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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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