Is recycled PET (rPET) approved for food contact?

Food-contact rPET must come from an approved super-clean recycling process — EFSA authorisation in the EU, FDA LNO in the US. Always ask your supplier for the process authorisation behind their rPET.

How much recycled content can a PET preform have?

Blends from 25% up to 100% rPET are achievable. Higher rPET can add slight yellowing or haze, which a good preform programme manages with resin selection and IV control.

What should I ask a supplier before buying food-grade rPET?

The EFSA/FDA process authorisation behind the recyclate, the achievable recycled-content blend, and how colour and haze are controlled at your target rPET level.

rPET for Food Contact: A Procurement Buyer’s Guide

Q: Does rPET reduce carbon emissions?

Yes — each kg of rPET displaces virgin PET and its associated CO₂e. Model the exact saving for your volume and recycled-content level in the Carbon Calculator.

Recycled PET (rPET) cuts carbon and meets recycled-content mandates, but food-contact use carries compliance and quality requirements virgin PET doesn’t. Here’s what to check before you specify it.

Compliance first

Food-contact rPET must come from approved super-clean recycling processes (EFSA in the EU, FDA LNO in the US). Ask your supplier for the process authorisation behind the resin, not just a recycled-content percentage.

How much rPET?

Blends from 25 % up to 100 % rPET are achievable. Higher rPET can add slight yellowing or haze; a good preform programme manages this with resin selection and IV control. Delta supplies rPET-ready preforms across most weight classes.

Quantify the saving

Each kg of rPET displaces virgin PET and its associated CO₂e. Model the exact saving for your volume and recycled-content level in the Carbon Calculator, and see Delta’s approach on the Sustainability and rPET packaging pages.