The Reality Of Pet Plastic Recycling

PET plastic bottles are designed to be remade, and recycling rates have been increasing in recent years. However, it is difficult to get an accurate picture of how much PET is being recycled. While some sources state that 28% of PET bottles are recycled, others suggest that the rate is higher, with the EPA estimating a rate of 29% in 2018. The US collected 1,962 million pounds of PET bottles for recycling in 2023, the highest annual weight ever recorded. Despite this, other types of PET packaging, such as plastic egg cartons and fruit containers, are recycled at a significantly lower rate of around 9%.

PET bottles are recycled at a higher rate than other PET packaging

The EPA estimated that the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was about 29%, citing the American Chemistry Council and other industry data. However, the picture for PET bottle recycling varies across the continent, with some countries achieving high recycling rates mainly due to the presence of Deposit Return Systems (DRS), while others have lower recycling rates when only employing separate collection systems.

Other types of PET packaging like plastic egg cartons, fruit containers, trays, and tubs are recycled at a significantly lower rate – 9%. Of the 1.8 million tonnes of recycled flake output from bottles, only 31% is made into pellets for bottles, with the rest (69%) going into other PET products.

Increasing the collection of PET, known by some consumers as #1 plastics, is a key part of the equation now and going forward. According to Partnership data, bottles dominate PET packaging; 18% of PET packaging in the U.S. is not bottles.

The US collected the highest ever annual weight of PET bottles for recycling in 2023

In 2023, the US collected the highest ever annual weight of PET bottles for recycling. The collection rate reached the highest level in nearly 30 years, with 1,962 million pounds of PET bottles collected for recycling. This was an increase of 2.7% from 2022, when 1,911 million pounds were collected.

PET bottles are the most commonly recycled form of PET packaging, with 18% of PET packaging in the US not being bottles. However, the recycling rate for non-bottle PET applications is still very low, with only 9% of non-bottle PET fruit containers, tubs, and trays being recycled. The Recycling Partnership reports that 28% of PET bottles are being recycled, while other sources state that the rate is about 29%.

Recycled content for all PET product streams, including single-use plastic trays, textile fibres, films, and strapping, is sourced from bottles. Of the 1.8 million tonnes of recycled flake output from bottles, only 31% is made into pellets for bottles, with the remaining 69% going into other PET products.

Deposit Return Systems (DRS) have been shown to increase PET bottle recycling rates, while separate collection systems have lower recycling rates.

Deposit Return Systems (DRS) increase PET recycling rates

Deposit Return Systems (DRS) are an effective way to increase PET recycling rates. PET plastic bottles are designed to be remade and can be recycled multiple times, playing a vital role in a circular economy.

The recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was estimated to be about 29% in 2018 by the EPA, citing the American Chemistry Council and other industry data. However, the picture for PET bottle recycling varies across the globe, with some countries achieving higher recycling rates due to the presence of DRS, while others have lower recycling rates when only employing separate collection systems.

In 2023, the collection rate reached its highest level in nearly 30 years, with the US collecting 1,962 million pounds of PET bottles for recycling, an increase of 2.7% from 2022. This increase is attributed to the growth in PET plastic bottles collected and fewer bottles available for recycling.

The Recycling Partnership reports that 28% of PET bottles are being recycled, with bottles dominating PET packaging. However, other types of PET packaging, such as plastic egg cartons, fruit containers, trays, and tubs, are recycled at a significantly lower rate of 9%.

The presence of DRS can significantly impact the recycling rates of PET products. For example, of the 1.8 million tonnes of recycled flake output from bottles, only 31% is made into pellets for bottles, with the rest (69%) going into other PET products.

The EPA's most recent PET recycling data is from 2018

PET plastic bottles play a vital role in a circular economy because they can be designed to be remade. In 2023, the collection rate reached its highest level in nearly 30 years, with the US collecting 1,962 million pounds of PET bottles for recycling. This was an increase of 2.7% from 2022.

Despite this progress, there is still more demand for clear recycled PET, while interest in pigmented or opaque rPET remains low. Recycled content for all PET product streams, including single-use plastic trays, textile fibres, films, and strapping, is sourced from bottles due to very low levels of recycling for non-bottle PET applications. Of the 1.8 million tonnes of recycled flake output from bottles, only 31% is made into pellets for bottles, with the remaining 69% going into other PET products.

The picture for PET bottle recycling varies across the globe, with some countries achieving high recycling rates due to the presence of Deposit Return Systems (DRS).

The demand for clear recycled PET is higher than for pigmented or opaque rPET

PET plastic bottles are designed to be remade and recycled. In 2023, the collection rate for PET bottles reached the highest level in nearly 30 years, with the US collecting 1,962 million pounds of PET bottles for recycling. This was an increase of 2.7% from 2022. However, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was estimated to be about 29%, with bottles dominating PET packaging. Other types of PET packaging, such as plastic egg cartons, fruit containers, trays, and tubs, are recycled at a significantly lower rate of 9%.

The picture for PET bottle recycling varies across the globe, with some countries achieving high recycling rates due to the presence of Deposit Return Systems (DRS), while others have lower recycling rates when only employing separate collection systems. Increasing the collection of PET, known by some consumers as #1 plastics, is a key part of the equation now and going forward. Companies want more recycled PET for packaging to meet corporate commitments and evolving regulatory requirements.

Frequently asked questions