PepsiCo Seeking: Tech for Improving Mechanical rPET Quality

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PepsiCo is seeking solutions to minimize quality and aesthetic challenges of increased recycled recycled polyethylene tetraphyte (rPET) content in packaging, allowing for reduced use of virgin polyethylene tetraphyte (PET) and lower packaging greenhouse gases (GHG).

Solution Requirements

Must-Haves

Properties
- Methodologies to sequester metal contaminants (like Fe), reducing side-reactions and color
- Counteract aesthetic challenges from higher use of rPET including yellowing or tinting and black specs
- Decontamination technologies that reduce excessive heating
- Potential technologies for eliminating one melt step (flake to preform)
- Reduced GHG preferred
Packaging Forms – Water, CSD, hot fill, and aseptic
Usage Occasion – Extend higher rPET content in packaging from 33% and higher
Organoleptic Properties – No adverse effect to product (appearance, taste, flavor)
Capabilities
- Pilot Capabilities with the ability to create physical samples from concept creation.
- Commercial Capabilities
Durability & Handling
- Packaging should be able to withstand the manufacturing process, warehousing, and distribution.
Performance Requirement
- Run seamlessly on high-speed blow molding lines
- Acceptable aesthetics for 100% brands
- Should develop standardized plaque specifications for rPET color using 3mm plaques (we use a patchwork of wall color and preform color)
- Low NIAS, as in benzene, BPA.
- Relax rPET AA levels specification to <5ppm