NAPCOR
NAPCOR represent stakeholders from across the value chain for PET plastic. PET is easily identifiable to be recycled by the number “1” on product packaging. PET is recognized as safe by health authorities around the world, including the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Canadian health authority, which permit virgin or recycled PET in food contact, and, accordingly, it is used to package many food and beverage items.
Importantly, PET plastic bottles can be fully recycled and can be made with up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. The U.S. PET bottle collection rate was 33 percent in 2023, up four percentage points from 29 percent in 2022. The average amount of recycled PET (rPET), used in US bottles and jars was 16.2 percent in 2023, up 3 percentage points from 13.2 percent in 2022. This is the highest level ever and demonstrates increased demand for recycled PET nationwide.
Recommendations for Policymakers Developing Circular Policy & EPR for Packaging Policies:
We believe a successful EPR program will include a robust governance model with appropriate oversight, strong environmental outcomes, consumer convenience, and a sustainable financial model – including shared financial responsibility. Our primary policy aims are as follows:
Collection is key: A successful EPR program should improve and scale collecting, sorting and recycling systems. PET, like any other material, can’t be recycled if it’s not collected. We support EPR programs that target improvements to public recycling and materials management goals through the building of efficient and cost-effective infrastructure.
Eco-modulation: The EPR program, via the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), can provide incentives to prevent waste at the source – in part by promoting product design to keep waste out of the environment and in the economy (i.e., circular economy). In addition, eco-modulation can be used to incentivize adoption of PCR content, thereby ensuring demand for the supply that will be created by the new EPR-funded infrastructure.
Connecting the dots: Across the board, we hope to see EPR programs lift up and connect all parts of the recycling system. For example, if an EPR bill includes PCR mandates, there must be correlating collection targets bringing in additional recovered material, allowing brands to source North American third-party certified PCR content (and disincentivizing imported rPET from other countries).
For more information, please consider these external resources available in the Public Facing Statements & Resources Section:
2. Association for Plastic Recyclers
3. American Beverage Association & World Wildlife Fund Policy Principles