According to NAPCOR’s new recycling report, in 2023, North America achieved a record-high PET bottle recycling rate of 41.3%, exceeding the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global standard for successful recycling. The Foundation's 2016 definition of success is a 30% recycling rate in regions with a population over 400 million. North America has consistently surpassed this benchmark since.
The growing role of recycled PET in packaging applications
As recycling rates continue to increase, so does the availability of recycled PET (rPET) to the market, directly impacting the potential for using this recycled material in packaging materials beyond bottles, such as trays. By application, the packaging segment holds the largest market share, accounting for approximately 60% of the global Recycled PET market in 2023. PET trays, widely used in food and consumer goods industries, are an important application for rPET due to the growing focus on sustainability, stricter regulations, and rising demand for eco-friendly packaging. Market expansion for rPET is also fuelled by the need to minimize plastic waste, conserve resources, and advance a circular economy.
Sustainability driving PCR commitments
This shift toward recycled materials aligns with the broader trend where sustainability has become the top factor influencing packaging design across industries and regions. In response to this shift, many major consumer brands have taken it a step further by making voluntary commitments to include post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, with most aiming to incorporate 25% or 30% recycled content by 2025.
Technological innovations enhancing rPET production
Technological advancements have significantly impacted the rPET market leading to the development of innovative recycling technologies and processes. Innovations such as advanced recycling, improved mechanical recycling and enzymatic depolymerization have enhanced the quality, efficiency, and scalability of rPET production. These advancements are crucial to meet the growing demand for high-quality recycled materials ensuring the sustainability of the recycling industry.
Collaboration needed to achieve a circular system
Despite the progress made in recycling rates and innovation in recycling technologies, there is still urgent action and collaboration needed to continue to progress towards a circular system. The industry and government need to work together for brands and retailers to achieve their commitments. Investment in recycling infrastructure, well-designed EPR programs, education on proper disposal, and advocacy for PET plastic are crucial to continue moving from ambition to action.
