What's rPET and why do we use it for food packaging?

Recent findings indicate that rPET, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate, is gaining popularity as a sustainable material for food packaging. This material not only meets the demands of packaging regulations but also addresses the growing concern about plastic waste. By converting used plastic products back into usable materials, rPET provides an eco-friendly alternative that resonates with both manufacturers and consumers.

What is rPET?

rPET refers to recycled PET plastic, a widely adopted substitute for virgin PET. Regular PET is a prevalent plastic in various packaging forms, noticeable in items such as water bottles. When you choose to recycle a PET container, it undergoes a process where it is ground, melted, and formed into pellets known as rPET. This recycled material can then be shaped into multiple forms and can endure temperatures of up to 70°C, closely resembling the properties of virgin PET.

What does rPET's arrival mean to the packaging industry?

As reported by Plastics Europe, the packaging sector is responsible for 40.5% of plastic demand in Europe. The introduction of rPET addresses the excessive reliance on virgin PET, establishing a significant step toward combating the issue of plastic waste in Europe.

What else is rPET used for?

Beyond packaging, rPET finds applications in various products, including fabrics. For instance, garments marketed as "made from recycled water bottles" are manufactured using rPET. The process for transforming rPET into fabric involves spinning it into fibers rather than molding it into pellets.

When is a product classified as rPET?

To earn the classification of containing rPET, a product must include a defined minimum level of recycled content. Unfortunately, the exact percentage required can vary by country, with some areas permitting as little as 1-5% recycled material to be labeled as "recycled." To promote transparency, companies like Verive commit to maintaining a minimum of 51% recycled content in their products, ensuring that at least half is derived from recycled materials.

What is the best end-of-life for rPET?

rPET products should be recycled after use. This step contributes significantly to keeping resources in circulation while also minimizing our environmental impact. Just like other plastic items, rPET packaging should be placed in the appropriate plastic recycling bins.

Has rPET been affected by the SUP Directive?

Indeed, several applications of rPET have been influenced by the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive. Starting July 2021, Europe enacted a ban on all single-use plastic cutlery and plates, including those made from rPET. Additionally, from July 2021 onward, rPET containers must display the designated aquatic logo to indicate they are made from plastic.

Is rPET food safe?

rPET is deemed safe for food contact, provided it complies with necessary regulations established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Regulation EC 282/ stands as the governing law, and all products from Verive containing rPET adhere to these safety standards.

How many times can plastic be recycled?

Plastic recycling can occur multiple times, though opinions vary regarding the specific number. Depending on the type of plastic and the recycling process utilized, the recyclability can range from one to ten times. Although many argue that plastic typically degrades in quality with each recycling iteration, the general consensus is that the polymer chains shorten, necessitating the addition of virgin plastic to restore overall quality.

Recycled vs. recovered plastic: what's the difference?

While recycled and recovered plastic can sometimes be synonymous, they don't always mean the same thing. "Recovered" is a broader term used within the EU's Waste Framework Directive to define waste recovery for beneficial purposes, while "recycled" specifically refers to waste turned into a new product or material.

What is the difference between pre- and post-consumer recycled plastic?

Pre-consumer recycled plastic refers to materials repurposed before reaching the consumers, originating mainly from industrial manufacturing waste. In contrast, post-consumer recycled plastic encompasses items utilized by consumers, such as food packaging, that are recycled afterward.

Why should you use rPET as a material?

rPET is an exceptionally recyclable and durable material that plays a vital role in the recycling industry's push toward circularity, allowing for multiple reuse cycles. This material is resistant to freezing and provides an effective seal to maintain food freshness.

Why aren’t all plastic products made using rPET?

Despite rPET's numerous advantages, challenges persist. For example, an increase in recycled content often leads to a loss of transparency in the final product, and not all rPET meets food contact grade certifications. Subsequently, blending PET with rPET proves effective in addressing these issues while still meeting essential standards. Nevertheless, advancements in waste processing technologies may soon mitigate these challenges.

More questions?

If you have further inquiries regarding rPET products—such as cold cups, drink cups, takeaway containers, or any other sustainable materials—please reach out to us. We are eager to assist.

For more details, please visit Big Packing.