The Chetan Jain Column: Recycled PET

The flexible packaging industry is experiencing a shift in its regular practices. This shift is not unpredictable. It is the preference of recycled PET (rPET). Shrink sleeve packaging with rPET has given a new life to recycling.

I have been working in the shrink sleeve packaging industry for almost two decades. It is an experience that has changed my perspective of life. I have lived packaging throughout my life, and I have learned that creativity is the essence, but it had to be included with practical implementation. rPET is the perfect mixture that defines it. I have written about the sustainable substrates in my second book — 5 Myths about Sustainable Shrink Sleeves — and received various inputs from all of you.

The future of flexible packaging is this combination, and indeed rPET is the scope. As the name suggests, rPET deals with already used and recycled plastic. This is an excellent opportunity to utilise loitering plastics in the environment. A welcoming move by Indian government has recently permitted that newly manufactured PET bottles must contain 30% post-consumer recyclate. A similar kind of rule will come to the fore in the near future for the flexible packaging industry.

Taurus has recently come up with rPET shrink sleeves to cater the growing sustainable market in flexible shrink sleeves. The percentage share of rPET was thoughtfully done to consider the current industry situation and the objective to provide quality products to consumer. One must be accustomed to the benefits and drawback in its initial phase to prepare for the full-scale application. 

rPET is perfectly safe and easy for food packaging. Giving good results is clarity and great results in shrinking ability. It is widely used by multinational corporations to deal with less carbon footprint. In India, the use has been in its initial phase, however we are receiving promising response from the brand. It is giving them opportunity to limit the expanding virgin plastic use, support government in recycling and gain benefits. 

Using rPET is a win-win situation. Brands can be in-line with government regulations and reduce their carbon footprint. On top of this, they can benefit the consumer with good results and an optimistic future.