Today, we are proud to share a new study published by Systemiq Ltd. with support from Closed Loop Partners, Eunomia Research & Consulting and The Recycling Partnership, presenting a blueprint for transforming PET packaging and polyester textiles in the U.S. Found in products ranging from food trays and active wear to carpets, PET and polyester account for 30% of the U.S.’s country’s plastic packaging and textiles use, contributing significantly to plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. If current trends continue, PET/polyester consumption could grow 1.5 times by 2040, creating enough non-recycled waste to fill 750,000 garbage trucks annually and driving GHG emissions. Yet it also has high potential for circular economy approaches that reduce waste and emissions and create economic opportunities. Advancing circularity for the PET packaging and polyester textiles industries could create 46,000 new U.S. jobs and generate $4.9 billion/year in additional revenue for U.S. recycling industries. The study highlights the potential of proven circular solutions – like reducing avoidable material use, scaling reuse, refill and resale, and expanding mechanical & depolymerization recycling – to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits by 2040: > Reduce virgin PET/polyester consumption and waste sent to landfill and incineration by half > Increase recycling rates for PET packaging to 70% (from 23%), and for polyester textiles to 19% (from 1%). > Cut GHG emissions for packaging by ~60%. Bold action from policymakers and industry – such as enacting well-designed EPR laws in more states, scaling new recycling technologies, driving industry innovation, and increasing reuse and recycling – is critical to bringing these materials into the circular economy. Discover the full report here: https://hubs.la/Q02YYMGQ0 #circulareconomy #packaging #textiles #report #impact #sustainability
It is great to be part of these efforts in making these advances a reality!??
Co Founder & President at Biodegradable Future | CEO at Equity Alliance International
3 天前The challenge of plastic waste, particularly from PET and polyester, is indeed massive, with over 100 billion PET bottles and 10 billion polyester garments discarded annually in the U.S. However, solutions like circular economy approaches, highlighted in the new #Systemiq study, offer significant potential for reducing waste, cutting GHG emissions, and boosting economic opportunities. Biodegradable Future's BFA additives provide an innovative solution to this issue. Our additives convert all plastics, including PET and polyester, into biodegradable materials that safely break down into biomass once they reach landfill or oceans. By incorporating BFA’s technology, industries can reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste while supporting a circular economy. By combining these additive solutions with strategies like scaling recycling, reuse, and refill, we can ensure that industries transition to more sustainable practices, aligning with the study’s recommendations to reduce consumption, increase recycling rates, and create new jobs in the green economy. This is a crucial step in achieving the environmental and economic benefits we need for a cleaner, more sustainable future.