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The newly released from the (NAPCOR) documents increases in the collection of postconsumer PET for 2021. A record 1.9 billion lb of postconsumer PET was collected in the U.S. alone. The U.S. rate increased from 27.1 to 28.6% while the overall combined rate for U.S., Canada, and Mexico increased from 34.2 to 36.8%. 

“The 2021 increase is a powerful indicator that pandemic-driven disruptions to recycling services are getting back on track,” said Laura Stewart, executive director at NAPCOR.

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PET collection rates returned to pre-pandemic levels, bringing volume to an all-time high.
Photo Credit: NAPCOR

PET collected via deposit redemption also rebounded, up 46% compared to 2020.

The US RPET textile fiber industry faced higher prices and more competition for clear RPET in 2021, but still achieved a total RPET fiber production of over 1 billion pounds. This was achieved by sourcing greater volumes of colored RPET flake (57%) and greater volumes of post-industrial RPET flake (11%) compared to 2019.

Trends in recycled PET use in fiber and bottle segments.
Photo Credit: NAPCOR

NAPCOR also reported a sign of circularity in thermoformed trays: 11 million lb were recycled by converters into new thermoformed products. Collection of thermoformed PET products set a record at 142 millon lb.

NAPCOR is an industry association for the PET packaging industry in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.