This product uses minimal amounts of recycled PET and CA (Cellulose Acetate) which is a non petroleum, wood pulp based plastic. Its strength comes from the sandwiching of the original 1L Coca Cola Bottles, turning them into columns of support. When a bottle is removed, the "bubble supports" maintain the integrity of the crate. To open the product, just squeeze in on the bubble supports and slide your hands up to pop the top. It can either be held from the centralized handle, or from the underside. The handle is retractable for stack-able purposes.