rPET granules are recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pellets made from post-consumer or industrial PET waste, such as plastic bottles or packaging materials. They are used as raw material in the production of new plastic products, textiles, and other industrial applications.
r-PET Granules
FDA approved r-PET Granules
rPET granules, or recycled polyethylene terephthalate granules, are sustainable raw materials derived from recycling post-consumer PET waste such as plastic bottles and industrial PET scrap. These granules serve as an eco-friendly alternative to virgin PET, offering similar strength, durability, and versatility for various applications. The production process involves collecting, sorting, washing, and reprocessing PET waste into uniform, high-quality pellets that can be used in industries such as packaging, textiles, and construction. Widely utilized in the manufacturing of food-grade bottles, polyester fibers, and industrial components, rPET granules play a crucial role in promoting a circular economy by reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources. As global efforts to combat plastic pollution intensify, rPET granules have become indispensable for businesses aiming to meet environmental compliance standards while fostering sustainability.
How it's made?
r-PET Granules Production
Collection
The process begins with the collection of post-consumer PET products, primarily used bottles and containers. These are gathered through various channels such as recycling programs, deposits, and waste management systems.
Sorting
Collected PET items are sorted to separate them from other types of plastic and contaminants. This sorting can be done manually or with automated systems using technologies like infrared sensors.
Cleaning
The sorted PET materials are thoroughly cleaned to remove labels, adhesives, dirt, and other impurities. This step often involves washing with water to ensure the removal of contaminants.
Shredding
The clean PET materials are then shredded into small pieces, known as flakes. Shredding reduces the size of the PET, making it easier to process in subsequent steps.
Separation
After shredding, the PET flakes may undergo additional separation processes to eliminate any remaining non-PET materials. These processes can include air classification, float-sink separation, and centrifugal separation to ensure the flakes are pure PET.
Drying
The washed and sorted flakes are dried to remove any residual moisture, which is essential for maintaining quality in further processing or in manufacturing applications.
Extrusion and Pelleting
In the extrusion process, PET flakes are melted at high temperatures (260°C to 280°C) and filtered to remove impurities. The molten PET is then cooled, either in a water bath or by air, and cut into uniform granules. The final product is high-quality recycled PET granules, suitable for a variety of applications.
Quality Control
The final step involves quality control measures to ensure that the RPET Granules meet the required specifications for various applications. This can include testing for contaminants, color, and particle size.
Packaging and Distribution
Once the Granules pass quality control, they are packaged and shipped to manufacturers who use them to produce new products, such as plastic bottles, PET sheets or other PET-based goods
rPET Granules Sales Specifications
| Sr. No. | Quality Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intrinsic Viscosity | dl/gm | 0.80x ± 0.02 |
| 2 | Colour L | CIE | 70 ± 4 |
| 3 | Colour b | CIE | 0.0 to -2.0 |
| 4 | Chips/gram | no/gm | 55 ± 5 |
| 5 | Bulk density | Kg/lit | 0.85 ± 0.03 |
| 6 | Acetaldehyde | ppm | Max 3 |
| 7 | Moisture | % | Max 0.20 |
FAQs
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What are rPET granules?
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What are the advantages of using rPET granules?
- Environmental Benefits: Reduces plastic waste and lowers carbon emissions by reusing PET materials.
- Cost-Effective: More economical than virgin PET for many applications.
- Energy Efficiency: Requires less energy to produce compared to virgin PET.
- Versatility: Suitable for applications like food-grade bottles, fibers, and industrial products.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet mandates for recycled content in packaging and other products. -
What are the common applications of rPET granules?
- Packaging: Food-grade bottles, containers, and films.
- Textiles: Polyester fibers for clothing, upholstery, and carpets.
- Industrial Uses: Strapping, sheets, and injection-molded parts.
- Non-Food Applications: Automotive components, construction materials, and non-food packaging. -
How are rPET granules made?
The production of rPET granules involves:
1. Collecting and sorting PET waste.
2. Washing and cleaning to remove contaminants.
3. Shredding the PET waste into flakes.
4. Melting and extruding the flakes into granules.
5. Drying and packaging the granules for use. -
Are rPET granules safe for food-grade applications?
Yes, rPET granules can be used for food-grade applications, provided they meet strict regulatory standards such as FDA, EFSA, or similar certifications. The recycling process ensures the removal of impurities to maintain safety and quality.
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What is the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of rPET granules, and why is it important?
Intrinsic viscosity (IV) measures the molecular weight of PET and indicates its strength and durability. For rPET granules, maintaining an appropriate IV level (usually between 0.76 and 0.85 dl/g for most applications) is critical to ensure the performance and quality of the end product.
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How do rPET granules contribute to sustainability?
rPET granules reduce dependency on virgin petroleum-based PET, minimize plastic waste in landfills and oceans, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By enabling the reuse of existing materials, they support a circular economy and reduce the environmental footprint of PET products.