Plastic priorities: Systemiq reveals key requirements for PET and polyester circular economy

17 Jul 2023 --- Research published by Systemiq presents a roadmap for achieving high-circularity and low-emissions systems for PET packaging and polyester textiles in Europe. The study titled “Circular PET and Polyester: A circular economy blueprint for packaging and textiles in Europe” offers a six point action plan for the industry, policymakers and investors to accelerate the circular transformation.

PET packaging and polyester textiles are made from the same plastic molecule, which makes up one-quarter of consumer packaging (bottles and trays) and the vast majority of synthetic textiles (clothing, homeware and industrial) used in Europe. 

Systemiq says this material is mostly made from virgin feedstocks derived from fossil fuels, and three-quarters of PET and polyester waste is disposed of in landfills after a single use.

“The study shows that packaging design for reuse and recycling is critical in building a circular and low-emissions system for PET packaging,” Ben Dixon, partner and head of materials and circular economy at Systemiq, tells Packaging Insights. 

“Additionally, it shows the vital role that the packaging industry has to play in signing long-term offtake agreements for recycled PET (rPET) to unlock the investments that are needed. Packaging convertors have the opportunity to do the right thing for the planet while meeting the needs of their customers, who are making ambitious voluntary commitments and facing heavy pressure from regulations across Europe.”

Systemiq advises industry members on how to use rPET and polyester in the fashion industry.Transforming fast fashion
The research highlights the transformative potential of circular approaches, including demand reduction, reuse, mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Systemiq says the action plan could slow consumption growth and establish complementary mechanical and chemical PET and polyester recycling systems that significantly increase recycling rates and the availability of high-quality rPET and polyester.

“The report showcases the growing demand for recycled polyester textiles from the fashion industry and how it is wholly reliant on mechanical recycling of plastic bottles. It also outlines the opportunity for dramatic improvements in the overall circularity of the system and the supplies of rPET for both packaging and textiles if new recycling technologies are scaled up for textiles and non-bottle packaging,” explains Dixon.

The six points of the action plan include: Expanding reuse to extend product lifetimes, reversing fast fashion trends, standardizing product design to improve reuse and recycling, securing long-term demand for rPET and polyester, developing sufficient feedstock flows and scaling up recycling infrastructure. 

By 2040 – compared to a continuation of historical trends – the measures suggested in the research could reduce overall PET and polyester consumption by one-third, waste volumes sent to landfill or incineration by approximately 70% and GHG emissions by half. Additionally, the supply of recycled content would be sufficient to meet the requirements of the draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). 

“The study is a first-of-its-kind digital model of PET and polyester flows in Europe, which allows us to build different scenarios for the industry until 2040,” says Dixon. The study shows a growing demand for recycled polyester textiles from the fashion industry and how it is wholly reliant on mechanically recycling plastic bottles.

“The scenario modeling shows that a positive vision for a circular and low-emissions PET value chain is within reach if we are able to scale up the available technologies and approaches in parallel, including reduction of avoidable packaging, improved collection systems, advanced sortation, reuse, mechanical recycling and chemical recycling.”

Moreover, if implemented, Systemiq’s recommendations could generate 28,000 new jobs and an additional €5.5 billion (US$6.1 million) per year in revenues for recycling industries.

Continuing research
The study coincides with the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive Implementing Act and the development of the draft PPWD. The study is the second in a series exploring circular economy pathways for PET and polyester in Europe. 

The study was developed with the guidance of an independent steering group comprising experts from the public sector, academia, civil society and industry. It was commissioned and funded by Eastman and Interzero.

“The research was carried out with close involvement from industry, civil society and policymakers, and we have been sharing the outputs and recommendations with these stakeholder groups to inform industry strategies and critical government policy developments over the next years.”

By Sabine Waldeck