Ceepackaging

Environment

Study to be made on the effects of PLA on 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.