Brand commitments and regulation are pushing recycled content up the procurement agenda. Recycled PET (rPET) is the most established recycled polymer, but buying it well means understanding grade, food-contact status and documentation.
Food-grade vs fibre-grade
Food-grade rPET is produced and certified for direct food contact - essential for bottles and food packaging. Fibre-grade rPET is intended for polyester fibre, strapping and non-food applications. Specifying the wrong one is a costly mistake.
Watch intrinsic viscosity (IV)
Just like virgin PET, rPET performance depends on IV. Bottle and preform lines need a higher IV; fibre lines run lower. Recycled streams can vary, so consistent IV and good documentation matter even more.
Documentation makes the claim
- COA confirming grade and IV.
- Traceability of post-consumer or post-industrial origin.
- Records that support your recycled-content reporting and any third-party scheme.
Plan for variability
Recycled feedstock is less uniform than virgin. Build in a little process latitude, qualify the grade on a trial run, and keep a consistent supply relationship so quality stays stable.
Source rPET with documentation
We supply food- and fibre-grade rPET with COA and traceability. See recycled PET and recycled & bio polymers, or contact the sourcing desk.