--- title: "What Is rPET? Recycled PET, Food Contact and Recyclability" url: https://directecogreen.com/blog/what-is-rpet/ description: "rPET is recycled PET plastic. How it is made, when recycled PET is accepted for food contact in the US, how to claim recycled content and where it recycles." --- Materials · 6 min read # What Is rPET? Recycled PET, Food-Contact Safety and Recyclability Explained rPET is recycled polyethylene terephthalate: PET plastic, mostly from used bottles, that has been collected, sorted, cleaned and reprocessed into flakes or pellets for new products such as cups, containers and bag fabric. For food contact in the US, recycled PET is typically supported by an FDA "Letter of No Objection" issued to the specific recycling process, and rPET items are recyclable where #1 PET is accepted, but rPET is not biodegradable. Direct Eco Green, a factory-direct manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging, produces rPET bags, reusable cups, containers and kids' plates for buyers in the US and Canada. By the Direct Eco Green team · Published October 5, 2026 **Key takeaways** - rPET is PET plastic made from recycled material, usually post-consumer bottles, and keeps PET's clarity and strength. - For food contact in the US, ask whether the recycled resin comes from a process covered by an FDA Letter of No Objection. - rPET packaging is recyclable where #1 PET is accepted; rPET is not biodegradable or compostable. - Recycled-content claims should be backed by a certificate such as GRS or RCS and worded to match the FTC Green Guides. - Direct Eco Green manufactures rPET bags in 100, 120 and 180 g/m² fabric and reusable rPET cups, containers and kids' plates in its GreenCurve range. Buying for a business? **rPET recycled PET bags** — Reusable bags woven from recycled PET bottle yarn, 100 to 180 g/m², optional BOPP lamination, your logo. [View the product](https://directecogreen.com/reusable-bags/recycled-material-bags/rpet-recycled-pet-bags/)[Request a quote](https://directecogreen.com/contact/) Factory-direct · quote within 48 h · samples before production ## What rPET means rPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate. It is the same polymer as PET, the #1 plastic used for most water and soda bottles, but made from material that has already been used and recycled rather than from new (virgin) resin. Because the polymer is the same, rPET keeps most of PET's useful properties: it is clear, light, impact-resistant and moisture-resistant, and it can be thermoformed into cups, trays and containers or spun into polyester yarn for fabric. The difference lies in the source of the material and in the documentation needed to prove its quality and recycled content. rPET can be used at different recycled-content levels. A product described as "rPET" may contain a share of recycled material blended with virgin PET, so the exact percentage should always be stated and documented. ## How rPET is made from used bottles rPET is made by collecting PET bottles and containers, sorting them, removing caps and labels, grinding them into flakes, washing the flakes, and melting them into pellets or fiber. The cleaner the input, the more uses the output can serve. 1. **Collection and sorting:** PET items are separated from other plastics, often by color and shape. 2. **Removing caps and labels:** caps and labels are usually made of other plastics and are removed. 3. **Grinding and washing:** the PET is ground into flakes and washed to remove residue. 4. **Melting and pelletizing:** the flakes are melted and formed into pellets for molding or thermoforming. 5. **Spinning (for textiles):** for bags and fabrics, bottle flake is melted and spun into polyester yarn, then woven or knitted. For food-contact uses, the recycling process also has to remove contaminants to a level regulators accept, which is the subject of the next section. ## Is rPET safe for food contact in the US and Canada? rPET can be used for food contact in the US when the recycling process has been reviewed by the FDA. In practice, recycled plastics for food contact are typically supported by an FDA "Letter of No Objection" (NOL) issued to a specific recycling process, after FDA reviews how effectively the process removes contaminants. The NOL is tied to a process, not to a brand or a finished product. That has two consequences for buyers: - Ask your supplier which recycled resin is used and whether the recycler's process is covered by an FDA NOL, and for which conditions of use. - Ask for a food-contact compliance letter for the finished item, stating the materials and intended use (hot or cold, fatty or dry foods, reusable or single-use). In Canada, Health Canada's Letter of No Objection program for packaging materials is voluntary. Ask whether a letter exists for the material rather than assuming it, and keep the documents on file with your product specifications. For a broader view of documents to request, see [how to vet a packaging manufacturer](https://directecogreen.com/blog/how-to-vet-packaging-manufacturer/). ## rPET compared with PET, PP and bagasse Direct Eco Green, a factory-direct manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging, makes both rPET and bagasse ranges: rPET is the better choice for clear, durable plastic with recycled content, especially reusable items, and bagasse when your goal is a compostable single-use product. | Material | Source | Typical uses | End of life (US / Canada) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | rPET | Recycled PET, mostly post-consumer bottles | Reusable cups, clear containers, kids' plates, bag fabric | Recyclable where #1 PET is accepted; not biodegradable | | Virgin PET | New fossil-based resin | Bottles, clear lids and containers | Recyclable where #1 PET is accepted; widely recycled as bottles | | PP (polypropylene) | Usually virgin resin | Reusable containers, cutlery, cups | Accepted in some recycling programs; check locally | | Molded bagasse | Sugarcane fiber | Single-use plates, bowls, clamshells | Commercially compostable where accepted, if certified | PET bottles are among the most widely recycled packaging items, which is why bottle-grade PET is the main feedstock for rPET. More on molded fiber in [what is bagasse](https://directecogreen.com/blog/what-is-bagasse/). ## Recyclability and claims: what you can print on rPET You can describe rPET items as made with recycled content if you can document the percentage, and as recyclable only where facilities accept them. rPET is not biodegradable, and should never be marketed as compostable. - **Recycled content:** a chain-of-custody certificate such as GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or RCS supports the claim; state the percentage, not just "recycled." - **Recyclable:** under the FTC Green Guides, an unqualified "recyclable" claim requires recycling facilities available to a substantial majority (60% or more) of consumers or communities where the item is sold. Otherwise, qualify it. - **California SB 343:** from October 4, 2026, the chasing-arrows symbol or a "recyclable" claim is deemed deceptive unless the material meets state criteria, including collection by programs serving at least 60% of the California population, sorting by large-volume facilities, and no intentionally added PFAS. - **Textiles are different:** an rPET tote is made of polyester fabric, not a bottle. Do not assume it is accepted in curbside programs; check locally before printing any recycling claim. Mixing rPET with other materials, such as laminations or mixed fibers, can make it harder to recycle. Simple, mono-material designs keep the end-of-life story credible. See [recyclable vs compostable claims](https://directecogreen.com/blog/recyclable-vs-compostable-claims/) for wording examples. ## rPET products from Direct Eco Green Direct Eco Green manufactures rPET products through audited partner factories, with custom printing, custom colors and private label on request. The range covers textiles and rigid reusable items. - [rPET bags](https://directecogreen.com/reusable-bags/recycled-material-bags/rpet-recycled-pet-bags/) made from recycled PET bottles, in sizes S, M, L or custom and fabric weights of 100, 120 and 180 g/m², with optional BOPP lamination. - [Reusable rPET cups](https://directecogreen.com/food-packaging/reusable-foodservice-ware/rpet-reusable-cups/) (GreenCurve) in 25, 33 and 50 cl (8.5, 11.2 and 16.9 fl oz), with flat or dome lid. - [rPET round and rectangular containers](https://directecogreen.com/food-packaging/reusable-foodservice-ware/rpet-round-rectangular-containers/) (GreenCurve), three rectangular and five round sizes. - [rPET kids' plates](https://directecogreen.com/food-packaging/reusable-foodservice-ware/rpet-kids-plates/) (GreenCurve), plain and compartment models. The MOQ for rPET items depends on material, size and printing and is stated in your quote. Note that a BOPP lamination adds a second plastic to a bag, which matters if you plan a recycling claim. Ask for the recycled-content certificate and food-contact documents with your quote, which Direct Eco Green sends within 48 hours, together with samples before production. Send your request through the [contact form](https://directecogreen.com/contact/). ## Frequently asked questions What does rPET stand for? rPET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate. rPET is the same polymer as PET, the #1 plastic used for most bottles, but made from material that has been collected, cleaned and reprocessed instead of new resin. Is rPET food safe? rPET can be food-contact safe in the US when the recycled resin comes from a process the FDA has reviewed, typically documented by a Letter of No Objection issued to that recycling process. Ask the supplier for the NOL reference and a food-contact compliance letter for the finished item and its intended use. Is rPET recyclable? Rigid rPET items are recyclable where #1 PET is accepted by local programs. rPET fabric, such as rPET tote bags, is not a bottle and is generally not something to assume curbside programs accept, so check locally before making any recycling claim. Is rPET biodegradable or compostable? No. rPET is not biodegradable and not compostable; it is a durable plastic designed to be reused and recycled. Marketing rPET as biodegradable or compostable would conflict with the FTC Green Guides. How do I prove the recycled content of rPET bags or cups? Recycled content in rPET bags or cups is usually documented with a chain-of-custody certificate such as GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or RCS. The certificate should cover the supplier and the product, and your claim should state the recycled percentage it supports. ## Sources - [FDA No Objection Letter for recycled plastics (example)](https://fda.report/media/119929/No-Objection-Letter-for-Recycled-Plastics-214.pdf) - [Resource Recycling: FDA issues food-contact recycled resin letters](https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2021/03/10/fda-issues-food-contact-recycled-resin-letters/) - [FTC: Environmental claims, summary of the Green Guides](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/environmental-claims-summary-green-guides) - [California SB 343 restrictions effective October 4, 2026](https://www.squirepattonboggs.com/insights/publications/are-your-products-ready-california-s-truth-in-recycling-labeling-sb-343-restrictions-become-effective-in-less-than-five-months-october-4-2026/) ### In this guide 1. [What rPET means](#s1) 2. [How rPET is made from used bottles](#s2) 3. [Is rPET safe for food contact in the US and Canada?](#s3) 4. [rPET compared with PET, PP and bagasse](#s4) 5. [Recyclability and claims: what you can print on rPET](#s5) 6. [rPET products from Direct Eco Green](#s6) 7. [FAQ](#faq) ### Need a factory-direct quote? Send products, quantities and your delivery city. Direct Eco Green answers within 48 hours. [Request a quote](https://directecogreen.com/contact/#quote) ## About Direct Eco Green Direct Eco Green is a manufacturer and sourcing partner of eco-friendly packaging, founded and based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a sister company in Singapore. It produces food packaging, luxury packaging, reusable bags and sustainable accessories in selected, audited partner factories in Vietnam, China, India, Turkey, Bulgaria and Spain, runs quality control on site, and ships consolidated orders to brands, restaurants and retailers in the US, Canada and Europe. Direct Eco Green holds FSC certification under license code C204557. [Our story](https://directecogreen.com/our-story/) · [Full catalog](https://directecogreen.com/catalog/) · [Request a quote](https://directecogreen.com/contact/) ## Related products [### rPET recycled PET bags Reusable bags woven from recycled PET bottle yarn, 100 to 180 g/m², optional BOPP lamination, your logo. rPET](https://directecogreen.com/reusable-bags/recycled-material-bags/rpet-recycled-pet-bags/)[### Reusable rPET & PP bowls Heavy rPET bowls 500–930 ml and PP bowls with leak-resistant lid, full interior print. MOQ 2,000. rPETPP](https://directecogreen.com/food-packaging/reusable-foodservice-ware/reusable-plastic-bowls-rpet-pp/)[### rPET round & rectangular containers Clear recycled PET boxes in 3 rectangular and 5 round sizes for room-temperature food, cosmetics and goods. rPET](https://directecogreen.com/food-packaging/reusable-foodservice-ware/rpet-round-rectangular-containers/)[### Reusable rPET cups BPA-free recycled PET cups in 25, 33 and 50 cl, flat or dome lid option, custom colors, patterns and logo. rPET](https://directecogreen.com/food-packaging/reusable-foodservice-ware/rpet-reusable-cups/) ## More guides [Materials ### Nitrile, Vinyl or PEVA? How to Choose Food Service Gloves in 2026 For food handling, powder-free nitrile gloves are the safest all-round choice: they are latex-free, resist punctures and fats, and suit long or… Read the guide →](https://directecogreen.com/blog/food-service-gloves-nitrile-vinyl-peva/)[Materials ### What Is PLA? Plant-Based Plastic in Food Packaging, Explained Without the Hype PLA (polylactic acid) is a plastic made from plant sugars, usually from corn, sugarcane or cassava, that are fermented into lactic acid and… Read the guide →](https://directecogreen.com/blog/what-is-pla/)[Materials ### PE, PLA or Aqueous Coating? How to Choose a Paper Cup in 2026 A paper cup holds liquid because of a barrier on the inside: a polyethylene (PE) film, a polylactic acid (PLA) film, or a thin water-based (aqueous)… Read the guide →](https://directecogreen.com/blog/plastic-free-paper-cups-aqueous-pe-pla/) Request a quote ## Get a factory-direct quote Tell us which products you need, your quantities and your delivery city in the US or Canada. Direct Eco Green replies with a tailored quote within 48 hours, with samples available before production. - **By phone**[+84 77 3984 694](tel:+84773984694) - **WhatsApp**[+84 77 3984 694](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=84773984694) - **By email**[contact@directecogreen.com](mailto:contact@directecogreen.com) **Let's talk about your project** A 15-minute call with our team to scope sizes, quantities and timing. [Pick a time slot](https://calendar.app.google/2tCkUjQC7EfvW6Zu9) - Written quote within 48 hours - Samples available before production - Audited partner factories, on-site quality control - FSC® certified — license code C204557 - Registered companies in Vietnam and Singapore The Direct Eco Green team in Ho Chi Minh City, close to our partner factories.