Production of Domestic Utensils Using Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Bottle Caps Without the AID of Industrial Machines

Abstract

Abstract This study presents the production of domestic utensils using waste PET bottle caps without the aid of industrial machines. This aims to explore the feasibility of recycling waste PET bottle caps as raw materials for domestic utensils, such as cups and bowls, to reduce waste and provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional (industrial-made) plastic utensils. This study lies in its approach to utilizing waste PET caps, which are typically not recycled due to their small size and low value. Additionally, the increasing amount of plastic waste and the need for sustainable solutions to reduce it has always been a factor. Although, several types of research have been carried out on the use of waste PET bottles/caps as a reinforcement for construction materials, sustainable textiles, and solid fuel, little to on research is reported on using waste PET bottle caps for the production of domestic utensils. Experimental tests were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical attributes of the domestic utensils, which include water absorption, hardness, compressive strength, and drop test. The test analysis shows that the domestic utensils for waste PET bottle caps reveal comparable and optimal physical and mechanical properties compared to the traditional plastic utensils. The waste PET bottle caps utensils (cup and bowl) sample recorded a minimal water absorption rate of 0 %, maximum hardness, and compressive strength value of 74 and 90 HV; 69 and 87 N/mm2, respectively. Thus, this suggests that waste PET bottle caps can be recycled into domestic utensils with promising results since it presents a practical solution that can contribute to more sustainable future, a viable solution that addresses both environmental problems and the need for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic utensils.