Over 65 billion PET bottles recycled in Europe in 2013

Figures released by non-profit trade association, Petcore Europe, have revealed that over 65 billion PET bottles were recycled in Europe in 2013, a seven percent increase on 2012.

The increase in the overall collection of PET bottles in Europe to approximately 1.64 million tonnes is down to PET still being the material of choice for packaging, with new uses being found in innovative applications and new markets, says the body. 

From a sustainability perspective, our industry is thrilled that last year the equivalent of around 56 percent of PET containers in circulation were collected for reclamation and recycling,” commented Roberto Bertaggia, Chairman of Petcore Europe.  

“There is, however, still a huge disparity in collection rates amongst the Member States, and all stakeholders need to work together to align the collection processes to deliver the increased recycling objectives recently announced by the European Commission,” he added.

The findings mean PET is the most recycled plastic material in Europe. 

Casper van den Dungen, PET Chairman at PRE (Plastics Recyclers Europe) and a Board member of Petcore Europe, added said there is still “considerable spare recycling capacity” to enable Europe to recycle more.

“However, one of the factors that will reduce our ability to utilise our available spare capacity is the increasing complexity of some collected baled bottles. Improved and standardised collection and sorting processes would help address this situation,” he added.

The findings will be presented during the PET Network Day 2014 conference in Brussels on 9 October.