NAPCOR Publishes 2018 PET Recycling Report

Nearly 140 million pounds of PET bottle scrap were exported during the year, registering 50% year-on-year decline.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) announced release of the 2018 PET Recycling Report.

According to the report, the U.S. recycling rate for PET plastic bottles was 28.9% in 2018, which is more or less flat when compared with the recycling rate of 29.2% in 2017. However, the collection of PET bottles by U.S. reclaimers surged higher by 16% over the previous year to 1,673 million pounds in 2018. The collection had totalled only 1,442 million pounds in 2017.

Nearly 140 million pounds of PET bottle scrap were exported during the year, registering 50% year-on-year decline. The use of recycled PET in making bottles increased, whereas the amount of the material going into fiber has declined. NAPCOR report cited increased demand for recycled-content packaging from consumer goods companies.

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Commenting on the report, Darrel Collier, NAPCOR Executive Director stated that the noted increase in domestic purchases of PET bottles and rise in domestic RPET processing is mainly attributed to several factors including high RPET prices, increased consumer education campaigns and an uptick in content from brand owners.

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