How B2B rPET is Enabling India’s Circular Economy Transition — 2025 Update
Plastic Circularity at a Crossroads
India is undergoing a major transformation in plastic waste management, led by policy shifts under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, and the enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
In this context, B2B rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) has emerged as a key enabler of closed-loop recycling systems. It supports the reuse of post-consumer PET bottles into new packaging, especially for food-grade applications, by complying with regulatory standards issued by FSSAI and global bodies such as the US FDA and EFSA (EU).
At JB Ecotex Pvt Ltd, we have implemented verified super-clean recycling technologies, enabling the safe reuse of PET in B2B applications, particularly in bottle-to-bottle manufacturing.
What Makes rPET a Circular Solution
Closed-Loop vs Open-Loop
Unlike open-loop recycling (which typically downcycles PET into textiles or strapping), B2B rPET supports a closed-loop recycling, converting used PET bottles into new bottles or food-grade packaging materials. This process:
- Reduces demand for virgin PET
- Keeps plastic in use longer
- Aligns with India’s circular economy roadmap under Mission LiFE and Swachh Bharat initiatives
FSSAI & EPR Policy Framework (2021–2025)
FSSAI Guidelines on rPET in Food Packaging
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under its 2021 notification, permits the use of recycled plastics in food-contact applications subject to stringent process controls. Key conditions include:
- Use of super-clean recycling technologies (e.g., SSP, melt-in, decontamination systems)
- Validation that rPET meets the required safety thresholds (e.g., contaminant removal, IV retention)
These also somewhat align with international standards such as:
- US FDA 21 CFR §177.1630 (recycled plastics in food-contact)
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on rPET for food use (e.g., EFSA-Q-2018-00380)
EPR Compliance in India
Under the PWM (Amendment) Rules 2022, EPR obligations now include:
- Traceable collection and recycling of post-consumer plastic
- Reuse of recycled content in new packaging
- Fulfilment of annual recovery targets (quantified in MT)
All Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) must file EPR plans via the CPCB online portal. Use of certified rPET is considered compliant when traceability is proven.
For B2B applications, this creates demand for high-quality, food-safe rPET, particularly in the beverage and FMCG sectors.
At JB Ecotex Ltd, we are proud to be among the select rPET manufacturers in India to hold both FSSAI approval for food-grade recycled PET and US FDA No Objection Letter (NOL) for food-contact compliance. These certifications validate our use of super-clean recycling technologies and stringent quality protocols, ensuring that our rPET meets the highest standards for safety, traceability, and international export readiness.
JB Ecotex’s Verified Technology Stack
VACUREMA® Prime (Erema GmbH, Austria)
We use VACUREMA® Prime, a globally recognized system for PET recycling. Features include:
- Decontamination in a vacuum/nitrogen atmosphere
- Removal of low molecular weight substances
- Pre-drying and melt filtration
This technology is included in EFSA-approved processes and widely used by global beverage brands.
Solid State Polycondensation (SSP)
SSP enhances the material’s:
- Intrinsic Viscosity (IV): Maintains strength for bottle-blow moulding
- Colour clarity: Minimises yellowing
- Thermal stability: Prevents degradation during blow moulding
All processes are monitored for:
- IV consistency (typical values: 0.78–0.84 dL/g, depending on end-use)
- Contaminant levels (monitored via GC-MS and headspace analysis)
As the demand for FSSAI approved rPET continues to rise, we remain committed to investing in advanced recycling innovations that meet both domestic and global expectations. Our focus on bottle-to-bottle recycling in India ensures that we not only comply with regulatory standards but also support the evolving needs of brands seeking scalable, food-grade, and circular packaging solutions.
Certifications and Quality Control for B2B rPET
We are certified for:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- ISO 15270 – Guidelines for the recovery and recycling of plastics waste
Every batch of our B2B rPET is subject to:
- Heavy metal screening
- Moisture and ash content testing
- IV analysis via Ubbelohde viscomete
- Colourimetry (YI values)
For manufacturers looking to stay ahead in sustainable packaging, certifications and quality controls play a critical role. Our compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 15270, and approvals for rPET resins under FSSAI guidelines ensures that the materials we supply meet the highest standards for safety and quality. This gives our partners the confidence to use B2B rPET in food-contact and export applications, while actively contributing to larger goals in circular economy recycling.
Market Outlook and Verified Statistics For B2B rPET Resins
The rise of FSSAI approved rPET and advancements in bottle-to-bottle recycling in India are reshaping the country’s plastic economy. As regulatory clarity improves and brand commitments to sustainability deepen, the market for B2B rPET is now maturing into a strategic priority for manufacturers, exporters, and packaging suppliers.
With support from policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022) and global pressure to cut virgin plastic use, businesses are turning to circular economy recycling as both a compliance tool and a competitive differentiator.
According to FICCI’s 2023 report :
- India consumes over 3.5 million tonnes of PET annually
- Roughly 40% is currently recycled — most of it into non-food applications
- Global demand for food-grade rPET is expected to grow at >15% CAGR through 2030
Drivers :
- Compliance with India’s EPR mandates
- Export-oriented manufacturers meeting EU plastic packaging directives
- Shift from virgin to recycled content in global supply chains
Sectors adopting B2B rPET :
- Packaged beverages
- Personal care (bottle packaging)
- Pharmaceutical secondary packaging
- Apparel-grade yarn from bottle flakes
As more brands align with EPR mandates and global packaging standards, the demand for high-quality, traceable B2B rPET will continue to accelerate. At JB Ecotex, our focus is on delivering FSSAI approved rPET solutions that enable real progress in bottle-to-bottle recycling in India, helping our partners not only meet compliance requirements but lead the way in circular economy recycling across sectors.
Challenges and Industry Response to Food-Grade rPET Resins
Sorting & Collection
- Challenge: PET recovery rate is still fragmented across Indian states
- Response: JB Ecotex sources PET from registered aggregators under CPCB guidelines and conducts manual and optical sorting for clarity and contamination
Microplastics & Degradation
- Challenge: Oxidative degradation during extrusion leads to fines and potential leachables
- Response: We maintain tight residence time and oxygen control in all thermal zones
Traceability and Labelling
- Challenge: Brands need traceable, certified rPET for EPR compliance
- Response: We provide batch-wise documentation, including:
- Source data
- Process parameters
- Lab test results
Leading the Circular Future of Recycled Material Responsibly
India’s journey towards plastic circularity is now enforceable, measurable, and irreversible. B2B rPET is no longer just a sustainable option, it's a regulatory and commercial necessity.
At JB Ecotex Pvt Ltd, we are focused on delivering technically verified, certified, and process-stable rPET to help:
- FMCG brands meet EPR quotas
- Exporters comply with EU and US food-contact rules
- Reduce Scope 3 emissions for global supply chains
We invite stakeholders to collaborate on creating a transparent, traceable, and circular plastics economy in India.
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