There’s a subtle change coming up in your local supermarket, but it’s changing the face of the world!

There’s a subtle change coming up in your local supermarket, but it’s changing the face of the world!

Giants in the FMCG industry are making a significant mark in an almost imperceptible way. Today, anywhere in India, you can pick up a 200ml Coca-Cola bottle and it will have a proud label that says it is made from 100% recycled PET. Similarly, Clear Premium Water has established a use case for higher volume supply of bigger bottles with their first batch of 100% recycled 1L water bottles that were distributed at the 38th National Games held at Uttarakhand.

Upon visual inspection, there is no clear distinction between these and virgin PET bottles for the consumers. The appearance, feel, and functionality of the packaging feels the same as before. However, there is a critical difference now: these circular products are the future of sustainable packaging, using recycled resources instead of new. 

A transformation is currently in progress. Leading global brands are transitioning to food-grade recycled PET (rPET) for their packaging, a decision that is motivated by both corporate responsibility and regulatory requirements. Industry leaders, including Coca-Cola, Diageo, Britannia, and Clear Premium Water, have already initiated the transition to circular packaging solutions in anticipation of India’s rPET mandate, which requires a minimum of 30% post consumer recyclate in plastic packaging by April 2025.

Even with some of the largest FMCG brands switching to a circular solution for their packaging needs, there are still many questions in the minds of producers and brand owners about the safety and supply of recycled PET for their needs. This blog addresses these concerns and offers a comprehensive overview of rPET, including its certifications, safety standards, impact on sustainability objectives, and strategic business advantages.

rPET: A Breakthrough in Sustainable Packaging

For an extended period, traditional PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) has been the preferred material for food and beverage packaging due to its inert physical and chemical properties. However, its extensive use has made a substantial contribution to the global plastic waste problem. rPET provides a transformative solution by substantially reducing the environmental impact while maintaining the same clarity, strength, and durability as virgin PET.

rPET, in contrast to conventional plastic, is a building block of a circular economy by collecting, processing, and reintroducing post-consumer PET waste as high-quality packaging material, rather than disposing of conventional plastic in landfills and marine ecosystems. 

It is crucial to emphasize that food grade recycled PET is produced from food grade PET, which guarantees that the final product meets the most stringent safety and quality standards. This rigorous procedure renders rPET not only a viable alternative, but also a commercially sound and environmentally responsible choice.

Regulatory Backing: A Mandate for Change

A definitive framework for sustainable packaging has been established in India in the form of the Plastic Waste Management Rules Act. This requirement will be gradually increased until most plastic packaging is being recycled and brought back in the value chain, thereby reinforcing the nation’s dedication to environmental stewardship and circularity.

For forward-thinking brands, this mandate is not merely a compliance requirement, it is an opportunity to lead in sustainable innovation.

Ensuring Safety & Quality: Addressing Key Concerns

A prevailing misconception regarding recycled PET (rPET) is whether it upholds the same safety and durability standards as virgin PET. However, food-grade rPET is subjected to rigorous testing and regulatory scrutiny to ensure absolute compliance with global food safety standards.

Certified for Food Safety

The suitability of rPET for food contact is contingent upon its quality and adherence to stringent industry benchmarks. When manufactured to the highest standards, rPET meets the following globally recognized certifications:

✔ FSSAI (India) – Complies with Indian food safety regulations
✔ US FDA – Recognized as safe for food-contact applications
✔ EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) – Approved for food packaging within the EU

These certifications affirm that high-quality rPET is not only a sustainable alternative but also a safe and compliant solution for food-grade packaging worldwide.

Stringent Quality Control & Performance Testing

To maintain structural integrity and uphold the highest quality standards, manufacturers subject recycled PET (rPET) to extensive testing. These evaluations ensure that rPET performs identically to virgin PET, without compromise.

Comprehensive Testing Protocols

✔ Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) Testing – Assesses strength and durability
✔ Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) – Detects impurities at a molecular level
✔ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) – Verifies chemical structure stability
✔ Migration Testing – Confirms that no harmful substances leach into food and beverages
✔ Mechanical Stress Tests – Validates packaging integrity under pressure

Through these stringent assessments, food-grade rPET ensures safety, reliability, and sustainability, making it a viable alternative to virgin PET in food and beverage packaging.

Seamless Integration & Reliable Supply: The Business Advantage of rPET

One of the most compelling advantages of recycled PET (rPET) is its effortless integration into existing PET packaging infrastructure. Brands can adopt rPET without requiring costly machinery upgrades, making the transition both cost-effective and operationally efficient.

A Robust Supply Chain, Built for Scale

✔ Established PET Recycling Ecosystem – India boasts a well-developed PET recycling infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality post-consumer PET. With millions of bottles collected daily, material shortages are not a concern.

✔ Expanding rPET Manufacturing Capacity – The country’s large-scale recycling facilities operate at full efficiency, meeting the escalating demand for food-grade rPET.

✔ Scalable Supply Networks – Industry leaders have built robust, high-capacity supply chains that ensure:

• A consistent and reliable flow of food-grade rPET
• Sufficient production capacity to accommodate future industry needs
• Stringent quality control at every stage of recycling and processing

For brands aiming to future-proof their packaging strategies, rPET is not a challenge but a competitive advantage—a solution that aligns with sustainability goals while maintaining efficiency and performance.

rPET: A Strategic Business Decision for ESG & Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern—it has become a core business priority. Consumers, investors, and regulators are increasingly advocating for environmentally responsible packaging solutions, making recycled PET (rPET) a strategic choice for brands. Beyond environmental benefits, rPET aligns with corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, while also delivering tangible business advantages.

Aligning with ESG & Global Sustainability Goals

✔ Lower Carbon Footprint – rPET production emits up to 79% less CO₂ compared to virgin PET, significantly reducing environmental impact.

✔ Circular Economy Contribution – By repurposing existing plastic, rPET reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes sustainable resource utilization.

✔ Plastic Waste Reduction – rPET keeps PET out of landfills and marine ecosystems, addressing one of the most pressing global environmental challenges.

✔ Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – rPET aligns directly with:

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) – Encouraging efficient resource use and waste reduction.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action) – Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate resilience initiatives.

For brands committed to sustainability, compliance, and long-term growth, adopting rPET is not just an option—it is a strategic advantage that meets global environmental objectives while reinforcing corporate responsibility.

Meeting Consumer Expectations

Today’s consumers actively prioritize sustainability. Research indicates:

🔹 73% of global consumers are willing to modify consumption habits to reduce environmental impact
🔹 57% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging
🔹 Brands using rPET can enhance consumer trust through transparency and eco-labeling

As sustainability continues to shape purchasing decisions, brands that proactively adopt rPET will strengthen consumer loyalty and market positioning.

rPET vs. Other Sustainable Packaging Alternatives

While several sustainable packaging options exist, rPET consistently emerges as the most scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally viable solution:

For brands seeking a practical, high-performance alternative to virgin PET, rPET remains the most compelling choice, especially in India where we have a collection rate of more than 90% for PET bottles. 

The Future is Clear: rPET is Here to Stay

The transition to food-grade rPET is no longer a matter of choice—it is an industry-wide transformation. Leading brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Britannia, Diageo, and Clear PANI have already embraced rPET, reinforcing the shift toward sustainable packaging solutions.

As environmental regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, rPET enables brands to meet their ESG commitments while fostering greater transparency and trust. With a well-established supply chain, proven quality assurance, and seamless integration into existing operations, rPET offers a future-ready packaging solution that is both sustainable and commercially viable.

Partner with Go Rewise: Leading the Change in Sustainable Packaging

At Go Rewise, we specialize in high-quality, food-grade rPET solutions designed for large-scale commercial applications. Our expertise extends beyond material supply—we provide comprehensive support on certifications, supply chain reliability, and sustainability impact, ensuring a seamless transition to rPET.

Join the industry leaders who are redefining packaging sustainability and setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility. Together, we can build a future where responsible packaging is the standard.

Get in touch with us today at marketing@gorewise.com or contact us to explore how rPET can transform your packaging strategy.