myyk@kaubad.ee
Kaubad.ee
Materials · 3 min read

RPET, bamboo, cork: what the material really means

The material decides three things: how long the product lasts, which logo stays on it and whether the eco label is justified. In our catalogue around 4,300 product descriptions mention recycled material. Here is what the most common terms mean.

Number of Estonian product descriptions mentioning the material, 23.09.2026. One product can mention several materials.

RPET and recycled material

RPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate: fibre or plastic made from plastic bottles. It is used for bags, backpacks, jackets and bottles and is as strong as new polyester. The recycled content is confirmed by a certificate, most commonly GRS (Global Recycled Standard). If no certificate is mentioned, treat the claim with care.

RPET fabric takes screen and transfer printing like ordinary polyester. See also logos on clothing and bags.

Bamboo, cork and wood

Bamboo grows fast and regrows without replanting. It is used for chopping boards, lids, pens and speakers. Cork is the bark of the cork oak, harvested about every 9 years without felling the tree. Both are natural materials whose tone and grain vary slightly from piece to piece.

Stainless steel, aluminium and glass

Stainless steel is the main material for thermos flasks and travel mugs: it does not rust, adds no taste and survives drops. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. Aluminium is lighter and suits sports bottles but does not insulate. Glass is taste-neutral but heavier and more fragile.

On metal, laser engraving gives the most durable logo. Colour logos are pad or screen printed, on bottles also as a rotary print around the product. Techniques are compared in print techniques.

Wheat straw, Tritan and other terms

  • Wheat straw: plant fibres, usually mixed into plastic (PP). It reduces the amount of new plastic but is not plastic-free.
  • Tritan: a BPA-free copolyester for drinkware. Light, clear and shatter-resistant.
  • FSC: wood or paper from responsibly managed forests. About 600 products in the catalogue mention FSC.
  • Organic cotton: grown without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, usually certified GOTS or OCS.

More sustainable choices

Lanyard MANNHEIM
3645
Lanyard MANNHEIM
From 0.81 €/pc100 pcs · unprinted · excl. vat

Looking for a product in a specific material? Browse the eco range in our catalogue.

Eco products

Frequently asked questions

Is RPET as strong as ordinary polyester?

Yes. Recycled fibre behaves like new polyester, the difference is where the raw material comes from.

Can bamboo products go in the dishwasher?

Usually not. Heat and moisture dry out bamboo and it can crack. Wash by hand and dry straight away.

Which material keeps drinks warm longest?

Double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel. The product description often states how many hours drinks stay hot.

Figures: Kaubad.ee catalogue, prices excluding VAT and indicative.

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