Post-Consumer and Post-Industrial Recycled Polyester
topic
rPET fibre classifications: (1) Post-consumer recycled (PCR): from end-consumer waste (bottles, garments, carpets) — higher variability; (2) Post-industrial recycled (PIR): from manufacturing waste (fibre waste, off-cuts) — more consistent quality. Bottle-to-fibre rPET: dominant stream, well-established supply chain, GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified. Garment-to-fibre: nascent, supply chain fragmented, chemical recycling required for coloured/blended fabrics. Properties of rPET fibre vs. virgin: IV slightly lower, yellowing tendency, potential trace contamination — acceptable for most apparel applications.
Role
Understanding the distinctions between recycled polyester types — their origin, certification, quality characteristics, and supply chain maturity — is essential for responsible sourcing, product claims, and assessing the actual circularity of recycled content claims.