Sustainable Packaging Trends in the Edible Oil Industry: PET, Glass, and Recycled Materials

You evaluate packaging by balancing product protection, transport efficiency, end-of-life options and total cost.

PET bottles – lightweight and widely recycled

PET remains the dominant choice for retail and foodservice edible oil.

• Lightweight, reducing transport fuel use

• Good barrier properties when properly specified

• Widely accepted in recycling streams in many markets

• Available in 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L, 5 L and larger foodservice sizes

Recycled PET (rPET) content is increasingly specified. Higher rPET percentages lower the carbon footprint of the bottle itself, provided food-grade approved material is used and migration limits are met.

Glass – premium perception and infinite recyclability

Glass is preferred for premium and specialty oils (extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed sesame, gourmet lines).

• Excellent inertness and flavour protection

• Infinitely recyclable without quality loss

• Heavier weight increases transport emissions and breakage risk

• Higher cost per unit compared with PET

Glass works best when brand positioning and product value justify the added logistics cost.

Recycled and emerging materials

• rPET bottles with certified food-grade recycled content

• PCR (post-consumer recycled) content targets set by brand owners or retailers

• Lightweighting of both PET and glass to reduce material use

• Exploration of bio-based or compostable options (still limited for edible oil due to barrier and shelf-life requirements)

For bulk formats the sustainability focus shifts to:

• Single-use food-grade Flexitank liners designed for efficient disposal or recycling where facilities exist

• Reusable IBC totes and steel drums that can complete multiple trips when cleaning protocols are followed

• Optimised container loading to maximise oil payload and reduce shipments per tonne

Practical considerations for consistent supply

• Confirm food-grade approval and migration compliance for any recycled content.

• Match packaging format to volume: PET or glass for retail/foodservice, Flexitank/IBC/drum for industrial loads.

• Keep oil quality parameters stable (FFA, peroxide value, moisture) regardless of packaging choice.

• Request packaging specifications and recyclability information alongside the oil COA when required by your market.

You define the volume, market requirements and sustainability targets. We supply the oil and packaging combination that meets those targets while protecting product quality.