PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, stands out as a clear, strong, and incredibly versatile plastic material. It’s not just any plastic; PET holds the title of being the most recycled plastic in the United States, and also the most recyclable. This is a key reason why beverage companies in America choose PET to produce their bottles, which are intentionally designed for complete recyclability.
The value of recycled PET, often referred to as rPET, is substantial. Opting for rPET over new plastic brings significant environmental advantages. When rPET is used to create new bottles, it drastically cuts down on energy consumption by up to 79% and curtails greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by as much as 67%. Beyond new beverage containers, rPET is repurposed into a wide array of products, from warm winter jackets and durable rugs to safe playground equipment and cozy dog beds.
Even the respected Encyclopedia Britannica emphasizes the unique position of PET, stating, “PET is the most widely recycled plastic… PET can be recycled into its original uses…” This highlights its closed-loop recycling potential.
American beverage industry leaders are actively striving to recover every single bottle they produce. Their goal is to lessen the reliance on virgin plastic and prevent bottles from ending up in natural environments. They are collaborating with prominent environmental and sustainability organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners to boost the collection rates of plastic bottles. This increased collection ensures these bottles can be transformed into new ones, minimizing plastic waste and keeping bottles out of unwanted places like waterways and landfills. Progress in diminishing their plastic footprint is continuously monitored and tracked.
These collaborative efforts have already yielded tangible results. To date, nearly 650,000 recycling bins have been distributed in communities, and recycling infrastructure has been upgraded to process materials more efficiently. Educational resources are also being provided to help the public recycle correctly, and advocacy for updated recycling policies is underway to ensure that plastic bottles are indeed recycled into new bottles, rather than becoming environmental pollutants.
While ongoing work is essential, considerable strides have been made. Currently, a growing number of plastic bottles are being manufactured from 100% recycled plastic*, like the example shown below. Furthermore, the proportion of recycled plastic utilized in beverage bottles has more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, with recycled content now being a common component in the majority of beverage bottles.
Beverage bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic, highlighting sustainable packaging.
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For additional information on the beverage industry’s initiative to achieve Every Bottle Back, please visit here.
*Excludes Caps & Labels
