Recycled PET Applications | rPET Cases for Packaging & Thermoforming

UK Case : Food Grade rPET Sheets for Sustainable Packaging

Customer Overview

A UK-based food packaging manufacturer specializes in thermoformed packaging solutions made from recycled PET materials. The company produces sustainable packaging products including rPET vegetable trays, ice cream lids and food containers, supplying food retailers and brands across the UK, including supermarket chains such as Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. To meet the growing demand for recycled packaging materials and ensure a stable supply of high-quality raw materials, the company partnered with INTCO Recycling Malaysia for reliable  food grade rPET sheet solutions.

Challenge: Finding a Reliable rPET Sheet Supplier

The UK food packaging industry is experiencing rapid changes driven by stricter sustainability regulations, increasing recycled content requirements and growing demand from retailers for environmentally responsible packaging.
The company needed an experienced rPET sheet supplier that could provide:
  • Stable supply of food-grade recycled PET materials
  • Consistent quality for thermoforming applications
  • Compliance with UK and international packaging standards
  • Competitive total procurement costs
  • Long-term supply security
Beyond material quality, the company required a partner who could help manage future regulatory changes and supply chain risks.

Solution: 100% PCR rPET Sheets from Malaysia

INTCO Recycling supplied the UK food packaging manufacturer with high-quality 100% post-consumer recycled PET (PCR) sheets manufactured at our Malaysia production facility.
The rPET sheets are designed for thermoforming applications, including:
  • Fresh vegetable trays
  • Ice cream lids
  • Food containers
  • Retail packaging solutions
With advanced recycling technology, strict quality control and stable processing performance, INTCO rPET sheets help the company produce sustainable food packaging products that meet the requirements of the UK retail market.

Why the UK Food Packaging Manufacturer Selected INTCO Recycling

1. Future-Proof Compliance with UK Plastic Packaging Tax

The UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) is becoming increasingly important for packaging manufacturers. From April 2026, the PPT rate will increase to £228.82 per ton, while packaging containing at least 30% recycled plastic content can qualify for tax exemption.
INTCO rPET sheets are manufactured using 100% post-consumer recycled PET (PCR) materials, significantly exceeding the minimum recycled content requirement and helping packaging manufacturers reduce PPT exposure.
From April 2027, the UK market is expected to place greater emphasis on genuine PCR materials, while pre-consumer recycled materials from factory scrap may no longer qualify.
By choosing INTCO’s PCR-based rPET sheets, UK packaging manufacturers obtain a future-ready solution with stronger regulatory compliance and lower sustainability risks.

2. CPTPP Advantage for Lower Import Costs

The United Kingdom officially joined CPTPP in December 2024. With Malaysia being a CPTPP member, approximately 94% of tariff lines became immediately duty-free for Malaysia–UK trade.
Compared with direct supply from China, which may face 4.2%–6.5% MFN import tariffs, Malaysia-origin rPET sheets provide significant tariff advantages.
For every 1,000 tons of rPET sheet procurement, customers can potentially save:
  • US$63,000–97,500 in import duties
  • Additional costs through PPT exemption
This makes Malaysia a competitive sourcing destination for UK sustainable packaging manufacturers.

3. Complete Certification System for Food Packaging

Food-contact packaging requires strict safety control and international certifications.
INTCO Recycling provides a comprehensive certification system, including:
  • FDA
  • EFSA
  • GRS
  • BRCGS Packaging Materials
  • FSSC 22000
  • REACH
  • OceanCycle

BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification

BRCGS is one of the leading global standards for packaging manufacturers. It focuses on packaging safety, quality management, traceability and production process control.
This certification helps packaging suppliers meet the requirements of food retailers and brand customers.

FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System

FSSC 22000 is a globally recognized food safety management system based on HACCP principles. It ensures effective control of food safety risks through standardized procedures, traceability systems and continuous improvement.
Together, these certifications provide packaging manufacturers with confidence in a reliable food-grade rPET sheet supply.

4. Optimized Total Landed Cost Advantage


INTCO’s Malaysia production model combines:
  • Southeast Asia manufacturing advantages
  • CPTPP tariff benefits
  • PPT exemption through PCR content
  • Lower regulatory risks
For every 1,000 tons of rPET sheet procurement, customers can potentially save approximately:
  • £228,820 from PPT exemption
  • US$63,000–97,500 from tariff advantages
Beyond direct cost savings, INTCO helps customers reduce risks related to compliance changes, supply interruptions and future material requirements.

5. 50,000 Tons Annual Capacity Ensuring Supply Stability


Stable supply is essential for large-scale food packaging manufacturers.
INTCO Recycling Malaysia has invested RM1.3 billion in recycling infrastructure, with an annual capacity of approximately 50,000 tons of recycled PET bottles.
Through advanced technologies including:
  • Bottle-to-bottle recycling
  • SSP (Solid State Polymerization)
  • ABA three-layer co-extrusion technology
INTCO provides:
✓ Stable production capacity
✓ Consistent material quality
✓ Reliable batch-to-batch performance
✓ Long-term supply security
This integrated recycling system allows UK food packaging manufacturers to secure a reliable source of food-grade rPET sheets while supporting the development of a circular packaging economy.


Results: Supporting Sustainable Packaging Growth in the UK


Through cooperation with INTCO Recycling, the UK food packaging manufacturer achieved:
✓ Stable supply of food grade rPET sheets
✓ Reliable 100% PCR recycled content solution
✓ Improved compliance with UK sustainability requirements
✓ Reduced import and regulatory risks
✓ Stronger support for food retail packaging projects
This partnership demonstrates how Malaysian recycled PET manufacturers can support global packaging companies in building sustainable and resilient supply chains.

Partner with INTCO Recycling for rPET Sheet Solutions

INTCO Recycling is a global manufacturer specializing in recycled PET materials, providing:
  • Food grade rPET sheets
  • rPET flakes
  • rPET pellets
  • Customized recycled material solutions
With advanced recycling technology, international certifications and large-scale production capacity, INTCO helps packaging manufacturers worldwide transition toward sustainable packaging.
Contact INTCO Recycling today for food grade rPET sheet solutions.