PET recycling effect is remarkable, and PET packaging is steadily moving towards recycling

PET recycling effect is remarkable, and PET packaging is steadily moving towards recycling.

New data on collection, recycling capacity and production in 2021 show that all measurement factors have increased, indicating that the European pet industry is steadily moving towards recycling. Especially in the PET recycling market, there has been a significant growth, with the overall installed capacity increasing by 21%, reaching 2.8 metric tons in EU27 + 3.

According to the recovery data, 1.7 metric tons of flakes are expected to be produced in 2020. The application of pallets and sheets has increased steadily, of which 32% share is still the largest export of RPET in packaging, followed by 29% share of food contact bottles. Driven by the commitment of manufacturers, they have made a series of commitments and goals to incorporate recycled ingredients into their bottles. Driven by the mandatory target of recycled ingredients, the share of food grade RPET in PET beverage bottle production will continue to grow rapidly On the other hand, the rest of recycled PET is used for fiber (24%), strapping (8%) and injection molding (1%), followed by other applications (2%).

In addition, as pointed out in the report, by 2025, 19 EU member states are expected to develop deposit return plans (DRS) for PET bottles, which shows that the pet industry is turning round with the improvement of recycling capacity. Today, the seven EU member states that have established DRS have achieved classification recoveries of 83% or higher. This means that according to the EU disposable plastics directive (supd), the collection rate target has been in place, and the collection number and quality may increase significantly by 2025.

However, some challenges remain. For example, in order to achieve a recovery rate of 90% and a mandatory recovery content target, Europe will require that the recovery capacity be expanded by at least one third by 2029.

In addition, further innovation, support from EU policymakers and stronger data sources are needed in all areas of the packaging value chain to ensure that progress towards the goals is achieved and measured. This will require further coordination and implementation of best practices in collection, classification and design recycling to promote the use of more RPET in its own application cycle.

The significant increase in pet collection and recycling has sent a positive signal to the market and will enhance people’s confidence in further accelerating the pet cycle.