Brazil achieved a major milestone in Recycled PET (rPET) production in 2024, processing 410,000 tonnes of post-consumer PET. This represents a 14.2% increase compared to 2021, when the last survey was conducted, highlighting Brazil’s growing commitment to sustainable plastics management.

According to a survey commissioned by the Brazilian PET Industry Association (ABIPET), which covered 142 companies representing 84% of the country’s total PET recycling output, leading industry players such as Valgroup, Krones, Indorama Ventures, Husky, Gneuss, Amcor, and Cirklo participated in the study.

Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling Takes the Lead

For the first time, bottle-to-bottle recycling became the largest application of Recycled PET in Brazil. In 2024, 37% of rPET went into bottle preforms and bottles, compared to 29% in 2021 and 24% in 2019. This growth enabled the reintroduction of 13 billion recycled PET bottles back into the Brazilian market in a single year.

Other major applications of rPET in 2024 included:

• Textiles – 24%
• Chemicals – 13%
• Coils and sheets – 13%
• Strapping tapes – 10%

Economic Value of Recycled PET in Brazil

The Recycled PET value chain in Brazil generated BRL 5.66 billion (€893 million) in 2024. However, in the absence of a centralized waste collection system, PET waste collection relies heavily on the informal sector.

In fact, scrap dealers, cooperatives, and individual waste pickers are responsible for 89% of PET collection in the country. Breakdown of supply in 2024:

• Scrap dealers: 54%
• Cooperatives: 33%
• Individual collectors: 2%

These groups collectively received 59% of the total revenue generated from PET recycling, underlining their crucial role in the circular economy.

PET Remains the Most Recycled Plastic in Brazil

The survey reinforced PET as the most recycled plastic in Brazil. In 2023, PET recycling represented 47.9% of total plastics recycling, followed by:

• HDPE – 28.1%
• EPS – 25.6%
• PP – 17.2%
• Other plastics – 12%
• PVC – 10%
• LDPE – 8.8%
• XPS – 8.1%
• PS – 6.9%

Despite the strong performance of Recycled PET, Brazil’s overall plastics recycling rate fell to 20.6% in 2023, its lowest level since records began in 2018. Analysts attribute this decline to weak demand and competition from low-cost virgin plastics, a trend also observed in Europe.

Key Takeaway

With 410,000 tonnes of Recycled PET processed in 2024, Brazil has strengthened its position as a leader in PET recycling. The growth of bottle-to-bottle recycling and the significant economic value generated by rPET demonstrate the material’s importance to the country’s circular economy. However, broader challenges remain, as the overall plastic recycling rate continues to fall due to market pressures.

Disclaimer: This blog article references information originally published on Sustainable Plastics. All credit for the primary reporting and statements belongs to the original source. We have curated and presented the content here solely for informational and educational purposes, without claiming ownership of the original reporting.

Source: Sustainable Plastics