Released October 29, 2007       click for Rate Reports page

NAPCOR & APR REPORT 9% INCREASE IN 2006 PET COLLECTION

2006 Rate Report Shows PET Container Recycling Rate Up
for Third Year at 23.5%

Sonoma, CA – The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) today announced that 1.272 billion pounds of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles were collected in the United States in 2006, the highest PET container collection volume recorded to date and a 9% increase over 2005.

This collection volume contributed to a recycling rate of 23.5%, marking the third year of recycling rate increase. The volume of PET containers available for recycling in the U.S. also grew in 2006 to 5.424 billion pounds, a 7% increase over 2005. This growth was driven primarily by strong sales of still water, teas, energy drinks, and isotonic beverages.

“We’re pleased to partner with NAPCOR on this important report,” said Bill O’Grady, APR Chairman and President of Talco Plastics, noting that the 2006 report marks the second year of this partnership. “APR is committed to increasing the recycling of PET and to supporting the use of products manufactured with recycled PET.” 

The report also details the end-uses for the 855 million pounds of recycled PET utilized in U.S. manufacturing applications, including fiber for carpet and apparel, strapping, sheet, film, food and non-food containers.

“It is encouraging to see another increase in the volume of containers collected in 2006 and in the PET recycling rate,” said Gerri Walsh, NAPCOR Chairwoman and Director, Packaging Industry Affairs, Ball Corporation. “We are committed to working with our industry partners to promote and encourage the recycling of PET containers to meet the increased demand from the manufacturing applications that use recycled PET. The use of recycled feedstock supports a more sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing chain with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

PET plastic containers are easily identified by the #1 resin identification code on or near the bottom the container. PET is a popular package for food and non-food products because it is lightweight, shatter-resistant, safe and recyclable. Some of the products packaged in PET containers include soft drinks, juice, water, peanut butter, salad dressings, cosmetics, household cleaners, and tennis balls.

Founded in 1987, the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) is the trade association for the PET plastic industry in the United States and Canada. NAPCOR is dedicated to the promotion of the PET package and to the recycling of post consumer PET containers.

The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) is the national trade association representing companies who acquire, reprocess and sell the output of more than 90 percent of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America. Founded in 1992, its membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins. APR strongly advocates the recycling of all post consumer plastic packaging. (Visit the APR's web site at www.plasticsrecycling.org).  

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NAPCOR Contacts:  Dennis Sabourin (707) 996-4207, X13 or Kate Eagles, x16