Take a deep dive into plastic recycling and the environmental impacts of plastic, aluminum, and glass beverage containers. A recent lifecycle analysis published by the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), the industry group whose members made the 485 billion polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or #1 plastic, bottles that lined the shelves of groceries and convenience stores around the world […]
You’ve probably seen the #1 plastic resin code on various plastic containers when you’re sorting your recycling. Those containers are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known as polyester. Because PET is strong, lightweight, and easily molded, it is a popular material for packaging a wide range of foods and consumer goods. PET is one of the most recyclable plastics. […]
Take a deep dive into plastic recycling and the environmental impacts of plastic, aluminum, and glass beverage containers. A recent lifecycle analysis published by the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), the industry group whose members made the 485 billion polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or #1 plastic, bottles that lined the shelves of groceries and convenience stores around the world […]
After five years of crisis, from China’s declaration that it would not accept contaminated U.S. recyclables to the three-year disruption of normal life caused by the pandemic, recycling is showing signs of life. Investments in new facilities and recycling technology are producing results and the National Association of PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) reported in December that #1 (PET) plastic recycling […]
Did you know that recycling just one pound of plastic #1 (also labeled PET or PETE) saves 22.9 kilowatt-hours of energy and 47.4 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over producing the same amount of plastic from virgin materials? Plastic #1 may be best known for its use in the production of soda and water bottles, a common source of litter […]
Here’s a trick question. Can #1 plastics — otherwise known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics — go in the recycling bin? Bet you thought the answer was yes. That’s only half right. It’s a trick question because the answer’s complicated. Most curbside recycling programs accept #1 plastics for recycling, but only certain forms of it. Bottles that hold various products—shampoo, […]