Upcycling and Transforming Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles into Value Added Products for Household and Interior Decoration

Abstract

This study investigated the upcycling and transformation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into value-added products for household and interior decoration. Conducted at FUNAAB International School (FUNIS) and Muslim High School in Isolu community- Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The research adopted a mixed research design which involved a practical (experimental) and theoretical aspects (quantitative). A mixed sampling technique (purposive, stratified, and simple random/convenience sampling) was employed to select 150 student respondents. With upcycled PET products household and interior decoration displayed, data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and mean scores) and an independent t-test for hypothesis testing. The findings revealed high levels of preference and acceptance for upcycled PET bottle products. Specifically, 78.7% of respondents agreed that upcycled baskets are affordable (M = 1.79, SD = 0.41), while 80.0% affirmed that lamps would be appreciated by environmentally conscious consumers (M = 1.80, SD = 0.40). Durability perceptions varied: 72.0% rated baskets as wear-resistant (M = 1.72, SD = 0.45), whereas only 59.3% agreed for lanterns (M = 1.59, SD = 0.49). The independent t-test revealed no statistically significant difference in perception between FUNIS (M = 3.22, SD = 0.69) and MHSI students (M = 3.06, SD = 0.58), with p = 0.144 (< 0.05) despite mean differences. The study concludes that upcycling PET bottles offers a sustainable solution for plastic waste management while enhancing home aesthetics. There is need to integrate upcycling into school curricula, organise community workshops, launch awareness campaigns, and provide policy support for upcycling enterprises.