rPET resin

An rPET resin uses recycled PET as a raw material in the polyester backbone. AOC converts post-consumer PET bottles and post-industrial PET waste into durable thermoset formulations. This gives plastic waste a new, long-life application in boats, pipes, panels and vehicle parts.

How rPET resins are made

PET waste is chemically broken down and rebuilt into an unsaturated polyester. The manufacturing process involves additional steps compared with conventional resins, which makes it more demanding. AOC has invested in dedicated capacity at its plant in Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic to produce its rPET product series.

Environmental benefit of rPET resin

On average, rPET-based resins have a 16 % lower GWP than conventional unsaturated polyester resins, while in many cases offering comparable or better properties. The exact benefit is product- and application-specific, so a fair comparison uses product-specific life-cycle data and the same functional performance and service life. Most AOC rPET products carry the Next™ label.

rPET resin applications

AOC offers rPET resin formulations for most composite processes:

• Marine: Synolite™ 4600-G-1 for vacuum infusion and Synolite™ 4600-L-1 for hand lay-up, both Lloyd's Register approved.
• CIPP/relining: Synolite™ 6211-T-20 for heat-cure liners, conforming to DIN 18820 Part 1 Group 2 and DIN 16946 Part 2 Type 1140.
• SMC/BMC: Palapreg® P 40-01 and P 78-01, MgO-thickenable resins for automotive and electrical parts.
• Casting: the Synolite™ 1112-G series and Synolite™ 1210-U-1 for cultured marble and polymer concrete.
• Sanitary: the Synolite™ 4320 series for acrylic back-up.
• Pipes, panels and profiles: Palatal® P 42-02 and P 42-04.
• Filament winding: A421-TMA-30.

Processing rPET resin

AOC develops its rPET formulations to fit established composite processes. Palapreg® P 40-01, for example, offers processing robustness in existing SMC and BMC operations. Our Technical Service supports customers with trials and fine-tuning when introducing an rPET resin.

Frequently asked questions about rPET resin

Does rPET resin perform as well as standard resin?

In many cases, rPET-based resins offer comparable or better properties than conventional unsaturated polyester resins. Final suitability should always be verified in your own process.

Where are AOC rPET resins produced?

AOC produces its rPET product series in Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic.

Learn more about rPET resin

Discover the full range in the Keen to be Green rPET brochure and on our Keen to be Green page. Contact AOC to request samples or advice on introducing an rPET resin in your product.