Circularity claims on PET beverage bottles, such as “100% recyclable” or “100% recycled”, are likely to be misleading consumers, according to a new report published today (31 October).
The report, produced by ClientEarth, ECOS (Environmental Coalition on Standards), Eunomia Research & Consulting and Zero Waste Europe, is based on previous work by Eunomia which concluded that PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is not currently a circular material within even the “best recycling systems in Europe”.
Circularity claims may be inaccurate in some cases, the report found, and overall give an impression of the “sustainability” of PET beverage bottles that “does not reflect reality”.
Commenting on the report, Andy Grant, Technical Director at Eunomia Research & Consulting, said: “PET beverage bottles should not be marketed using language or imagery that states or implies circularity, sustainability and/or climate neutrality.
“Even when just considering the PET body and in the most efficient recycling system, full circularity is not technically feasible. There…
