PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a remarkably versatile plastic known for its clarity and durability. It stands out as the most recycled plastic in the United States, a testament to its value and the ongoing efforts to promote environmental responsibility. This is why beverage companies in America choose PET to create their bottles, specifically designed for 100% recyclability. Just as pets bring meaning and purpose to our lives, recycling PET contributes to a meaningful and sustainable future for our planet.
Recycled PET, often referred to as rPET, is a highly desirable material. Opting for rPET over new plastic significantly lessens our environmental footprint. When rPET is used to manufacture new bottles, it results in a substantial reduction in energy consumption – by as much as 79% – and limits greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 67%. Beyond new bottles, rPET finds applications in a diverse array of products, from warm winter jackets and cozy rugs to durable playground equipment and comfortable dog beds. Thinking about the comfort and well-being of our pets, choosing products made from rPET aligns with a caring and responsible approach to the environment.
Even the respected Encyclopedia Britannica highlights the unique and valuable nature of PET, noting, “PET is the most widely recycled plastic… PET can be recycled into its original uses…” This inherent recyclability underscores the importance of PET in a circular economy, where materials are continuously reused, reducing waste and conserving resources – a principle that resonates with the idea of responsible pet ownership and care for our shared environment.
Leading beverage companies in America are actively striving to recover every bottle they produce. Their goal is to minimize the reliance on new plastic and prevent bottles from ending up in natural environments. They are collaborating with prominent environmental and sustainability organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, The Recycling Partnership, and Closed Loop Partners to enhance the collection of plastic bottles. This increased collection ensures these bottles can be repurposed into new ones, effectively shrinking our plastic footprint and preventing them from polluting our lakes, rivers, or needlessly filling landfills. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, much like the commitment we have to our pets’ well-being. We are constantly measuring our progress towards a smaller plastic footprint and a healthier planet.
Our ongoing efforts have already made a significant impact. We have distributed nearly 650,000 recycling bins in communities and upgraded processing equipment to handle more recyclable materials at a faster rate. We also provide educational resources to guide residents in effective recycling practices and advocate for modern collection policies that ensure plastic bottles are recycled into new bottles, rather than becoming environmental waste. Just as we educate ourselves on the best ways to care for our pets, understanding and practicing proper recycling habits is crucial for a sustainable lifestyle.
While there is still more to achieve, we are making considerable strides. We are now producing an increasing number of plastic bottles made entirely from 100% recycled plastic*, similar to the example shown below. Furthermore, the proportion of recycled plastic in beverage bottles has more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, with recycled plastic now being a common component in the majority of beverage bottles. This progress demonstrates a tangible shift towards a more sustainable approach, reflecting a growing understanding of the “Pet Meaning” of our planet – the importance of caring for it as we care for our own homes and pets.
Bottles made with 100% recycled plastic demonstrate the pet meaning of environmental responsibility by reducing reliance on new resources and minimizing waste.
Interested in discovering more? Watch our video to learn more!
To find out more about the beverage industry’s initiative to recover Every Bottle Back, please click here.
*Excludes Caps & Labels
