In two years, Brazil raises PET packaging recycling by 14%
Brazil recycled 410 thousand tons of PET packaging in 2024—14 percent more than 2022’s 359 thousand, according to the 13th edition of the PET Recycling Census in Brazil, released Monday (Mar. 24) by the Brazilian PET Industry Association (Abipet).
Despite the positive outcome, the organization pointed out that the lack of public selective collection policies makes it difficult for consumers to correctly dispose of discarded packaging, which is causing idleness.
“Recycling companies are operating at an average idleness rate of 23 percent, with peaks of up to 40 percent,” says Abipet head Auri Marçon.
“As a result, the PET recycling industry is reaching its limit, as it does not have the raw material it needs for production, while tons of packaging are destined for common landfills or incorrectly disposed of in the environment,” he added.
The destination of recycled PET
As per the census data, in 2024, the main destination for recycled PET resin—37 percent of the total—was the manufacture of new packaging, chiefly in the industry for water, soft drinks, energy drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Second place goes to the textile sector, which consumes 24 percent of recycled resin, followed by the chemical industry (13%), sheets and plates (13%), and strapping tape, used in packaging and boxes (10%).
