U.S. PET Recycling Capacity to Catch Up with Europe

Higher costs, compared to costs of landfilling, may prevent MRFs from switching to pyrolysis technique.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new research report published by Lux Research states that the U.S. will catch up the EU in PET mechanical recycling capacity by 2030. The report titled ‘The Sustainable Plastics Roadmap: Recycling, Bio-plastics and Alternatives’ portrays the emerging technologies in plastic recycling and highlights the importance of developing them to enable a circular economy.

According to the report, the U.S. is likely to expand its mechanical recycling footprint for PET and HDPE brands. This will stimulate the local economy and lead to creation of new jobs. However, pyrolysis will fail to make an impact in the country, despite support from chemicals industry. Higher costs, compared to costs of landfilling, may prevent MRFs from switching to pyrolysis technique.

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The EU region, being the leader in mechanical PET recycling, will likely see only marginal gains. The region, with nearly 8 million tonnes of pyrolysis capacity under construction, is considered as the emerging leader in pyrolysis. The region’s lead role in mechanical recycling will witness gradual slip.

China and Japan are expected to ramp up pyrolysis capacity by 6.2 million tonnes and 2.7 million tonnes respectively by 2030. China will continue to remain as the world leader in mechanical recycling. The report predicts substantial recycling capacity expansion in other countries such as India, Indonesia and Brazil.

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