Press Release

TÜV SÜD launches rPET testing service for a circular economy

TÜV SÜD recently launched recycled polyester (rPET) testing to help textile-related companies adopt a more sustainable way, thus contribute to a circular economy. The testing targets at recycled polyester made from recycled PET bottles as well as relevant upstream and downstream products, such as polyester chips, polyester particles, fibers, yarns, cloths and apparel. With a new testing method, TÜV SÜD helps manufacturers and brands technically and independently substantiate sustainability/circularity claims about the content of rPET in their products.

TÜV SÜD launches recycled polyester (rPET) testing service

In the context of global sustainability, circular economy and carbon reduction, the textile industry is on the move to seek more sustainable development following circularity principles, including reduce waste and increase the use of secondary raw materials. Compared with virgin polyester, the production of rPET requires less resources and generates less carbon emissions. The global market share of rPET increased from around 8 percent to around 14 percent in the past decade. rPET is being increasingly used by many brands as an environmental marketing claim on their apparel and footwear to create higher value-added products and cater to the needs of environmentally conscious individuals. 

Accurately reporting and verifying the amount of rPET in products is among the key challenges facing companies.  It’s crucial that upstream and downstream companies in the supply chain maintain transparent in rPET content and ensure that all of their claims are truthful and not misleading on a reasonable basis. Otherwise, they would be at risk of violating laws that protect consumers against false or deceptive marketing claims, such as the German Act against Unfair Competition, the DIRECTIVE 2005/29/EC in EU and the Federal Trade Commission Actin in the US.

With its global expertise and experience in the textile industry, TÜV SÜD has developed a new test method to identify rPET produced from recycled PET bottles. Identification and quantification are key steps in identifying rPET made from recycled PET bottles and relevant upstream and downstream products, such as polyester chips, polyester particles, fibers, yarns, cloths, and apparel. The test results will indicate the concentration range of rPET, such as >75%, >25%~75%, >0.05%~25%, and <0.05%. 

As an internationally accredited testing and certification body, TÜV SÜD offers testing with the highest degree of professionalism to help companies comply with international guidelines and standards. Its international network enables TÜV SÜD to offer comprehensive services to certify the compliance of organizations and companies and support sustainability on a global scale.