Topcentral® Case Study: From Water Bucket to Luggage – A Circular Economy Success Story

The Cross-Industry Rebirth of a Water Bucket

Who would have imagined that those blue water dispensers—once filled with mineral water and later discarded in factory corners—could begin a miraculous journey across mountains and oceans? Thanks to recycling, these buckets are reborn: just months later, they become the lightweight, durable shell of a traveler’s suitcase. This magical transformation is made possible by the closed-loop supply chain pioneered by Topcentral® and its upstream partners.

Traditional polycarbonate (PC) water buckets are widely used in bottled water packaging due to their heat resistance and non-toxic properties, yet their recycling rate remains below 30%. Researchers at Topcentral® discovered that PC material can be recycled more than 10 times, but performance degradation occurs when impurities are introduced. To solve this, the team assigned a unique digital ID to each bucket, establishing a full traceability chain from production through crushing and regeneration. The result? High-performance recycled PC pellets—marketed as Pulici® PCR PC® rPC—infused with what we call "blue blood," ready for a second life.

In a well-known luggage manufacturing facility, these Pulici® rPC pellets are processed and molded into sleek, aerodynamic suitcase shells. The finished luggage retains the material’s high transparency, while the visible texture of recycled fibers adds a unique aesthetic. More than just design, this becomes a “green ID card”: consumers can scan a QR code to trace the material’s origin, turning every suitcase into a statement of environmental responsibility.

This seemingly small innovation triggers a ripple effect:

• Waste Reduction: Each 20-inch suitcase = 12 recycled water buckets given new life
• Carbon Footprint Cut: Energy consumption in rPC production reduced by over 50%
• Superior Durability: The shell withstands extreme temperature tests from -40°C to 80°C. Even after rough handling during transit, only minor scratches remain. And when the suitcase reaches end-of-life, it can be fully returned to the recycling system—truly a "cradle-to-cradle" closed loop!

This small but powerful innovation represents a complete ecological loop—from bucket return to suitcase purchase—enabled by a triangular collaboration between brands, recyclers, and manufacturers. Recyclers gain stable feedstock, manufacturers reduce raw material costs, and consumers get eco-friendly products with a compelling story. Data shows that 76% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for "traceable recycled" products—proving that the market supports the circular economy with real spending power.

The next suitcase in your hands might have once been a blue water bucket in a distant factory. One day, when you scan and deposit a piece of plastic waste, your phone might just pop up a message: “The 0.8kg of PC material you contributed has become part of suitcase No. 12,375.” This bucket’s journey—from factory to consumer, back to recycling bin, and reborn in a new form—forms a perfect closed loop. In the map of the circular economy, there is no true “waste”—only treasures waiting for a second chance.