rPET is recycled PET — the same polymer as a normal PET bottle, made from collected and reprocessed used bottles instead of virgin (oil-based) resin.

Used bottles are sorted, washed, ground into flake and re-pelletised; for food use the flake must pass a certified super-clean process authorised by EFSA or the FDA.

Is rPET the same as virgin PET?

Chemically yes — it is the same polymer, just from the recycling stream. Food-grade rPET performs like virgin, with tight control of colour and IV.

Is all rPET food-safe?

No — only rPET from a certified super-clean process (EFSA/FDA) is food-safe; uncertified recyclate goes into fibre, strapping or non-food packaging.

How much rPET can go in a bottle?

From 25% up to 100%; the EU mandates 25% in PET bottles from 2025 and 30% from 2030. Higher content can add slight colour or haze, managed with resin selection.

What Is rPET (Recycled PET)? A Plain Guide

rPET is recycled PET — the same plastic as a normal PET bottle, made from used bottles instead of virgin resin. Here is what it is, how it is made, and where it can and cannot be used.

What rPET is

rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) is PET resin produced from collected, sorted and reprocessed PET waste — mostly used bottles. Chemically it is the same polymer as virgin PET; it is simply sourced from the recycling stream rather than from crude-oil feedstock.

How rPET is made

Collected bottles are sorted by colour, washed, ground into flake, and re-pelletised. For food-contact use the flake must pass a certified super-clean decontamination process authorised by EFSA (EU) or the FDA (US); without that authorisation the recyclate is only suitable for non-food products.

Food-grade vs standard rPET

Not all rPET is food-safe. Certified food-grade rPET can go back into bottles for water, CSD and more; uncertified rPET goes into fibre, strapping, sheet or non-food packaging. Always confirm the process authorisation — see the rPET food-contact buyer guide.

How much rPET can a bottle have?

Blends from 25% up to 100% rPET are achievable; higher recycled content can add slight colour or haze, managed with resin selection. The EU now mandates 25% rPET in PET bottles (2025) rising to 30% (2030) — see how recyclable is PET.

Why use rPET

Each kilogram of rPET displaces virgin PET and its carbon — roughly 2.34 vs 0.60 kg CO₂e per kg. Model the saving for your volume in the rPET cost vs CO₂ economics guide.

rPET at Delta

Delta El Nile for Industry supplies food-grade rPET-ready preforms across most weight classes, in 25–100% blends. Build an RFQ with your recycled-content target and we will confirm the grade.