PET recycling rate climbs to 57% in Europe, study shows

The findings come in a report compiled by PCI PET Packaging Resin & Recycling on behalf of Petcore Europe following a continent-wide survey of companies involved in the collection, sorting and recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).

PET plastic is most commonly used in clear lightweight packaging such as bottles and containers.

According to Petcore, around 1.8 million tonnes of PET bottles and containers were collected throughout 2014 representing an increase of around 6.8% compared to 2013.

Overall, around 3.1 million tonnes of PET bottles and containers were placed onto the market during this this time, suggesting that a 57% collection rate was achieved for the year.

Commenting on the report, Petcore Europe executive director, Patrick Peuch, said: “PET collection and recycling continue to increase and to be a success story over the last 25 years. PET is by far the most recycled plastic material in Europe. However, we can do even better and actively contribute to the European Circular Economy, especially as PET now penetrates new applications.”

“Although the collection rate increased by 1.3% over the 2013 rate, it clearly illustrates the need for a two-sided approach. On one hand, our industry has to work together to align the collection processes to deliver increased recycling objectives. On the other hand, consumers have to be more engaged.”

Consumers

He added: “Raising consumers’ awareness on the importance of collection and the value of recycling, especially in the context of the European Commission Circular Economy approach, and their own role in the process are key.”

Elsewhere, the report highlights that collection rates varied considerably across Europe, with a number of EU Member States exceeding the average 57%.

However, the report also notes that the PET industry faced significant challenges in 2014, outlining that 1.7 million tonnes of PET were recycled in Europe, against an installed processing capacity estimated at around 2.1 million tonnes

According to Petcore this means that the recycling industry operating rate sat at around 79% in 2014, lower than the 83% rate recorded in 2013.

This decrease is attributed in particular to pricing throughout the rPET (recycled PET) chain and pressure from low virgin PET resin prices that occurred during the last quarter of the year.

Full results of the report, including a breakdown of the UK’s performance, will be presented at Petcore Europe’s Conference in Brussels on November 24.