PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of plastic renowned for its clarity, strength, and versatility. It stands out as one of the most recycled plastics globally, particularly in countries like the United States. This remarkable recyclability makes PET the preferred material for beverage companies when crafting their bottles, which are intentionally designed to be 100% recyclable.
Recycled PET, often referred to as rPET, is a highly valuable resource. Opting for rPET over virgin plastic significantly lessens environmental impact. Specifically, using rPET to produce new bottles slashes total energy consumption by an impressive 79% and curtails greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 67%. Beyond new bottles, rPET is repurposed into a diverse array of products, including cozy winter jackets, durable rugs, safe playground equipment, and comfortable pet beds.
Close-up of clear plastic bottles made from 100% recycled PET, showcasing sustainable packaging and material reuse.
Even the esteemed Encyclopedia Britannica highlights PET’s unique value and widespread recycling: “PET is the most widely recycled plastic… PET can be recycled into its original uses…” This underscores PET’s crucial role in a circular economy.
Leading beverage companies in America are actively committed to recovering every bottle they produce. This initiative aims to diminish the reliance on new plastic and prevent bottles from polluting natural environments. Collaborating with prominent environmental and sustainability organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners, these companies are working to enhance the collection of plastic bottles, ensuring they are transformed into new bottles. This concerted effort is crucial for reducing the plastic footprint and ensuring bottles are properly recycled rather than ending up in landfills or natural habitats. Progress in minimizing plastic footprint is continuously monitored and tracked.
Current initiatives include the distribution of nearly 650,000 recycling bins within communities and upgrades to recycling facility equipment to expedite material processing. Furthermore, educational resources are provided to promote effective recycling practices among residents, and advocacy for modern collection policies is ongoing to ensure plastic bottles are consistently recycled into new products.
While ongoing efforts are essential, significant strides have already been made. Beverage companies are increasingly producing more plastic bottles made entirely from 100% recycled plastic*, exemplified by the bottles shown. Moreover, the proportion of recycled plastic used in bottles more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, with recycled plastic now being a key component in the majority of beverage bottles.
To delve deeper into this topic, explore the video resources available. For extensive information on the beverage industry’s “Every Bottle Back” program, please visit here.
*Excluding Caps & Labels
