Large-scale demonstration of viability of recycled PET (rPET) in retail packaging

The specific objectives for the project were:

to demonstrate the large scale feasibility of using recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) in retail packaging applications.
to establish producer acceptabilit of using recycled material and overcome real or perceived barriers. build confidence in rPET and, by stimulating market demand, boost recovery rates for PET packaging materials.
to generate information to be disseminated and made publicly available by WRAP.
to facilitate and encourage the increased use of rPET in further retail packaging applications.

Two projects ran in parallel:

Closed Loop London working with M&S and Boots
Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE)

The projects started in the summer 2004 and completed at the end of March 2006.

The projects included:

producing bottles and thermoformed trays with up to 50% rPET inclusion.
Using four different types of approved food grade rPET resin.
Technical appraisal of rPET content packaging.
Trialling flake and pellet forms of rPET.
Consumer perception survey of rPET content packaging.
Investigating the logistical challenges to rPET use

To download the reports, click on the links below:

For further information contact Peter Skelton, Key Account Manager - Brands & Suppliers (01295 819 651).

A plastic container of pasta salad from M&Sr-PET projectCheck with Peter Skelton before use

A Diet Coke bottler-PET projectCheck with Peter Skelton before use

Boots toiletries packaging, ingredients product shots, R-PET ProjectCheck with Peter Skelton before using