LNJ GreenPET partners with Sumitomo to boost India’s r-PET sector

INDIA – LNJ GreenPET, a division of the diversified LNJ Bhilwara Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation to accelerate the growth of the recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) industry in India.

The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s circular economy and addressing the surging demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

The MoU outlines cooperation in multiple areas, including commercial development, raw material procurement, marketing strategies, and potential investments in LNJ GreenPET’s upcoming r-PET project.

A key component of the partnership will be a comprehensive market study to map India’s r-PET landscape, covering market size, customer segmentation, technical capabilities, supply chain benchmarking, and regulatory feasibility.

These insights will inform the company’s strategy as it prepares to begin commercial production in 2026.

Sumitomo will also support pre-production by sourcing r-PET flakes from Southeast Asia and other international markets.

In addition, the Japanese conglomerate will assist with pre-marketing activities, customer engagement, and the establishment of sales channels targeting both domestic buyers and global customers.

Commenting on the partnership, Riju Jhunjhunwala, chairman of LNJ Bhilwara Group, said, “This MoU with Sumitomo Corporation is a significant step towards strengthening India’s circular economy ecosystem.

“By combining Sumitomo Corporation’s global expertise with our vision for sustainable plastic recycling, we aim to create a robust r-PET value chain that addresses both domestic and global demand for sustainable packaging solutions.”

India’s r-PET sector is gaining momentum as the country grapples with mounting plastic waste challenges and tightening sustainability regulations.

PET plastic is widely used in beverage bottles, textiles, and packaging materials, and recycling it into r-PET reduces dependence on virgin plastic while lowering carbon emissions.

Industry analysts project steady growth in demand, driven by commitments from FMCG, beverage, and textile companies to incorporate higher levels of recycled content in their products.

Yutaka Takamura, general manager of Sumitomo’s Green Chemical SBU unit, noted, “It’s an honour to partner with LNJ GreenPET in advancing the r-PET sector in India. Together, we aim to create innovative, sustainable solutions that address both domestic needs and global demand.”

By leveraging Sumitomo’s international expertise and LNJ GreenPET’s local presence, the collaboration is positioned to strengthen India’s recycling infrastructure, expand access to sustainable packaging materials, and contribute to the broader global effort to reduce plastic waste.

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