Beyond the Label: Analytical Characterization of “100% Recycled” Across Product Forms
Gigi Tutoni, Brian Jing, Erin Kirkpatrick, Sadella Santos, Emily Churchill, Soshana Smith
Recycled polyester (rPET) is widely used across a range of industries, from textiles to bottles and flexible packaging. These distinct products are often marketed under the same “100% recycled” claim. However, the origin of the feedstock and the form of the final product can be significantly different, with important implications for material structure and performance. This study uses analytical techniques to compare rPET derived from textile fibers, blow‑molded bottles, and film packaging with control products made from non-recycled PET. These findings from this study aim to provide insights in the understanding of where recycled polyester comes from and how it is subsequently processed is essential to predict its behavior in end‑use applications. By connecting analytical evidence to product labeling, this work highlights how the term “100% recycled” rPET encompasses a diverse set of materials and underscores the need for characterization‑driven decision‑making in material sourcing, product design, and performance expectations.