PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a remarkable type of plastic known for its clarity, strength, and versatility. It stands out as the most recycled plastic in the United States, a testament to its eco-friendly potential. This is why beverage companies in America choose PET to create their bottles, meticulously designed to be 100% recyclable.
The Magic of Recycled PET (rPET)
Recycled PET, often referred to as rPET, is a material highly valued for its environmental benefits. By utilizing rPET instead of virgin plastic, we significantly lessen our impact on the planet. Specifically, using rPET to manufacture new bottles slashes total energy consumption by an impressive 79% and curtails greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 67%. But the story of rPET doesn’t end with new bottles. This versatile material can be transformed into a wide array of products, from cozy winter jackets and durable rugs to safe playground equipment and comfortable dog beds.
Even the esteemed Encyclopedia Britannica underscores the unique value of PET, stating, “PET is the most widely recycled plastic… PET can be recycled into its original uses…” This highlights the closed-loop potential of PET bottle recycling.
Beverage Companies Leading the Charge for Bottle Recycling
Leading beverage companies in America are actively striving to recover every single bottle they produce. Their goal is clear: to minimize the use of new plastic and prevent bottles from polluting our natural environment. They are collaborating with prominent environmental and sustainability organizations – including 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 reborn as new bottles, reducing our plastic footprint and keeping them out of vulnerable ecosystems like lakes and rivers, and away from landfills. Progress in diminishing this plastic footprint is continuously monitored and tracked.
Key initiatives to date include the distribution of nearly 650,000 recycling bins across communities and upgrades to recycling infrastructure for faster and more efficient processing. Educational resources are also being provided to empower residents to recycle correctly, alongside advocacy for updated collection policies that ensure plastic bottles are recycled into new products, not discarded into the environment.
Significant strides have already been made. The industry is now producing more Pet Bottles made entirely from 100% recycled plastic*, exemplified by the image below. Furthermore, the proportion of recycled plastic incorporated into bottles more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, with recycled plastic now being a component in the majority of beverage bottles.
Pile of clear 100% recycled plastic bottles
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To discover additional information on the beverage industry’s commitment to Every Bottle Back, please click here.
*Excludes Caps & Labels
