PLA
manufacturers have stated that PLA is compatible with the collection, sorting
and recycling infrastructures currently in place in most countries of the
European Union. Consequently the Petcore Technical Committee (www.petcore.org)
commissioned an independent evaluation1 of the effects of PLA on the PET
recycle stream.
The basis of Petcore’s investigations was the
repeatedly stated position of PLA manufacturers, that the occurrence of up to
0.1 percent of PLA in collected PET would not hinder the recycling of, or
damage the quality of, PET recyclate. This statement does suggest that a
presence of PLA above 0.1 percent would lead to PET recycling
problems.
The independent report
commissioned by Petcore clearly demonstrated that levels lower than 0.1% (less
than 1 bottle in 1000) will make any R-PET resin unsuitable for most
applications and thus dramatically reduces PET’s recycle
value.
Petcore is very
concerned that even small market penetrations will seriously hinder the
recycling infrastructure for PET containers in the European Union.
Collection and recycling of PET is highly successful in Europe. Around 40 billion bottles (one million tonnes)
are being collected for recycling in the EU alone and it is one of the most
successful recycling initiatives in the region. Input purity, sorting and
recycling technologies and high quality market outlets ensure the basis for
this sustained and sustainable success.
Petcore, the European
non-profit trade association that fosters and promotes efficient collection
and recycling of PET containers, has a long-standing reputation for being a
reliable source of expertise in collection, sorting, and recycling
technologies. It has never taken sides for or against products or certain
collection methods as long as they do not interfere with the recycling of
PET.
About
Petcore
Petcore (PET containers recycling Europe) is a
non-profit European trade association based in Brussels. Its mission focuses on sustainable
growth for post consumer PET collection whilst supporting all PET recycling
processes as a key integrated part of European Plastics Waste Management
initiatives and by validating and supporting innovative PET solutions from a
recycle perspective.
Petcore’s Expert Evaluation Committee consists of
specialists operating both in the PET industry and in the field of packaging
waste management.
Petcore,
Brussels,
Belgium
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