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PET Bottles: From recyclability to circularity

EPBP and RecyClass sign off strategic collaboration

Following the numerous commitments of the industry players to increase uptake of recycled plastics, including the new mandatory target of 25% in PET bottles by 2025, the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) and RecyClass decided to join efforts to further support the value chain actors in making the right design decisions in PET bottle production so that its recyclability, and therefore, circularity is guaranteed.

“If we are to make plastics circular the industry players need to speak with one voice”, said Paolo Glerean, RecyClass chairman, “we need also a clear and long-term objective which requires the collaboration, know-how and endorsement of all the partners”, he added.

“Working together to safeguard food contact rPET with the highest quality in a bottle-to-bottle closed loop will be a key enabler for the industry towards its commitments”, says Philippe Diercxsens, EPBP Board Member representing Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE).

“We believe that this partnership will be very beneficial to support a sustainable PET business and to foster solutions that help create a truly circular economy,” says Antoon Spiessens, EPBP Board Member representing UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe.

Within this partnership, EPBP will be responsible for the governance development and update of the testing protocols while RecyClass will be responsible for the execution and validation of the analysis of the standard package based on EPBP guidelines and protocols. This will include among others, running standard testing, ensuring impartiality and the highest quality of tests.

Both bodies have expertise in plastic recyclability-related topics.

EPBP has built a strong legacy supporting the industry by developing PET bottle design guidelines for recycling, evaluating beverage PET bottle packaging solutions and technologies and facilitating the understanding of the effects of new PET bottle innovations on recycling processes and circular economy. The ultimate objective of this initiative is food safety and consumers’ related protection, while EPBP fully supports and is an ambassador towards circular economy working with all stakeholders across Europe.

RecyClass, on the other hand, works with all the actors from the value chain on the development of standard Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and other scientific testing methods for innovative polymer materials for a variety of applications. The test results are incorporated into the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the free RecyClass Online Tool, including the plastic packaging certification delivered by third-party auditors. It supports the industry in redesigning plastic packaging to improve recycled plastic quality, aiming to harmonize the existing methodologies.

EPBP and RecyClass are looking forward to giving a clear direction and one voice to the industry on topics surrounding the recyclability of PET with an overall goal of sustainably improving its production, collection and recycling in Europe.

 

About EPBP

The European PET Bottles Platform EPBP is a voluntary industry initiative that provides PET bottle design guidelines for recycling and circularity, evaluates bottle packaging solutions and technologies, and facilitates understanding of the effects of new PET bottles innovations on recycling process and circular economy. The EPBP initiative fully supports the economic and Environmental sustainability of the European PET value chain.

 

About RecyClass

RecyClass is a comprehensive cross-industry initiative that works to advance plastic packaging recyclability and to establish a harmonized approach towards recycled content calculation and its traceability in Europe. Activities within RecyClass include the development of Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing of innovative materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling guidelines and the free online tool. RecyClass offers Recyclability Certifications and Recycled Content Traceability Certification for plastic packaging.

Contact RecyClass: Alice.Wallon@plasticsrecyclers.eu, www.recyclass.eu

Contact EPBP: Argiris.Dabanlis@petcore-europe.org, www.epbp.org

 

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Current water challenges

We cannot deny the current water challenges our world is facing. We are experiencing increased water scarcity, with demands for safe, usable water exceeding supply in many areas, including in Europe. 

  • Freshwater use has been growing by about 1% per year since the 1980s and as water demand is expected to continue increasing at a similar rate until 2050, this will account for an increase of 20 to 30% above the current level of water use1.
  • This increase in water demand is leading to a reduction of renewable water resources of 24% per capita in Europe2. 
  • Around 30% of the European population lives in areas with permanent water stress and up to 70% live in areas with seasonal water stress during summer3.
  • Europe’s aquatic ecosystems are severely degraded: only 17% of protected river, lake, alluvial, and riparian habitats are in good conservation status and 90% of protected wetland habitats are classified as poor or bad4.
  • Globally, 85% of wetlands have been lost in the last 300 years, with more than 50% lost since 19905. This is particularly critical as wetlands play an important role in filtering water and removing pollutants, as well as providing shelter to wildlife and capturing carbon.

 

This situation entails severe risks for the world’s population. 

  • For the last decade, the World Economic Forum has placed water-related risks among the world’s top five in its annual Global Risks Report. 
  • Water-related disasters have also dominated the list of disasters over the past 50 years and account for 70% of all deaths related to natural disasters6.
  • Nearly 95% of infrastructure loss and damage reported between 2010 to 2019 were due to water-related disasters7. 
  • More frequent and intensive flooding has cost lives and livelihoods across Europe, while at the same time, more than 50% of the continent has, in recent years, been affected by extreme drought conditions, which also breed a range of negative social, economic and human outcomes8.

A situation driven by a combination of factors

The deterioration of the natural water cycle stems from a confluence of factors: growing urbanisation, growing populations, increased consumption, poor management, pollution, lack of or damaged infrastructure, and climate change.  

Agriculture was responsible for 59% of total freshwater use in Europe in 20179, while industrial and domestic uses are the main drivers of increasing water demand. Indeed, as economies industrialise, populations urbanise and water supply and sanitation systems expand. 

Additionally, rising temperatures and more extreme weather patterns are causing more droughts and flooding. Climate variability is also bringing more uncertainty as to the availability, predictability and geographical distribution of water. Water and climate change are inextricably linked. From unpredictable rainfall patterns to shrinking ice sheets, rising sea levels, floods and droughts – most impacts of climate change come down to water (UN Water). 

1 Chart of Global Fresh Water Use 1901-2014 – The Global Education Project

2 Water use in Europe — Quantity and quality face big challenges — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)Chart of Global Fresh Water Use 1901-2014 – The Global Education Project

3 Water stress is a major and growing concern in Europe — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)

4 Europe’s state of water 2024: the need for improved water resilience | European Environment Agency’s home page (europa.eu)Water stress is a major and growing concern in Europe — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)

5 Innovative Solutions Needed for Wetlands in Crisis – SDG Knowledge Hub (iisd.org)

6 Water Resources Management Overview: Development news, research, data | World Bank Innovative Solutions Needed for Wetlands in Crisis – SDG Knowledge Hub (iisd.org)

7 Water risks and resilience (undrr.org)

8 Risks and solutions: how climate change is impacting our water and health | European Environment Agency’s home page (europa.eu)

9 Water scarcity conditions in Europe (Water exploitation index plus) | European Environment Agency’s home page (europa.eu)Risks and solutions: how climate change is impacting our water and health | European Environment Agency’s home page (europa.eu)