Hewlett Packard Replaces Polycarbonate with RPET

Hewlett Packard is taking an important leadership position in use of its own post-consumer waste in new designs. Recycled polyethylene from HP printer cartridges is compounded with glass fiber, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from soda bottles  and other materials into a plastic that replaces polycarbonate on a piece that holds the light source on optical scanners. “The structural stability of that piece is very important for optical clarity,” comments John Frey, who oversees environmental initiatives at HP. It’s not only a good environmental move; the cost of the new compound is less than PC.  The recycled material is referred to as RPET.