PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is well-known as a clear, strong, and adaptable plastic material. Notably, it stands out as the most readily recycled and frequently recycled plastic in the United States. This inherent recyclability makes PET the preferred choice for beverage companies in America when crafting their bottles, which are specifically engineered for 100% recyclability.
Recycled PET, often referred to as rPET, is a material that is highly valued for its sustainable properties. The utilization of rPET instead of virgin plastic brings about a significant reduction in environmental impact. Specifically, when rPET is used in the production of new bottles, it leads to a remarkable 79% decrease in total energy consumption and a 67% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Beyond new beverage containers, rPET’s versatility extends to a wide array of products, including winter outerwear, durable rugs, safe playground surfaces, and comfortable pet beds.
Even the respected Encyclopedia Britannica emphasizes 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 recycling.
Leading beverage companies in America are actively pursuing initiatives to ensure that every bottle is recovered after use. This commitment is driven by the goal to lessen our reliance on new plastic and to prevent bottles from ending up in natural environments. Collaborating with prominent environmental and sustainability organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners, these companies are working to boost the collection rates of plastic bottles, facilitating their transformation into new bottles. This approach is crucial for minimizing our plastic footprint and ensuring that bottles are properly managed, rather than polluting landscapes, waterways, or filling up landfills. Progress in reducing plastic footprint is being consistently monitored and tracked.
Significant strides have been made through these collaborative efforts. To date, these initiatives include the distribution of nearly 650,000 recycling bins in communities to improve recycling accessibility and upgrades to recycling infrastructure to enhance processing efficiency. Educational resources are also being provided to communities to promote effective recycling practices. Furthermore, advocacy for modern collection policies plays a vital role in ensuring that collected plastic bottles are effectively recycled back into new bottles, rather than being lost to the environment.
While ongoing efforts are essential to achieve complete circularity, substantial progress is evident. Beverage companies are increasingly producing more plastic bottles made entirely from 100% recycled plastic*, as illustrated below. Furthermore, the proportion of recycled plastic incorporated into bottles has more than doubled between 2018 and 2021, with recycled content now being a common component in the majority of beverage bottles.
Example of beverage bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic, showcasing the commitment of the beverage industry to sustainable packaging.
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For further information on the beverage industry’s “Every Bottle Back” initiative, please visit here.
*Excludes Caps & Labels
