP as Your rPet Thermoforming Plastic Manufacturer?
Highlight what capabilities RSP can provide while utilizing the recycled sheets – Packaging, Medical Packaging, etc and link to associated capabilities pages. Include a conversion form or a contact us button.
With our decades of experience as a contract manufacturer and our investment in R&D of rPET plastic sheet, RSP can help you with your eco-conscious thermoforming needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your company meet growing demands for thermoformed products made of innovative ocean-recycled PET materials that take sustainability one step further.