rPET

rPET, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate, is PET recovered from post-consumer waste and processed for reuse in new products. It is widely used as a substitute for virgin PET in packaging, textiles, and other applications.

In mechanical recycling, bottles and other PET items are collected, sorted, washed, ground into flakes, and melted to form pellets that can be extruded into new packaging or fibers. Chemical recycling methods break PET down to monomers or other intermediates, enabling higher purity and potentially higher food-contact safety, but at greater cost and energy use.

Common applications include beverage and food packaging, clamshells, and films, as well as polyester fibers for textiles and nonwovens. Food-contact uses require stringent purification and compliance with food-safety standards to prevent contamination and ensure safety.

Quality depends on contaminant control, color, melt flow, and the absence of degraded products. Food-grade rPET must meet regulatory requirements in relevant jurisdictions, and many producers pursue certifications for recycled content and traceability.

Using rPET reduces virgin material demand and can lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions compared with producing virgin PET, though results vary with collection systems, transport, and processing. Market demand is rising as brands pursue circular economy goals.

Industry standards and certifications exist to verify recycled-content, purity, and safety, including regulators' approvals for food contact and voluntary schemes for recycled-content claims.