A new life cycle assessment (LCA) report by the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) suggests PET plastic bottles deliver "significant environmental savings" compared to aluminium and glass bottles.
NAPCOR partnered with life cycle assessment and solid waste management consulting firm, Franklin Associates, for its recent study and concluded PET plastic is the single best packaging solution for truly reducing global warming in the US.
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The aim of the report was to investigate the environmental impacts of beverage bottles and cans specifically in the US.
The study, which compared glass and aluminium to PET plastic, found PET delivers significant environmental savings across several key environmental categories, including:
NAPCOR also points out the report is based on evaluating the environmental benefits and trade-offs for the entire life cycle of a product – from raw material extraction through material production, use, reuse or recycling where applicable and final disposition.
The report looked at some of the most commonly used beverage containers for carbonated soft drinks and still water. It compared PET plastic, glass and aluminium carbonated soft drinks and still water beverage container systems and used an independent peer review process that verified the methodology and findings over the course of eight months.
NAPCOR explained that a PET bottle is 100% recyclable and can be made with 100% recycled content, and added: “As this LCA shows, the total life cycle of a PET beverage container has less environmental impact than its glass or aluminium counterparts.”
NAPCOR believes “PET should be embraced and celebrated for the positive impact that consumers can literally hold in their hands.”
It also wants the findings to be used to promote increased PET packaging among beverage brands, expanded shelf space in retail outlets for products packaged in PET and strong legislation to keep sustainable choices such as PET beverage packaging in use.
Further, it stated that the accompanying infrastructure to accelerate these changes needs to happen concurrently to drive tangible environmental change: “That includes increased recycling rates and capabilities nationwide.”
In Scotland, British waste management company, Biffa is investing more than GBP80m (US$97m) to develop the infrastructure needed to deliver a Deposit Return Scheme for bottles and cans, which is being launched in August 2023.
By clicking the Download Free Report button, you accept the terms and conditions and acknowledge that your data will be used as described in the GlobalData privacy policy By downloading this Report, you acknowledge that we may share your information with our white paper partners/sponsors who may contact you directly with information on their products and services. Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
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