Comparing virgin and recycled PET
Life cycle analyses have examined energy requirements and environmental impacts of producing both recycled PET (rPET) and new, virgin material. Results show that the production of rPET pellets has significantly better results for the environment than that of virgin materials in almost every impact category measured. The life cycle studies help to quantify the environmental benefit that comes from recycling PET.
Greenhouse gas emissions decreased with rPET content
Environmental savings recycled PET vs. virgin PET
100%
1000
80%
Total energy demand (MMBtu) Process and transport energy (MMBtu)
800
60%
Water (gallons) Solid waste (lbs)
600
40%
Global warming potential, CO 2 equivalent (kg) Acidification potential, SO 2 equivalent (kg) Eutriphication potential, N equivalent (kg) Photochemical smog formation potential, O 3 equivalent (kg)
20%
400
0%
200
-20%
0
10% rPET
0% rPET
25% rPET 50% rPET
-40%
Information provided by NAPCOR from the studies Cradle-to-resin life cycle analysis of polyethylene terephthalate resin (March, 2020) and Life cycle impacts for postconsumer recycled resins: PET HDPE, and PP (December, 2018). All data sources may be found at www.napcor.com/sustainability/life-cycle-analysis.
16
Our company
Transforming circularity
Accelerating decarbonisation
Driving positive social impact
Empowering integrity
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker