rPET Packaging Takes Off
May
5
Written by:
5/5/2009 8:26 AM
rPET Packaging Takes Off
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) is rapidly gaining acceptance as a resin for use in packaging containers. Growing environmental concerns among both consumers and governments are creating higher demand for sustainable products. At the same time, rising costs for plastic packaging have forced packaging producers to consider other options. rPET was one of the fastest growing packaging materials in 2008.
The material is formed by washing, melting and then reforming PET granules into sheet or film for thermoforming or bottles. Current applications for rPET are mostly in bottles and thermoformed sheet products.
The resin received a big boost after three UK consumer goods companies demonstrated the potential to use rPET in packaging for both food and non-food products. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Marks & Spencer and Boots each completed year-long trials between 2005 and 2006 which demonstrated that rPET can meet the technical, commercial and safety requirements demanded by the retail sector, and is accepted by consumers. All three project participants are currently using or intend to use rPET on a commercial scale.
Huhtamaki announced in early 2008 that the closure of the company's Northern Ireland production site was the net result of the company’s shift towards more recoverable and renewable polymers like rPET. Huhtamaki was one of the first companies to introduce food packaging made of rPET, launching thermoformed packs in August 2007.
In August 2008, ConAgra Foods began using rPET in frozen ready meal trays. Trays for ConAgra brands such as Healthy Choice, Banquet, Kid Cuisine and Marie Callender’s products now consist of 30 to 40 per cent rPET. The trays are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as direct food contact material.
In early 2009, Phoenix Technologies introduced a production line enabling commercial production of rPET food grade resin that overcomes typical performance challenges of the material. The company’s LNOc technology produces rPET with superior color and yield and lower acetaldehyde levels than other methods. The LNOc resin was developed for water bottles, but can also be used for fresh food containers and beverage bottles.