PET Recycling Can Improve Within Existing Supply Base

PET recycling can see a significant increase from existing collection efforts through a series of moves, according to a new study from Closed Loop Partners.

The study, "Cleaning the rPET Stream," recommends a series of interventions in the current system, including capital investments for newer technologies at material recovery facilities, improvement of packaging design for recyclability, and "creating more reliable agreements among parties."

Taken together, these moves could lower costs by 10 percent and improve yield by 21 percent for MRFs, reprocessors and end-users, the study indicates. The changes could increase the overall recycling rate of PET by 6 percent, or nearly 80 million pounds, each year.

The study's research and analysis was conducted by Resource Recycling Systems, a consulting firm, with help from the Association of Plastic Recyclers and the National Association for PET Container Resources.

"The study identifies a set of levers that can be pulled to clear the way for brand owners to make the additional investment in the use of recycled PET. If the right combination of these levers can be pulled, costs for recycled PET will decline and use will increase," said Nelson Switzer, chief sustainability officer for Nestlé Waters North America, in a statement.

Closed Loop Partners calls itself "an investment platform that invests in sustainable consumer goods, recycling and the development of the circular economy." Investors include many well-known companies, including Walmart, Coca-Cola Co., Pepsico Inc. and Procter & Gamble Co.

Ron Gonen is managing partner of Closed Loop Partners. "We believe there are investable opportunities that benefit municipalities, the PET recycling industry, and end users by making recycled PET a more desirable material that competes with virgin," he said in a statement.