Regional implementation and upcoming regulations for recycled PET (rPET) in India

Regional Implementation:

1. Maharashtra:

Maharashtra, one of India's most industrialized states, has taken significant steps in PET bottle recycling. The state has implemented the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (Manufacture, Usage, Sale, Transport, Handling, and Storage) Notification, 2018, which mandates a buy-back scheme for PET bottles and establishes a deposit refund scheme. The state also has a strong network of waste pickers and recyclers who collect and process PET bottles.

2. Delhi:

The capital city of Delhi has introduced the Delhi Plastic Waste Management Bylaws, 2016, which focus on reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling. The city has a robust informal sector involved in PET bottle collection and recycling. However, the lack of formal infrastructure and limited public awareness have hindered the effectiveness of bottle-to-bottle recycling in the region.

3. Karnataka:

Karnataka, particularly its capital city Bengaluru, has seen significant progress in PET bottle recycling. The state has implemented the Karnataka State Policy on Integrated Solid Waste Management, 2020, which emphasizes the importance of recycling and extended producer responsibility (EPR). Bengaluru has a well-established network of waste pickers and recyclers who collect and process PET bottles, contributing to a higher recycling rate compared to other regions.

4. Tamil Nadu:

Tamil Nadu has taken proactive measures to manage its plastic waste, including PET bottles. The state has banned single-use plastics and implemented the Tamil Nadu Plastic Articles (Prohibition of Sale, Storage, Transport and Use) Rules, 2019. However, the state faces challenges in terms of infrastructure and public participation in bottle-to-bottle recycling initiatives.

Upcoming Rules and Regulations:

1. Uniform Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (Under Development):

The Indian government is working on a uniform framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that will apply to all states and union territories. This framework aims to hold producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their plastic products, including PET bottles. It will mandate the collection and recycling of a specified percentage of PET bottles put into the market by each producer.

2. Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which where coming into effect from July 1, 2022. These rules prohibit the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic items, including PET bottles with a capacity of less than 200 ml. This regulation aims to reduce the generation of small PET bottles and encourage the use of larger, more easily recyclable bottles.

India's journey towards effective PET bottle-to-bottle recycling is ongoing, with varying levels of success across different regions. While some states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have made significant progress, others still face challenges in terms of infrastructure, public awareness, and regulatory enforcement. The upcoming uniform EPR framework and the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 are expected to provide a more comprehensive and stringent approach to PET bottle recycling in India. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the collaborative efforts of the government, industry, waste management sector, and the public in adopting sustainable practices and supporting the circular economy.

The upcoming legislation mandating the use of 30% recycled PET (rPET) content in beverage bottles from 2025 in India is set to have a significant impact on brand owners in the beverage industry. Here are some of the key ways in which brand owners will be affected:

1. Sourcing rPET:

Brand owners will need to establish reliable and consistent sources of high-quality rPET to meet the 30% requirement. This may involve collaborating with recycling facilities, waste management companies, and suppliers to ensure a steady supply of rPET. Securing a stable supply chain for rPET may be challenging, particularly in the initial stages of implementation.

2. Cost implications:

Incorporating rPET into beverage bottles may lead to increased production costs for brand owners. rPET is often more expensive than virgin PET due to the additional processing and purification required. Brand owners may need to absorb these costs or pass them on to consumers through price adjustments.

3. Quality control:

Brand owners will need to ensure that the quality of their beverage bottles is maintained while using rPET. The recycling process can sometimes lead to variations in material properties, such as colour, clarity, and mechanical strength. Brand owners will need to work closely with their suppliers and implement strict quality control measures to ensure consistency in their packaging.

4. Packaging design:

The use of rPET may require brand owners to re-evaluate and potentially modify their packaging designs. Some designs may need to be adapted to accommodate the properties of rPET, such as adjusting wall thickness or modifying closure systems. Brand owners will need to invest in research and development to optimize their packaging for rPET compatibility.

5. Consumer perception:

Brand owners will need to effectively communicate the benefits and importance of using rPET to their consumers. Some consumers may have concerns about the safety or quality of products packaged in recycled materials. Brand owners will need to educate and reassure consumers about the safety and performance of rPET packaging to maintain brand trust and loyalty.

6. Compliance and reporting:

The legislation will likely come with compliance and reporting requirements for brand owners. They will need to track and document their use of rPET, ensuring that they meet the 30% target. This may involve additional administrative work and the implementation of new tracking and reporting systems.

7. Collaborative efforts:

Brand owners will need to actively engage in collaborative efforts with other stakeholders, such as recyclers, waste management companies, and industry associations, to support the development of a robust rPET supply chain. This may involve investing in recycling infrastructure, promoting consumer awareness, and sharing best practices within the industry.

In conclusion, the upcoming legislation requiring the use of 30% rPET in beverage bottles from 2025 in India presents both challenges and opportunities for brand owners. While it may require initial investments and adjustments to their operations, it also provides an opportunity for brand owners to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and contribute to the circular economy. By proactively addressing the sourcing, quality, design, and communication aspects of rPET usage, brand owners can successfully navigate this transition and meet the new regulatory requirements.

Beverage brand owners have stringent specifications for the recycled PET (rPET) used in their bottles to ensure product safety, quality, and consistency. Here are some of the key specifications required by brand owners:

1. Intrinsic Viscosity (IV):

The IV is a measure of the molecular weight and chain length of the PET polymer. Brand owners typically require an IV range of 0.70 to 0.84 dl/g for rPET used in beverage bottles. This ensures adequate mechanical strength and processability of the material.

2. Contaminants:

rPET must be free from contamination, such as other plastics, metals, adhesives, and organic substances. Brand owners set strict limits on the presence of contaminants to ensure product safety and prevent any impact on taste, odour, or appearance. Common specifications include:

• PVC content: < 10 ppm

• Metals: < 3 ppm

• Polyolefins: < 10 ppm

• Total contamination: < 50 ppm

3. Color:

rPET should have a consistent and clear colour. Most brand owners require a "water-white" or "near-water-white" colour grade for rPET used in beverage bottles. This ensures clarity and avoids any discolouration of the final product.

4. Pellet size and shape:

rPET pellets should have a consistent size and shape to ensure smooth processing and uniform melting during bottle manufacturing. Typical specifications include:

• Pellet size: 2-4 mm in diameter

• Pellet shape: cylindrical or oval

• Bulk density: > 750 kg/m³

5. Moisture content:

Excessive moisture in rPET can lead to hydrolytic degradation and affect the quality of the final product. Brand owners typically require a moisture content of less than 0.2% by weight.

6. Food contact compliance:

rPET used in beverage bottles must comply with food contact regulations set by relevant authorities, such as the US FDA or the European Commission. This ensures that the material is safe for direct contact with food and beverages.

7. Sensory properties:

rPET should not impart any off-flavours, odours, or tastes to the beverage. Brand owners may conduct sensory tests to ensure that the rPET meets their specific requirements.

8. Mechanical properties:

rPET should have mechanical properties similar to virgin PET to ensure the structural integrity and performance of the final bottle. Key properties include tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact resistance.

9. Melting behavior:

The melting behaviour of rPET should be consistent and compatible with the brand owner's bottle manufacturing process. This includes specifications for melting temperature, melt flow index, and crystallization behaviour.

10. Traceability and certification:

Brand owners may require rPET suppliers to provide traceability information and certifications to ensure the material's origin, quality, and compliance with relevant standards, such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).

Meeting these specifications requires advanced recycling technologies, such as thorough sorting, cleaning, and decontamination processes. rPET suppliers must work closely with brand owners to understand their specific requirements and provide material that consistently meets these stringent standards. Regular testing and quality control measures are essential to ensure the consistent quality of rPET supplied to beverage brand owners.

Closing

India's journey towards efficient PET bottle-to-bottle recycling is marked by regional disparities and significant regulatory advancements. The proactive measures taken by states like Maharashtra and Karnataka serve as models for others, while the upcoming EPR framework and stricter plastic waste management rules promise a more unified and effective approach. For beverage brand owners, the transition to using 30% rPET content by 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. By addressing supply chain, quality, design, and consumer perception issues, they can not only comply with regulations but also lead in promoting sustainability.

As India continues to evolve its recycling practices and policies, the collaborative efforts of the government, industry, waste management sector, and the public will be crucial in achieving a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.