rPET Recycling Savings Calculator — Estimated Energy & Bottle Equivalent

From recycled-content share, shows the estimated energy saving versus virgin polyester and the equivalent number of PET bottles.

Formula

This is an INDICATOR, not a precise LCA. Estimated energy saving (%) = recycled share × 0.59 (rPET uses ~59% less energy than virgin polyester — source: EEA 2021). Recycled mass (kg) = product weight(kg) × recycled share. PET bottle equivalent = recycled mass(g) ÷ bottle unit weight(g) (default ~10 g).

Worked example

100 kg product, 70% recycled content → estimated energy saving = 0.70 × 0.59 = 0.413 ≈ 41% (estimated). Recycled mass = 100 × 0.70 = 70 kg = 70,000 g. Assuming 10 g per bottle, PET bottle equivalent = 70,000 ÷ 10 = 7,000 bottles. GRS context: 70% content clears the ≥50% threshold, so it qualifies for GRS certification.

Estimated — indicative value. · Indicator; not a precise LCA. Source: EEA 2021 (~59% less energy).

Frequently asked questions

How much energy does rPET save?

rPET uses roughly 59% less energy than virgin polyester (source: EEA 2021). The saving scales with recycled share: 100% rPET ≈ 59%, 50% rPET ≈ 30% estimated energy saving. This is an indicator; an exact figure requires a product-specific LCA.

What is the minimum recycled share for GRS?

For a GRS (Global Recycled Standard) label, at least 50% of the product weight must be certified recycled content. Content of 20–49% qualifies only under RCS (Recycled Claim Standard). Confirm the exact threshold and verification with your certification body.

How is the PET bottle equivalent calculated?

Divide the recycled mass in grams by the bottle unit weight. As a standard 0.5 L PET bottle is ~10 g, 70,000 g of rPET ≈ 7,000 bottles. Bottle weight varies by brand; update the field with your measured value.

Is this result an official carbon or LCA claim?

No. This tool gives an INDICATOR based on EEA 2021’s ~59% energy difference; it excludes the product’s transport, dyeing and finishing impacts. Verify with a certified, product-specific LCA before using it in marketing or reporting.