Think about the last bottle of water you used. You probably tossed it into the bin without a second thought, like millions of others do each day. But what if that same bottle didn’t end up piling in a landfill or drifting through a river? What if it got a new life, as another bottle, a useful product, or something entirely different?

As of April 2025, that vision has started becoming a reality.

In a major step toward circular living, the Indian government now requires that all new PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles contain at least 30% recycled plastic, also known as r-PET. This small shift has powerful ripple effects, encouraging brands, industries, and everyday citizens to rethink how they use, reuse, and value plastic.

What is PET, and why should it matter to you?

Most of our everyday beverage bottles are made from PET. They’re lightweight, durable, and incredibly convenient. But convenience comes at a cost. PET bottles, when not recycled, are a major contributor to plastic pollution.

Here’s the good news: PET is recyclable. When given a second life, it transforms into r-PET, a material that can be used to make new bottles, clothes, bags, and even home furnishings — all without tapping into fresh petroleum resources.

Understanding how PET can have a second life reminds us: every small action we take can have a bigger impact.

© The Better India