Chemco Group: Pioneering Circularity With In-House Rpet Production

Chemco Group: Pioneering Circularity with In-House rPET Production

19-Dec-25

As the global packaging industry intensifies its focus on sustainability, Chemco Group has taken a bold step forward by becoming one of the few converters in Asia to manufacture its own rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) with the new Starlinger recoSTAR PET art line. This strategic move represents not just a technological milestone but a firm commitment to building a truly circular packaging ecosystem.

Creating Value Through Circularity

For over three decades, Chemco has been at the forefront of PET packaging innovation, supplying rigid and flexible packaging solutions to some of the world’s most trusted beverage and FMCG brands. With a strong foundation in precision engineering, the company has now extended its expertise into the recycling domain by integrating post-consumer PET recovery and conversion within its own manufacturing process.

By closing the loop internally, Chemco eliminates long transport routes, reduces its carbon footprint, and ensures complete traceability from collection to conversion. This vertical integration strengthens both supply security and sustainability performance – essential pillars in today’s packaging landscape.

From Bottle to Bottle

Chemco’s rPET operation begins with the sourcing of used PET bottles through approved collection networks. These bottles are AI sorted, washed and processed into high-purity PET flakes. The flakes are then transformed into food-grade rPET pellets through an advanced polycondensation process, designed to deliver consistent intrinsic viscosity (IV) and mechanical strength comparable to virgin PET.

The process is both energy-efficient and resource-conscious, removing contaminants and non-PET elements using decontamination systems. The resulting rPET resin meets international standards such as EFSA and US FDA approvals for direct food-contact use, enabling Chemco to supply its customers with high-performance sustainable packaging materials.

Innovation at the Core

Chemco’s transition to in-house rPET production reflects its broader innovation philosophy – combining technology with environmental responsibility. Chemco will be operating one of the region’s most advanced infrastructures for PET processing, backed by automated inspection, energy recovery and process-control systems.

The new recycling line integrates state-of-the-art washing line and solid state polymerisation line. The result is a closed-loop system capable of transforming discarded PET waste into high-value, brand-ready products.

Quality and Compliance at Every Stage

In-house rPET production offers Chemco a decisive quality advantage. Every batch of recycled resin undergoes strict laboratory analysis for intrinsic viscosity (IV), colour, clarity, acetaldehyde levels and melt flow properties. The company’s blending systems allow precise control over the ratio of virgin and recycled PET to meet specific customer requirements without compromising aesthetics or performance.

By producing rPET internally, Chemco not only reduces supply volatility but also helps its partners achieve their recycled-content, carbon-reduction and EPR goals. This positions the company as a trusted long-term partner for global brands pursuing genuine sustainability.

Leadership in Sustainable Packaging

Chemco’s investment in rPET technology is aligned with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Plastic Waste Management frameworks. By reclaiming and re-utilising PET at scale, the company is contributing to national and international objectives on waste reduction and circular manufacturing.

The business impact is equally significant. In a market increasingly driven by eco-conscious consumers, Chemco’s rPET capability enhances its competitiveness and reinforces its role as a responsible industry leader. As demand for recycled content continues to rise, Chemco is expanding capacity and exploring partnerships to further improve recovery efficiency and material performance.

A Vision for the Future

Chemco’s approach to sustainability extends beyond compliance; it is embedded in its vision for the future of packaging. By combining innovation, efficiency and accountability, the company is redefining how PET packaging can serve both brands and the planet.

As one of the few packaging converters producing its own rPET, Chemco is proof that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand, turning yesterday’s waste into tomorrow’s packaging, one bottle at a time.