European Plastics Group Reports PET Collection Levels for 2009

The Europe-based plastics association Petcore (PET containers recycling Europe) reports that European post-sorting PET collection reached 1.4 million metric tons last year, an 8 percent increase from the prior year.

The overall collection rate of all PET bottles on the European market in 2009 rose by nearly 2.5 percent, from 46 percent to 48.4 percent.

Meanwhile, last year’s share of fibers as an end use for recycled PET flake decreased from 45 percent to 40 percent, although the tonnage remained almost the same. The PET sheet market tonnage resumed its growth pattern from 22 percent to 27 percent. Blow molding continued to grow, with more than 22 percent going to this outlet in 2009. The strapping market was the hardest hit by the economic recession but still consumed 7 percent.

It was estimated that there is a total mechanical reclamation capacity in the European region of 1.6 million metric tons. This provides the impetus for the industry to increase the current collection rate beyond 50 percent.

Exports to the Far East fell slightly to 16 percent of collected PET and 67,000 metric tons of baled PET bottles were imported from outside the area.

Of the collected bales that are reprocessed in Europe, only 75 percent is usable PET. The remainder consists of caps, labels, residues, contamination such as foreign materials and other polymers. The continuing program of bottle weight reduction means that caps and labels form a greater proportion by weight of the collected PET package.

“I should like to congratulate members of the PET industry chain who have worked with Collection Agencies, National Bodies and European Recyclers to increase the collection rate to nearly 50 percent of all PET bottles placed on the market. For the collection of PET bottles in Europe to increase by more than 8 percent in such difficult economic circumstances is a real achievement.” says Roberto Bertaggia, chairman of the Petcore Board.

“Recycled PET is a reliable and sought-after feedstock in the PET value chain and sustainable uses are being developed to utilize the growing supply of recycled PET. Whether PET bottles are recycled into one of the new applications, into another bottle, fiber, sheet or strapping tape the energy saving will be the same,” Bertaggia adds.

Bertaggia emphasized that Petcore will continue to work to ensure that PET recycling continues to grow so that the 22.5 percent EU target rate for overall plastics recovery is met. “Already in 23 countries we have a higher recovery rate for PET alone, than that required by the current packaging waste legislation. This sustainable growth reflects the expectations of consumers who themselves are an important part of the recycle chain.”

Petcore’s new publication, PET Profile, has been updated to include reflect the 2009 collection figures.