Data shows that the recycling rate of PET bottles in the United States in 2020 is 26.6%, which is lower than the 27.9% in 2019. Torychemistry/Shutterstock

According to the annual report of the National PET Container Resources Association, the demand for RPET has increased by 10% in 2020, but this is accompanied by a decrease in the collection of PET bottles.

NAPCOR released its 2020 PET recycling report on November 2, which is the 26th annual version of the release. The report found that the recycling rate of PET bottles in the United States in 2020 was 26.6%, which was lower than 27.9% in 2019 and 28.9% in 2018.

According to NAPCOR, the reason for the decline is that the collection of PET bottles in the United States has fallen, which has fallen by 2.3% by weight. Despite the substantial increase in demand, the recycling rate has fallen. The association is related to the commitment of brand owners.

The association stated in a press release: “Given the challenges facing 2020, including the closure of recycling centers and the interruption of roadside recycling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline in recycling rates is not surprising."

NAPCOR said that ultimately, increased demand and decreased collection forced PET recyclers to “rely more on imports after exhausting existing stocks”.

The report estimates that the bottle recovery rate in North America is 33.9%, down from 35% in 2019. According to NAPCOR, this figure takes into account bottle recycling rates in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This year also brought about the transformation of RPET's main end markets. Food/beverage and non-food/beverage bottle categories increased by 32% year-on-year. According to NAPCOR, this is the first time that bottles have surpassed fiber to become the largest end market for post-consumer PET bottles.

Tom Busard, Chairman of NAPCOR and Chief Purchasing Officer of Plastipak Packaging, said: “The continued increase in post-consumer use of RPET in bottles and cans is encouraging and demonstrates brand owners’ commitment to a circular economy.”

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