Comparing virgin and recycled PET 1
Life cycle analyses have examined energy requirements and environmental impacts of producing both recycled PET (rPET) and new, virgin material (VPET). Results show that the production of rPET pellets has significantly better results for the environment than that of VPET in almost every impact category measured. The life cycle studies help to quantify the environmental benefit that comes from recycling PET.
Greenhouse gas emissions decrease with rPET content
Environmental savings recycled PET vs. virgin PET
100%
Total energy demand (MMBtu)
80%
1000
Water (gallons) Solid waste (lbs) Process & transport energy (MMBtu)
60%
800
40%
Global warming potential, CO equivalent (kg) Acidification potential, SO equivalent (kg)
600
20%
Eutrophication potential, N equivalent (kg) Photochemical smog formation potential, O equivalent (kg)
400
0
200
-20%
0
0% RPET
25% RPET 50% RPET
10% RPET
-40%
1 Information provided by NAPCOR from the studies Cradle-to-resin life cycle analysis of polyethylene terephthalate resin (March 2020) and Life cycle impacts for post-consumer recycled resins: PET, HDPE, and PP (December 2018). All data sources may be found at www.napcor.com/sustainability/life-cycle-analysis
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