What is rPET Packaging? A Complete Guide

Around 55 million metric tons of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are produced in just one year, with some estimates putting the number closer to 80 million metric tons. It’s a staggering amount of new plastic, especially when you consider how much ends up in our oceans and landfills.

However, brands using rPET instead of virgin PET can lower their costs, bolster their brand image, and reduce their carbon footprint. In this guide, we’ll examine how PET can be recycled for new products and how businesses should use rPET as a core part of their eco-friendly strategies. We’ll also address the challenges (and offer solutions) that prevent more companies from switching to rPET.

What is rPET Packaging?

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate, or rPET packaging, is a post-consumer recycled (PCR) material made from recycled PET plastic. PET is one of the most highly recyclable plastics on the planet. In terms of recycling numbers, PET is represented by resin code #1 inside of the chasing arrows triangle.

Thanks to advancements in recycling technology, PET’s versatility and lifespan have continued to rise. However, despite its status as a leader in plastic recyclability, rPET is not an infinitely sustainable material.

 

What is the Difference between PET and rPET Packaging?

PET and rPET are both made from the same thermoplastic polymer resin, but PET refers to virgin plastic material, while rPET refers to the recycled material. PET is one of the most common plastics and is a highly recyclable material. It can be recycled into many different products, from pet beds to clothing, carpets, paneling, and more.

For both PET and rPET, the original quality of the plastic matters. Some PET may be suitable for food-grade applications, like peanut butter or salad dressing, while other PET or rPET may be better for pallet strapping or fiberfill. 

How rPET Packaging Supports Sustainable Business Practices

The great thing about rPET is that it allows us to give used plastics a second life and helps prevent disposed of plastics from becoming waste while reducing the demand for new plastic packaging. 

Recycled PET offers several environmental benefits, all of which can assist companies in contributing to the circular economy:

• Reduce waste: Plastic waste can be ingested by animals and marine life. It contaminates food chains and damages habitats. When you reduce plastic waste, you also reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and the ocean.
• Lowered carbon emissions: According to data by ALPLA and c7-consult, recycled plastic reduces carbon consumption by up to 87% compared to virgin materials. This highlights the significant climate protection benefits of using recycled plastics and the importance of regional bottle-to-bottle recycling loops.
• Save fossil fuels: Recycling plastic waste significantly reduces the use of fossil fuels, energy consumption, and landfill waste. This results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced carbon footprints, positively impacting both the global economy and job creation. Recycling just one ton of plastic can save around 130 million kilojoules of energy. 
• 100% recyclable: rPET is fully recyclable, meaning it can be reprocessed multiple times, though degradation can occur with each recycling process. Made purely from polyethylene terephthalate, it lacks additives like PP or PS, simplifying recycling. Its purity supports the circular economy, reducing new plastic production, conserving resources, cutting energy use, and minimizing environmental impact.

If your business has set ambitious goals to support climate initiatives or has made specific commitments to reduce its carbon footprint, rPET can help you meet those sustainability promises. By incorporating rPET, your brand can significantly contribute to environmental solutions.

Types of rPET Packaging Containers

Recycled PET can be transformed into a variety of packaging containers suitable for businesses in different industries. The way you utilize it should align not only with your product offerings but also with the expectations your customers have established for your brand.

rPET Bottles

Whether you need a Cylinder Round, Boston Round, or Airless Pump Bottle, you can find an array of packaging options made from rPET to fit your needs. rPET bottles can be used for a variety of applications including food, beverages, chemicals, cosmetics, lotions, creams, lab supplies, beverages, or edible oils.

rPET Jars

Double-walled Jars made from rPET are a great option for personal care products, such as lotions, hair care, and other cosmetic products. Square Pinch Grip Jars made from rPET are great for bulk spices, snacks, and nuts. Just like bottles, jars come in an array of shapes and sizes depending on the product application.

Considerations When Choosing rPET Containers for Packaging

Before selecting an rPET container, it’s important to consider its effects on your revenue, customer perception, brand quality, and overall sustainability objectives. Next, we’ll look at some of the key factors to keep in mind before making your decision.

Compatibility with Your Products

Not every type of rPET is suitable for every application. The safety and usability of rPET products can vary significantly based on factors such as the original material and the recycling processes used by different manufacturers. For instance, when a soda bottle is recycled for the first time, it may be safe to repurpose it for new beverage packaging, whether that’s soda, water, or smoothies. 

Using recycled plastic for food packaging is possible, but it should be done with caution. Processes such as the closed-loop recycling system are great for safety and sustainability. 

In some situations, the recycled material is no longer feasible for certain types of packaging and can only be used for industrial uses, such as carpeting or textiles.

Given the increasing concerns about microplastics, safety should always be a priority when dealing with plastics. By choosing a reputable supplier, you can mitigate the risk of contamination and ensure that the recycled plastic is safe for your customers.

Meeting Regulatory and Industry Standards

Regardless of the quality of the original plastic or the advanced technology in a recycling plant, you can’t recycle rPET forever. Over time, the plastic will degrade to a point where it becomes unstable or unsafe for product use. 

To comply with regulatory and industry standards, it’s necessary to be mindful of the materials you use. Consulting with a packaging expert can ensure you remain compliant, particularly if you are held to strict industry regulations. If your products are manufactured in a less regulated environment, consider exceeding the minimum standards, especially if your brand promotes sustainability.

Challenges and Solutions in rPET Packaging Adoption

Adopting rPET is a process that you’ll want to implement gradually. While many companies are generally supportive of recycled packaging due to its potential for cost savings in production and transportation, there are challenges to consider. It’s important to have a clear understanding of these challenges before embarking on the process.

Supply chain and availability

Supply chains are unpredictable and often do not operate as smoothly as companies or consumers expect. Some challenges that you could run into include:

• Limited availability due to poor waste collection practices.
• Inconsistent quality of the rPET material.
• The high cost of processing recycled plastic and difficulties sorting and cleaning can affect collection rates and accessibility.

In addition, entire supply chains can be crippled if the plastic is contaminated with pollutants. You may need to develop a few contingency plans if you adopt rPET, especially if you work with higher volumes.

Quality and Durability Concerns

Unfortunately, PET cannot be recycled endlessly. With each recycling cycle, the quality and strength of the end product diminishes slightly. While this difference might go unnoticed for the first few iterations, it can become more significant with repeated recycling. If your business focuses on high-end products, you may need to be cautious about the types of recycled PET you use in order to preserve your brand’s reputation.

Cost and Price Volatility

Plastic’s cost and price volatility can fluctuate over time. If demand for PET increases just as industry regulations become more stringent, the price can swing drastically. While all products and services are subject to the inevitable laws of supply and demand, some businesses may find rPET too risky.

Consumer Perceptions of rPET Packaging

Many consumers appreciate sustainable options, but there’s a lack of understanding about the benefits and safety of rPET packaging. There’s a common misconception that recycled materials are inherently of lower quality or less hygienic than virgin plastics. 

Clear communication and education can help shift perceptions positively, building trust and acceptance over time. This process is crucial for the long-term success of rPET packaging adoption in packaging strategies.

How to Source rPET Packaging for Your Business

We’ve addressed several key considerations for sourcing rPET. You can mitigate most challenges, including inevitable price volatility, by choosing the right supplier. Here are a few additional questions to consider before deciding how and where to source your plastic:

• Does the supplier understand your business? The type of plastic you use can significantly impact your sales, so it’s crucial to find a supplier who can support both your revenue and sustainability goals.
• Can you customize the design? Whether you want your product to stand out on the shelves with a bold color or have ergonomic packaging, a good supplier should have the tools and flexible technology necessary to achieve the design you want.
• Do they have a solid reputation? A reputable supplier will not only provide you with an environmentally friendly choice but also excel in areas like regulatory compliance and customer service.

rPET Packaging FAQs

What Types of Products Are Best Suited for rPET Packaging?

RPET packaging is best suited for products that require durability, clarity, and recyclability. Common applications include:

• Beverage Bottles 
• Food Containers
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Household & Cleaning Products
• Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

How Does rPET Compare to Other Sustainable Packaging Options?

RPET offers a balance between sustainability, performance, and cost but has trade-offs compared to other materials:

Material	Pros	Cons
rPET	Recyclable, reduces virgin plastic use, high clarity, strong, lightweight	Quality degrades after multiple recycling cycles, limited recycling infrastructure in some regions
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate, Bioplastic)	Made from renewable resources (derived from microorganisms), non toxic, biodegradable	High production cost, limited functionality, and susceptible to heat
PLA (Polylactic Acid, Bioplastic)	Made from renewable sources (corn, sugarcane), compostable (in industrial conditions)	Not widely recyclable, requires specific composting facilities, can contaminate PET recycling streams
Glass	100% recyclable, reusable, maintains product integrity (no leaching)	Heavy, high transportation emissions, fragile
Aluminum	Infinitely recyclable, lightweight, durable	Energy-intensive production, potential taste impact on beverages, coatings can affect sustainability and recyclability
Paper-Based Packaging	Biodegradable, recyclable, renewable source	Requires coatings for moisture resistance, lower durability than plastics

How Can Businesses Encourage the Recycling of rPET Packaging?

To increase rPET recycling rates, businesses can:

• Design for Recyclability: Use clear rPET instead of colored versions, avoid complex multi-material packaging, and reduce non-recyclable labels. Learn more about designing for sustainability. 
• Educate Consumers: Clearly label packaging with recycling instructions and promote awareness campaigns.
• Partner with Recycling Programs: Support or establish take-back programs and collaborate with local recyclers.
• Incentivize Recycling: Implement deposit return programs to encourage consumer participation.
• Use High-Post-Consumer Content: Increase demand for recycled material by committing to higher percentages of rPET in new packaging.

What is the Future of rPET Packaging in the Industry?

The future of rPET is shaped by:

• Increasing Regulations: Governments worldwide are pushing for higher recycled content mandates (e.g., the EU requires 25% rPET in bottles by 2025, moving up to 30% in 2030, the U.S. has state-level mandates and PCR content laws).
• Technological Advancements: Enhanced sorting and cleaning technologies, like chemical recycling, could improve rPET quality and increase recyclability.
• Growing Brand Commitments: More brands are pledging to use rPET to meet sustainability goals, driving demand and innovation.
• Supply Chain Challenges: Limited access to high-quality recycled PET remains a bottleneck, potentially leading to higher costs.
• Consumer Expectations: As sustainability awareness grows, consumers increasingly favor brands using recycled materials, pushing for more rPET adoption.

Make the Switch to rPET Packaging with Paramount Global

Adopting eco-friendly packaging is not just a strategic choice for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts; it is a necessary step toward a more responsible and eco-conscious future. By choosing rPET, companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact, help close the loop in the circular economy, and appeal to an increasingly environmentally aware consumer base. 

At Paramount Global, we can help you transition to rPET packaging. We partner with businesses like yours across industries to simplify their packaging and supply chain solutions. Making the switch to more sustainable packaging will enhance your brand image and help you align with evolving policies and packaging regulations. 

Ready to make the switch to sustainable packaging? Paramount Global is here to help. Our rPET solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance your brand’s reputation and compliance with evolving regulations. Contact us today to speak with a packaging specialist and take the next step toward a more sustainable future!