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.
