What buyers should ask about recycled PET food packaging

Recycled PET can reduce the demand for new plastic while keeping the clarity and rigidity buyers expect from many food packs. The important step is to examine each claim separately.

Start with the exact product

Ask whether the recycled-content statement applies to the exact SKU being quoted. A certificate may cover a company, site, process or material scope. It does not automatically prove the recycled percentage of every finished product.

Check three different types of evidence

Material sourcing

Chain-of-custody documents can show how certified recycled material moves through an approved supply chain. Review the named company, facility, material and validity period.

Food-contact testing

Migration testing examines whether substances move from packaging into food simulants under stated test conditions. Buyers should compare those conditions with the intended food, temperature and contact time.

Product specification

The quotation and approved specification should identify the resin, dimensions, packing format and any agreed recycled-content requirement for that order.

Questions to send with an enquiry

• Which SKU and production site will supply the order?
• What recycled-content claim is available for that SKU?
• Which certificate or declaration supports the claim?
• Which migration report is relevant to the intended use?
• Are there temperature or food-type limitations?
• How will the agreed claim appear in the specification and invoice documents?

Use the current document set

Paras publishes certificates and test reports with plain-language scope notes. Buyers should still confirm the exact document set for the product and order being discussed.