Chemco pioneers circularity in Asia with launch of in-house rPET production

This strategic vertical integration, powered by the new Starlinger Recostar PET art line, establishes Chemco’s commitment to building a truly circular packaging ecosystem. 

For over three decades, Chemco has supplied rigid and flexible packaging to global beverage and FMCG brands. By extending its expertise into recycling, the company is now closing the loop internally, eliminating long-distance transport, reducing its carbon footprint, and ensuring end-to-end traceability from post-consumer collection to conversion. This move strengthens both supply security and sustainability performance for its partners.

As per the company release, "Chemco's rPET operation sources used PET bottles through approved collection networks, which are then AI-sorted, washed, and processed into high-purity PET flakes. These flakes undergo an advanced, resource-conscious polycondensation process to create food-grade rPET pellets." The press note added, "This innovative system is designed to deliver consistent intrinsic viscosity (IV) and mechanical strength comparable to virgin PET."

The resulting rPET resin has secured international standards, including EFSA and US FDA approvals, for direct food-contact use. The new recycling line integrates washing line and solid-state polymerisation line, representing one of the region’s most advanced infrastructures for PET processing.

The shift to in-house production offers a decisive quality advantage, with every batch undergoing strict laboratory analysis for IV, colour, clarity, and acetaldehyde levels. This control allows Chemco to precisely meet customer requirements for recycled content without compromising aesthetics or performance.

This investment is directly aligned with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Plastic Waste Management frameworks, positioning Chemco as a trusted long-term partner for global brands striving to achieve carbon-reduction and EPR goals. As demand for recycled content continues to rise, Chemco is not just meeting compliance but is reinforcing its role as a responsible industry leader, with plans to expand capacity and improve recovery efficiency.

As per the company spokesperson, "Chemco's approach extends beyond compliance, embedding sustainability into its vision for the future of packaging and proving that progress and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand."