Demand Collapse in India’s rPET Market

The Indian Association of PET Recyclers (APR Bharat) has raised a red flag over the country’s recycled PET (rPET) industry.
According to the association, demand for rPET has plummeted following recent regulatory changes, leading to sharp price declines.
Recycling plants across India are sitting idle, and the livelihoods of thousands of waste pickers are now at risk. PET Recycler

Legislation Driving Uncertainty

As of April 1, 2025, India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules required 30% rPET use in rigid packaging, such as beverage bottles. Just before that, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) authorized the use of recycled PET in food-contact applications — a move celebrated by recyclers.

However, on June 3, amendments were introduced that allowed brand owners to carry forward any shortfalls in meeting the 30% rPET target for 2025–26 across the following three years.
This flexibility has weakened compliance pressure and discouraged immediate purchases of recycled PET. PET Recycler

“This delay is harming the livelihood of rag picker communities, rendering recycling capacities idle,  and damaging investor confidence — all of which undermine India’s circular economy goals,” APR Bharat stated.

Impact on Investments and Industry

The initial 30% rPET mandate triggered massive investments in recycling capacity worth between INR 7,500 and 8,000 crore (approximately €800 million).
India’s rPET industry had planned an annual capacity of 400,000 tonnes, with 150,000 tonnes already operational and FSSAI-certified.
Another 150,000 tonnes were awaiting regulatory approval. PET Recycler

But the recent legislative leeway has left many investors hesitant.
Some brand owners now anticipate further rollbacks, causing a ripple effect of delays in rPET purchases.
This has sent what APR Bharat describes as a “wrong signal” to MSMEs and larger investors who trusted government commitments before making long-term capital investments.

“It weakens India’s credibility as a country that offers regulatory certainty and policy continuity,” said Goutham Jain, Director General of APR Bharat.

Waste Pickers and Livelihood Concerns

Beyond business and industry, the setback directly affects the human side of India’s recycling chain:
the waste picker community. Before the amendments,  the PET recycling industry was estimated to have created 10,000 new jobs and supported more than two million rag pickers nationwide.

These workers form the backbone of India’s informal waste collection system.
Reduced demand for rPET means lower income opportunities for these communities,
pushing many into greater economic precarity. PET Recycler

Jain emphasized that stabilizing the rPET market is not just about industrial sustainability.
It is also about welfare support and recognition for waste workers who are critical to India’s waste management ecosystem.

The Future of India’s rPET Industry

Prior to the amendments, India’s recycling capacity was on track to nearly double to
750,000 tonnes per year by 2027 and further grow to 1.1 million tonnes per year by 2030.
Those projections are now uncertain.

Industry experts warn that policy delays may undo years of progress and jeopardize India’s commitments to climate action and sustainability.
Restoring confidence requires regulatory stability and a stronger focus on safeguarding both industrial investment and the livelihoods of informal workers. PET Recycler

If corrective steps are not taken soon, India risks undermining its
stated goals of a circular economy and its standing in the global sustainability landscape.

Introduction

The Germany-based waste management company RCS Group has taken a strategic step into the European PET recycling sector by acquiring a stake in Croatian PET recycler Rekis. The acquisition will take effect this autumn, with retroactive application to the beginning of the year. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the move underscores RCS Group’s commitment to expanding its circular economy footprint and food-grade rPET production capacity.

RCS Group: From Waste Management to rPET Leader

Over the past decade, RCS Group has transformed from a traditional waste disposal company into a specialist in plastics recycling. PET Recycler

Since 2012, the company has been producing recycled PET (rPET) at its headquarters in Werne, Germany. Its operations focus on supplying both food- and non-food-grade rPET to global beverage manufacturers.

In 2022, RCS commissioned its second Vacunite bottle-to-bottle system from Erema, a move that increased its annual rPET output to over 70,000 tons. The company is already planning to establish a third production site in Nordkirchen, further expanding its capacity and influence within the European recycling sector.

Rekis: A High-Quality PET Recycling Facility

Rekis, located in Donja Dubrava, Croatia, is a joint venture between Austrian beverage producer Steinrieser and Austrian-Croatian firm KIS Pica.

The facility combines advanced sorting technology from Sesotec, washing and drying systems from Lindner Washtech, and a dedicated in-house laboratory to ensure consistent rPET quality.  PET Recycler

The production process at Rekis includes:

• Sorting PET waste streams to remove contaminants.
• Shredding PET into flakes for efficient processing.
• Hot washing to eliminate residual impurities.
• Pelletising using Erema’s Vacunite system to produce high-quality rPET pellets.

Rekis produces approximately 15,000 tons of rPET pellets annually, primarily for preforms and bottle manufacturing, ensuring that the end products meet strict food-grade requirements. PET Recycler

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition

The acquisition strengthens RCS Group’s European network and enhances its technical expertise in bottle-to-bottle recycling. By combining the operational capacity of Rekis with its own production systems, RCS can better meet the growing demand for high-quality, food-grade rPET across Europe.

According to Franz Steinrieser, Managing Director of Getränkewerke Steinrieser and Rekis, “For us as a beverage manufacturer, access to high-quality, food-grade rPET is of key importance. With Rekis and the involvement of the RCS Group, we are combining our strengths and making an important contribution to the implementation of the circular economy in the European beverage industry.”  PET Recycler

Enhancing Circular Economy Initiatives

Both RCS Group and Rekis share a strong commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. By focusing on material purity, product safety, and efficient recycling technology, the partnership ensures that high-quality rPET can be reused in food-grade applications without compromising regulatory compliance or consumer safety.

Alexander Rimmer, one of RCS Group’s managing directors, adds: “Rekis pursues the same quality standards and sustainability goals as we do: the highest material purity, certified product safety, and a consistently implemented circular economy. This alignment makes the partnership so valuable for both sides.” PET Recycler

RCS’s Growth in Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling

RCS Group’s commitment to bottle-to-bottle recycling is central to its long-term strategy. The company’s investment in advanced Vacunite systems allows PET bottles to be recycled back into food-grade containers, reducing reliance on virgin plastics and minimizing carbon footprint.

With the acquisition of Rekis, RCS strengthens its ability to deliver high-quality rPET to international beverage producers, helping the sector meet increasing sustainability targets. The expansion also allows RCS to scale operations efficiently, leveraging shared knowledge, technology, and best practices between its sites in Germany and Croatia.

Technology and Quality Assurance

Rekis combines cutting-edge technology with rigorous quality control to ensure every batch of rPET meets food-grade specifications. PET Recycler

The facility’s workflow emphasizes:

• Automated sorting to maximize material recovery.
• State-of-the-art washing and drying systems.
• Laboratory analysis for consistent polymer quality.
• Vacunite pelletising for high-performance, food-safe rPET.

These technological investments highlight how the company maintains a balance between operational efficiency, material quality, and sustainability standards. PET Recycler

Market Implications and Industry Impact

The acquisition is significant for Europe’s beverage and packaging industries, which increasingly demand food-grade recycled plastics. By enhancing supply chain security and improving rPET quality, the partnership between RCS and Rekis offers a scalable model for circularity.

High-quality rPET reduces the environmental footprint of beverage production, lowers dependence on virgin plastics, and supports regulatory compliance in both European and global markets. This transaction strengthens RCS Group’s position as a key player in sustainable plastics and circular economy initiatives. PET Recycler

Future Outlook

With the Rekis acquisition, RCS Group is well-positioned to expand its European rPET network, improve bottle-to-bottle recycling rates, and meet rising sustainability targets. The company plans to continue investing in technological innovation, site expansion, and process optimization to meet the evolving needs of the beverage and packaging industries.

As demand for sustainable and food-grade rPET grows, RCS Group’s combined expertise with Rekis provides a competitive edge, demonstrating how strategic acquisitions can drive both environmental and economic benefits. PET Recycler

Conclusion

RCS Group’s acquisition of a stake in Rekis reflects the growing importance of collaboration and technology in the circular economy. By aligning operational expertise, sustainability goals, and advanced recycling technology, the partnership ensures a reliable supply of high-quality, food-grade rPET for Europe’s beverage sector.

This strategic move not only expands RCS Group’s production capacity and technical know-how but also reinforces the company’s position as a leader in sustainable plastics recycling, driving the industry toward a more circular and environmentally responsible future.

Completion Ceremony

SK On, a leading battery manufacturer and part of South Korea’s SK Group, announced the completion of its pilot plant for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) in Daejeon, about 150 kilometers south of Seoul. The milestone was marked with a ceremony on September 15, attended by CEO & President Seok-hee Lee, Head of the Institute of Future Technology Ki-soo Park, and Andrea Maier, head of Solid Power Korea. PET Recycler

“This pilot plant will serve as a cornerstone for SK to leap forward as a strong and resilient company in addressing any changes in business environment,” said Lee. “We aim to remain at the forefront of commercializing all-solid-state batteries to accelerate electrification.”

What is a Pilot Plant?

A pilot plant serves as a facility where prototypes are produced and tested for performance before mass production. It allows companies to refine processes, validate quality, and scale new technologies safely. PET Recycler

SK On’s new facility spans 4,600 square meters (50,000 sq. ft.) and focuses primarily on developing sulfide-based ASSBs. Some lines are also dedicated to lithium-metal batteries.

Technology Breakthroughs

The pilot plant incorporates SK On’s proprietary “Warm Isostatic Press (WIP)-free” technology, making it the first in South Korea to apply such a process for ASSBs. Traditional WIP techniques apply uniform pressure to electrodes at elevated temperatures to improve density and performance, but they face challenges in continuous, automated production lines.  PET Recycler

By avoiding WIP, SK On has developed a unique approach that optimizes electrode mixing, bonding, and pressing conditions. This reduces internal and interfacial resistance, resulting in:

• Less heat generation
• More efficient ion transport
• Greater stability during charging and discharging
• Extended cycle life for batteries

Production and Productivity

To balance performance and productivity, SK On focused on optimizing its cell design and pressing methods. Improvements in material mixing and electrode composition helped reduce resistance, while better bonding between electrodes and solid electrolytes lowered interfacial resistance. PET Recycler

These refinements bring ASSBs closer to scalable manufacturing.

Research and Partnerships

Beyond in-house R&D, SK On is strengthening its innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships. Since 2024, it has collaborated with Solid Power, a U.S.-based leader in solid-state battery research.

In May 2025, SK On and South Korea’s Hanyang University announced a breakthrough: a threefold increase in cycle life for sulfide-based ASSBs. This was achieved by applying a protective-film technology to lithium-metal anodes. Patent applications for these technologies have been filed in multiple regions.  PET Recycler

Future Roadmap

SK On has accelerated its commercialization timeline, aiming to launch its first ASSBs by 2029—one year earlier than originally planned. The company’s dual focus on internal innovation and external partnerships positions it as a frontrunner in the global race for next-generation batteries.

As the demand for electrification grows, ASSBs promise improved energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety, making them a critical enabler of sustainable mobility.

Introduction

Kisuma Chemicals, a global leader in magnesium-based additives, is empowering the plastics recycling industry with innovative solutions that upgrade the performance of recycled plastics. By addressing common challenges such as odor, melt flow consistency, and color stability, Kisuma is helping compounders and converters create higher-quality products with improved sustainability profiles. PET Recycler

Key Benefits of Magnesium-Based Additives

Recycled plastics often suffer from issues that limit their performance compared to virgin materials. Kisuma’s suite of magnesium-based additives directly tackles these issues, providing measurable improvements such as:

• Odor Scavenging & Reduction: Eliminates unpleasant smells often associated with recycled plastics.
• Melt Flow Index Retention: Maintains processing stability and efficiency.
• Color and Yellowing Index Retention: Helps products retain bright, consistent colors.
• Gel Reduction: Minimizes defects, improving surface quality and consistency.

These benefits result in recycled plastics with more reliable, “virgin-like” properties, opening opportunities for broader applications across industries. PET Recycler

Innovation and Customer Collaboration

According to Zachary Hoffman, Business Development Lead for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Kisuma, innovation is central to their strategy:

“Beyond a diversified suite of magnesium-based additives already available for this market, we are actively developing the next generation of these unique products. This includes tailor-made solutions engineered to boost the performance, efficiency and sustainability of recycled plastics.”

By working closely with customers, Kisuma ensures that its additives are aligned with real-world needs, enabling companies to produce consistent, high-performance materials and accelerate the transition towards a circular plastics economy. PET Recycler

Sustainability and EU Compliance

The European Union is driving aggressive targets for recycled content in industries like packaging (PPWR), automotive (ELV), and building & construction. Kisuma’s magnesium-based solutions are designed to help manufacturers meet these requirements without compromising product quality.

Additional sustainability advantages include:

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Additives contribute to lowering product emissions.
• Non-toxic HSE Profile: Safe and compliant with strict regulations.
• Regulatory Readiness: Provides an alternative to additives likely to face restrictions in global markets.

Through these attributes, Kisuma supports customers in creating safer, greener, and regulation-ready products. PET Recycler

K 2025 Invitation

Kisuma will be showcasing its innovative magnesium-based additive solutions at K 2025, the leading plastics and rubber trade fair. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Kisuma booth H31 in Hall 8B to explore product benefits, discuss tailored solutions, and see how Kisuma is shaping the future of recycled plastics.

About Kisuma

Kisuma Chemicals is the world’s largest producer of synthetic hydrotalcite and a leading developer of magnesium-based solutions. The company’s technologies have applications across diverse sectors, including plastics, medical & pharmaceutical, agriculture, coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and catalysts.  PET Recycler

By continuously innovating, Kisuma empowers customers to achieve breakthroughs in performance, sustainability, and efficiency, driving progress in industries worldwide.

Learn more at www.kisuma.com.

Media Contact

Press materials and photography are available at PressReleaseFinder.com. For high-resolution images, please contact Vera Kiseleva directly.

Introduction

The Brazilian petrochemical giant Braskem is set to highlight its latest sustainable solutions at K2025 in Düsseldorf. The company will present innovations from its I’m green and Wenew series, central components of the Braskem Transforms strategy. These initiatives underline Braskem’s commitment to sustainability, circular economy principles, and carbon reduction in the plastics sector.

Braskem Transforms: A Strategy for the Future

“K2025 is the ideal platform to showcase how Braskem’s transformative strategy is generating concrete progress: for our operations, for our partners, and for the planet,” explains Roberto Ramos, CEO of Braskem. The strategy emphasizes a shift toward renewable energy sources, including gas, and expands the use of sustainable materials in production. PET Recycler

Braskem’s approach is not just reactive. By adopting renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks, the company positions itself as a leader in creating a resilient, lower-carbon future for the plastics industry. This shift supports both environmental and economic sustainability, fostering innovation across multiple product lines.

Innovative Biobased Polyolefins

At K2025, Braskem will showcase its extensive portfolio of biobased and recycled polyolefin materials. These products are marketed under the I’m green and Wenew brands. The I’m green series focuses on biobased polyethylene derived from sugarcane, while Wenew represents recycled polyolefins, emphasizing circularity in the plastics lifecycle. PET Recycler

Among the new product lines are:

• Medicol Series: Biobased low-density polyethylene (LDPE) designed for blow-fill-seal applications in compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
• Green Polyethylene for MDO Extrusion: Optimized for machine direction-oriented (MDO) processes, expanding sustainable options for packaging and industrial applications.
• Biobased HDPE Grades: Suitable for nonwovens in hygiene products such as diapers, combining sustainability with performance. PET Recycler
• EVA from Biomass: Featuring 21% vinyl acetate, providing improved softness and flexibility for footwear, packaging, and other consumer applications.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Braskem’s showcase at K2025 goes beyond its product portfolio, highlighting strategic partnerships that accelerate sustainable innovation:

• Veja: Collaboration on developing enhanced EVA grades, aiming to improve performance while reducing environmental impact.
• Bottle Up: Partnership in biobased polyethylene applications, including footwear, packaging, and cosmetics.

These collaborations demonstrate Braskem’s commitment to co-creating solutions with partners that combine high performance and sustainability.

They also underline the company’s focus on advancing circular economy principles across multiple industries. PET Recycler

Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint

One of the key highlights at K2025 will be the presentation of a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on biobased EVA. The study demonstrates that the material can achieve a negative carbon footprint under certain conditions. This emphasizes Braskem’s ongoing effort to quantify and communicate the environmental impact of its products, providing transparency and credibility to both clients and stakeholders.

By integrating LCAs into product development, Braskem ensures that its sustainable materials are backed by robust scientific data, reinforcing trust and adoption in global markets. PET Recycler

Driving Industry Transformation

Braskem’s presence at K2025 is not just about individual products but reflects a broader vision for the industry. By promoting biobased and recycled polyolefins, Braskem encourages the adoption of sustainable plastics across packaging, consumer goods, healthcare, and industrial applications.

The company’s proactive stance in renewable feedstocks and circular economy initiatives positions it as a benchmark for peers seeking to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. PET Recycler

By showcasing both innovations and practical applications, Braskem illustrates that sustainable plastics can be both high-performing and economically viable.

Conclusion

Braskem’s participation in K2025 reinforces its role as a global leader in sustainable plastics solutions. From the I’m green and Wenew series to strategic collaborations and carbon footprint innovations, the company demonstrates a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. PET Recycler

With a commitment to renewable feedstocks, recycled materials, and performance-driven innovation, Braskem continues to lead the transformation of the plastics industry toward a lower-carbon, more sustainable future.