The Latest Plastic Packaging Innovation In Beauty is Fair Trade rPET

(Image Source: The Body Shop, Garnier)

Virgin Plastics or Recycle Plastics? It’s more than just a coin toss.

Procurement managers are at crossroads, facing challenges stemming from a lack of innovation and heightened consumer demand for sustainable solutions. Enter Fair Trade rPET, an avenue that promises transformative benefits for both businesses and the environment.

Fair Trade rPET is gaining momentum, exemplified by success stories from industry leaders like The Body Shop and Garnier. Awards are being won, lives are changing, and the impact is measurable. Now is the time to capitalise on this underappreciated economic opportunity presented by recycled packaging. The market is ripe for those ready to innovate and meet consumer demands head-on. 

Procurement managers can position their organisations as pioneers by incorporating Fair Trade rPET into their sourcing strategies. This opportunity is not just a trend; it’s a sustainable solution. The benefits are compelling - beyond competitive advantage. Procuring Fair Trade rPET ensures a consistent supply, fosters innovation, and aligns with ethical consumer values. Getting ahead first means being at the forefront of a movement that is reshaping industries.

Plastics For Change redefines its standards with rPET:

At the heart of our mission is the commitment to transform the production of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET). Unlike conventional plastics notorious for their slow decomposition spanning centuries, our rPET not only meets the highest standards but redefines them. To comply with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the PET must have at least 95% food contact materials as an input. Plastics For Change logs all the segregation data on its app to validate a time-stamped approved of each batch segregated. This information can be exported easily into an excel sheet to provide documented assurance of the 95% food contact claim. 

Incorporating Fair Trade rPET into your procurement strategy is not just about sustainability; it’s about future-proofing your business. The collaboration with Fair Trade practices opens doors to innovation, aligns with consumer demands, and establishes a reliable supply chain. The time is now to make your mark, be a leader, and harness the economic and ethical advantages of our Fair Trade rPET.

Food-Grade rPET: Designated safe for direct contact with consumable items. Applications:

  • Beverage Bottles: rPET is the go-to choice for water, soda, and juice containers, ensuring both safety and sustainability.

  • Food Packaging: Versatile rPET provides clear, safe containers for salads, fruits, and various food items, championing ethical packaging.

  • Recyclable Food Trays: Crafted from rPET, these trays meet rigorous food safety standards while promoting recycling.

Non-Food-Grade rPET: Intended for applications unrelated to direct contact with food.

  • Textile Fibres: rPET excels in the textile industry, producing sustainable polyester fibres for clothing, carpets, and fabrics.

  • Industrial and Engineering Applications: Contributing to automotive parts, electronics, and industrial equipment, non-food-grade rPET showcases versatility.

  • Non-Food Packaging: From cleaning products to personal care items, rPET offers durable, sustainable packaging solutions beyond food items.

While known for clarity, rPET’s colorization such as light blue, green, and brown, etc. enhances visual appeal, providing distinct options for various applications. The choice between transparent and coloured rPET depends on specific usage contexts, aligning with our commitment to versatility and sustainability.

Building Trust and Transparency:

PFC’s work is not just about transforming materials; it’s about trust-building and creating meaningful change within communities. We collaborate with scrap shop owners, often sceptical and resistant to change, introducing financial incentives to embrace Fair Trade practices. These shops undergo independent audits, fostering greater transparency across the recycled plastic supply chain.

Ethical Sourcing Platform:

In our pursuit of a sustainable future, we have developed an ethical sourcing platform that connects waste collectors with global brands. This platform ensures a consistent supply of high-quality recycled plastics, each carrying the ethical stamp of approval. A staggering 90% of our rPET production proudly boasts the desired Grade A label (the highest quality), setting new benchmarks for ethical recycling practices. It’s not just about the end product; it’s about the entire journey, from collection to production, reinforcing the value of socially responsible supply chains.

Empowering Brands with a Purpose:

Choosing recycled plastic from a certified ethical standard is more than just a trend - it’s a powerful differentiating factor for brands. Consumers today demand sustainability, and by specifying recycled plastic as part of their procurement agreements, brands signal a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Plastics For Change proudly collaborates with industry leaders, such as The Body Shop and L’Oreal, both of which utilise our Grade A rPET for primary packaging. Last year alone, these visionary brands purchased 617 tons of plastic waste from us incorporating it into their recycled packaging. Furthermore, the world’s leading mass-market beauty brand Garnier partnered with us to open a plastic waste collection centre in Chennai with an aim to collect 2,000 tons of ocean-bound plastic.

In conclusion, Plastics For Change stands more committed than ever to our mission of transforming the future of recycling. Our journey is proof of the power of ethical practices, sustainability, and collaborative efforts. Together, we are not just producing rPET; we are crafting a narrative of responsible innovation - one bottle at a time.

Join Plastics For Change in the revolution – where ethical and fair trade recycled plastics aren’t just a choice; it’s the future we’re creating.


Andrew Almack