Box made with PET threader

Recycling has become an increasingly common and necessary practice in our society, especially with the increase in environmental awareness.

One of the most versatile materials for recycling is the PET bottle, which can be transformed into a multitude of useful objects. In this post, we will explore a creative way to reuse PET bottles by creating a storage box with PET fillets, perfect for storing small items or even wrapping gifts.

Materials Needed to Make the Box

Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the materials you need to make the box. For this project, you’ll need the following items:

• Four PET bottles cut into 2 cm wide strips;
• Scissors;
• Pliers;
• Crepe tape;
• Elastics;
• A 10 x 10 x 10 cm mold.

These materials are easily accessible and can be found in any home, making the recycling process easier. PET bottles, which are often discarded without thinking, can be transformed into a durable and resistant box, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste.

Step by Step Guide to Assembling the Box with PET Fillets

To start assembling the box, carefully follow the steps described below. Each step is essential to ensure that the box is well structured and has a quality finish.

1. Cut the PET Strips: Start by cutting a strip to a length that will cover two sides and the bottom of the box, leaving 4 cm of excess at each end. This excess will be important for the final finishing.
2. Mold Fit: Place the cut strip on the template, covering two sides and the bottom. Crease the 4 cm excess to make it easier to work with later. Use elastic bands around the template to better secure the PET strips.
3. Adding More Tapes: Cut four more strips and fit them to the mold as explained in the previous steps. Then cut five more strips to cover the other two sides of the mold. This process ensures that all sides of the box are evenly covered.
4. Ribbon Weaving: When passing the first ribbon of the second step, it will be necessary to intertwine it with the ribbons already fixed at the bottom. Perform a simple weaving, passing the ribbon sometimes under, sometimes over the ribbons already arranged. Continue the process with the other ribbons, remembering to alternate the interweaving to ensure the box is firm.

Side Assembly and Finishing

Once you have covered all sides of the mold with PET tape, it is time to focus on the sides of the box. This step requires a little more care to ensure that the box is well structured.

1. Cutting the Ribbons for the Sides: Cut five strips of tape long enough to cover all four sides of the box, leaving about 4 inches of excess. This excess will be used for the final finishing.
2. Interlacing on the Sides: When weaving the first ribbon into the sides, make sure it is offset from the ribbon that is parallel to it at the bottom of the box. This will help create a stronger structure. Continue weaving from right to left, stopping the end of the ribbon at the last position where it is above the weft. Repeat the process with the other ends of the ribbon, moving to the next side.
3. Finishing the Ribbons: When you reach the end, overlap the excess ribbon over the already woven section, ensuring that the end of the ribbon is underneath the weft. Repeat the procedure with the other three ribbons, always following the same interlacing pattern. This technique ensures that the box is well secured and strong.

Final Details and Reinforcement of the Structure

To complete the assembly of the box, some adjustments and reinforcements are necessary. These details will ensure that the box has a professional finish and is durable.

1. Cutting and Adjusting the Final Tapes: Take the remaining ribbon and cut it in half lengthwise. Pass these thin ribbons through the weft as normal, following the same procedure as you used for the others. This will give a more refined finish to the edges of the box.
2. Trim the Leftovers at the Top: Now you need to finish off the excess at the top of the box. For the vertical strips that are underneath the horizontal strips, fold the excess outwards, flush with the edge of the box. Cut the excess at the height of the third strip from the top and finish off the ends by tucking them into the third strip. This ensures that the edges of the box are well defined and secure.
3. Reinforcement of Creases: Finally, reinforce the box's creases using the pliers to crease the edges. Protect the piece with a piece of folded PET tape to avoid unwanted marks. This final step will help keep the box's structure firm and resistant to daily use.

Utility and Sustainability of PET Bottle Boxes

Boxes made from PET bottle fillets are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. They are ideal for storing small items, organizing office supplies, or even wrapping gifts in a creative and eco-friendly way. In addition to being useful, these boxes contribute to sustainability by reusing a material that could otherwise end up polluting the environment.

The technique shown here can be adapted to create boxes in different sizes, depending on the mold used. With a little practice, you can create a variety of custom boxes, all made from recycled PET bottles. Not only does this reduce the amount of plastic waste, but it also raises awareness about the importance of recycling.

Proper Disposal of Waste

At the end of the manufacturing process, it is important to remember to dispose of any remaining waste properly. Although PET bottle waste is minimal in this type of craft, it is essential to ensure that all discarded material is recycled correctly. This is part of the commitment to sustainability that this project seeks to promote.

In addition to recycling leftovers, you can reuse the parts of the bottles that were not used to make the box for other craft projects. This way, nothing is wasted, and you contribute even more to preserving the environment.

Turning PET bottles into storage boxes is a creative and sustainable way to reuse materials that would normally be thrown away. This project, in addition to being simple and affordable, offers the opportunity to learn and apply recycling techniques in everyday life. By following the step-by-step instructions described, you can create a personalized and functional box, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and promoting environmental awareness. Whether for organizing small objects or creating eco-friendly gift packaging, PET bottle boxes are a practical and sustainable solution that anyone can adopt.

Learn how to make other arts by recycling, Click here.
Check out interesting facts about recycling clicking here.