Not All rPET is the Same—And That Shapes Its Use

Most people assume that recycled plastic is just recycled plastic. But if you have worked in packaging or manufacturing, you know that is not true.

The reality is that not all rPET is the same, and using the wrong type of rPET resin can lead to weak packaging, compromised safety, and consumer distrust. When that happens, rPET as a whole gets a bad reputation.

We have seen this play out in real-time very often. A company makes the switch to rPET, only to find that their bottles are collapsing, their packaging is turning cloudy, or their fibers are breaking too easily. The issue here is not with rPET granules. it is that they were given the wrong type of rPET for their application.

There is a way to making rPET work as well as virgin PET.  And that begins with understanding Intrinsic Viscosity (IV). Choosing rPET resin with the right IV level can make the difference between high-performance, durable packaging and a costly manufacturing failure.

That is why we are breaking it down here. If you are a manufacturer looking to use rPET resin 0.8 IV or 0.84 IV, here is everything you need to know to get it right.

What is rPET Resin and Why Does IV Matter?

Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) is at the heart of sustainable plastic packaging today. It is made from post-consumer PET bottles, processed through advanced recycling methods to create a material that performs like virgin PET but with a significantly lower environmental impact.

But rPET quality is not one-size-fits-all. One of the most important factors in determining how rPET behaves in different applications is Intrinsic Viscosity (IV).

What is Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) and Why is it Important?

Essentially, Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) measures how strong, durable, and processable the rPET resin is. It is expressed in deciliters per gram (dL/g) and plays a major role in applications like food packaging, textile fibres, and industrial uses.

• Higher IV means the material is stronger, stiffer, and more heat-resistant.
• Lower IV means the material is easier to process, more flexible, and flows better during moulding.

Manufacturers must choose the right IV level for their specific needs. If the IV is too low, the material may be too weak for its intended use. If it is too high, it may be difficult to process, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs.

Now, let’s look at rPET resin 0.8 IV and 0.84 IV, their differences, and which one works best for your application.

Understanding rPET Resin 0.8 IV & 0.84 IV

At JB ECOTEX, we produce high-quality, food-grade rPET resins with IV values of 0.8 and 0.84, tailored to different industries.

rPET Resin 0.8 IV: Versatile and Efficient

Best for:

• Standard PET packaging (bottles, thermoformed containers, trays)
• Food-grade rPET applications
• Blow molding and extrusion

Why choose 0.8 IV?

• Easier processability – Ideal for manufacturers using blow molding and extrusion techniques, ensuring smooth production.
• High clarity and strength – While slightly lower than 0.84 IV, it still offers great mechanical properties for rigid packaging.
• Widely accepted for food applications – Meets USFDA standards for safe food contact, making it an excellent choice for sustainable packaging.

rPET Resin 0.84 IV: Stronger, More Durable

Best for:

• Heavy-duty PET packaging (carbonated beverage bottles, thick-walled containers)
• Stronger food and pharma-grade PET packaging
• Textile fibre production (polyester staple fiber, filament yarns)

Why choose 0.84 IV?

• Greater mechanical strength – Helps maintain rigidity and structural integrity, especially for products requiring heat resistance or higher impact strength.
• Better chemical resistance – Ideal for carbonated beverage bottles, where pressure and durability are key.
• Used in textiles – Perfect for polyester staple fiber and technical textile applications.

Both 0.8 IV and 0.84 IV rPET resins offer reliable, sustainable, and regulatory-compliant solutions for manufacturers looking to switch to recycled materials without compromising performance.

How JB ECOTEX Produces High-Purity rPET Resin

At JB ECOTEX, our mechanical B2B rPET resin production process is designed to achieve the highest level of purity, consistency, and compliance.

Our Process

✔ Collection & Sorting
We collect post-consumer PET bottles from verified sources and sort them to ensure only food-grade materials enter our recycling stream.

✔ Advanced Washing & Decontamination
Using state-of-the-art cleaning technology, we remove labels, adhesives, and contaminants, ensuring the PET flakes are free from impurities.

✔ Erema VACUNITE Technology
Our Erema VACUNITE system is one of the world’s most advanced PET recycling technologies, offering:

• Deep decontamination to remove harmful substances
• Preservation of intrinsic viscosity (IV) levels
• Enhanced thermal stability to reduce polymer degradation

✔ Pelletizing & Quality Testing
The purified PET is converted into high-quality rPET granules, which undergo strict testing for IV consistency, chemical safety, and migration performance.

✔ Food-Safe Certification & Delivery
Our rPET resins meet FDA standards, making them suitable for direct food-contact applications.

🔗 Learn more about our rPET production process

What Recent Laws in India Mean for rPET Usage

The Indian government has introduced new regulations on plastic waste and recycling, pushing manufacturers toward sustainable alternatives like rPET.

Key Regulations Impacting rPET Use in India

✔ Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022
Mandates that food and beverage companies must use a minimum percentage of recycled plastic in their packaging.

✔ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastics
Brands are now required to collect, recycle, or reuse a percentage of the plastic they produce, encouraging the adoption of rPET resin.

✔ FSSAI Approval for Food-Grade rPET
For the first time, FSSAI has approved rPET for direct food contact, provided it meets strict decontamination and purity requirements.

Why IV Matters in Sustainable Packaging

Using the wrong rPET can lead to poor-quality packaging and a bad reputation for recycled plastics. But when the right IV level is chosen, rPET performs just as well as virgin PET.

At JB ECOTEX, we ensure that our rPET resin 0.8 IV and 0.84 IV meet global safety and performance standards, allowing manufacturers to:

✔ Reduce reliance on virgin PET without compromising quality
✔ Maintain high strength, clarity, and safety in food-contact applications
✔ Meet sustainability goals while ensuring smooth production processes

If you are considering switching to FDA approved rPET resin, we are here to help. Let’s make sustainability a standard in your production process.