While plastic may seem like a singular category, not all plastic is created equal. There are many varieties, each with a different application and unique qualities. When companies consider the switch to more sustainable packaging, they need to know that advances in rPET packaging make it possible to create applications that offer comparable quality, reliability, and aesthetic appeal to vPET alternatives. Because no matter how sustainable a business’s packaging may be, people won’t buy its products if they don’t look good and perform well.

The Growing Sustainable Packaging Market

In 2023, McKinsey & Company surveyed U.S. consumers to explore their attitudes about sustainable packaging. 39% of participants said they were concerned about the environmental impact of packaging materials, and roughly 50% said they would pay more for a product with sustainable packaging. These findings suggest that adopting sustainable packaging could lead to a larger market share.

The sustainable packaging market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6% through 2027, with many companies pledging to transition to 100% sustainable packaging within the next few years. These statistics are encouraging when it comes to the widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices. 

As more businesses move to sustainable packaging, the demand for high-quality rPET will increase as well. In fact, a recent report suggests that the U.S. demand for rPET will outpace supply by about three times by 2030. This presents a supply challenge for rPET providers — a challenge that Verdeco is already working to overcome.

The Benefits of Customized rPET 

In the McKinsey study, U.S. participants were asked to rank the factors that most influenced their purchase decisions. Hygiene and shelf life topped the list, while environmental impact ranked significantly lower. 

These results are eye-opening, revealing that while consumers consider environmental sustainability when making a purchase decision, they are also concerned with quality and aesthetics. Companies can’t just throw sustainable packaging onto shelves and expect it to perform well — they have to make sure their packaging meets consumer expectations for visual appeal and performance.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, companies can stand out by customizing their sustainable packaging to their clients' needs. A customer-centric approach to packaging design ensures that their products are aesthetically pleasing, high quality, and beneficial for the environment.

If end users are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging, they want to feel like they’re getting what they pay for. Customization makes sustainable packaging visually appealing and draws customers in. If companies are going to use more sustainable packaging, they should invest the time and effort into designing rPET products they can be proud of. Any competitive edge is lost if consumers can’t quickly determine whether or not the packaging uses recycled materials.

From a functionality standpoint, customization ensures that rPET pellets are suitable for their final applications without compromising aesthetics or ease of use. Consumers want to know that packaging is sustainable, but they don’t want to notice a difference in quality between rPET and PET. 

Verdeco’s Customization Process & Capabilities

We offer a wide range of rPET pellets for different applications across multiple industries — from FDA-approved packaging for food and beverage companies to cosmetics containers and medical packaging. When we start working with a company, we research its intended applications and various use cases. From there, we produce our pellets based on the determined needs.

Our Innovation Center in Greenville, South Carolina, features cutting-edge technology, advanced R&D, and a state-of-the-art production facility, all of which enable us to create rPET pellets with specific levels of crystallization, IV, benzene, and more. For example, our customers who make hot-fill containers use our heet™ solution, which is made with optimal IV levels to minimize shrinkage and maintain the integrity of the recycled plastic during filling up to 85ºC.

Our rPET products can be customized to a broad range of specifications, including color and durability. These qualities are essential for ensuring the final product or packaging is aesthetically pleasing.

From development to delivery, we work closely with each customer to solve their industry-specific challenges. Our Innovation Center’s small-scale production line allows us to make samples of end-use applications. We send these samples to each customer to ensure they meet expectations. Once we confirm that it does, we move into mass production. If we find that there’s still work to do, we go back to the development stage and refine the solution until it’s right.
Ready to start customizing your rPET solution? Contact us today!