GM is taking the next step in recycling bottles! They are using recycled bottles and turning them into engine insulation, air filters and coats for the homeless.
“Recycling is good, but viewing waste as a valuable resource that can be plugged into your operations or products is even better,” said John Bradburn, GM global manager of waste reduction. “It’s about rethinking the process and finding more sustainable ways to manufacturing products and contribute to our communities.”
Bottles from GM’s five sites in Michigan are collected and recycled by turning the PET flake into resin. The resin is then processed into fibers then into fleece. The fleece is used in three projects. The first is using the fleece to attach to nylon covers for the Chevy Equinox V6 Engine. This is used to dampen engine noise. The second project is using the fleece to make air filters. These air filters are used at all GM facilities to improve air quality. The third is a partnership with Carhartt. They cut the fleece into coat insulation that is used by The Empowerment Plan to make coats for the homeless. The coats can also double as a sleeping bag!
It is great that these big companies are doing their part in recycling plastic!