European PET Recycling Increases ( Copy)

Petcore (PET containers recycling Europe a non-profit European trade association) announced that European post-sorting PET collection reached 1.13m tons in 2007, an increase of about 20% on 2006.
In 2007 just about 40% of all PET bottles in the market were collected for recycle.
The overall share of fibers as an end use for recycled PET decreased from 52% to 47%, although the tonnage processed continued to grow. The sheet market tonnage increased and its sharerose to 24%.
“I am delighted with the continued increase in PET collection throughout Europe and our high rate of recycle. Thanks to the efforts of the Collection Agencies, National Bodies, European Recyclersand the PET Industry Chain, recycled PET has become a reliable and sought-after feedstock in the PET resin portfolio.” said Roberto Bertaggia, Chairman of the Petcore Board.
He commented further that it should be recognized that PET is the most important polymer in contributing towards achieving the plastics targets stipulated in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (2004/12/EC) which lays down that most Member States should recycle 22.5% minimum of plastics packaging this year.
These recycling targets will further increase to 50% recycling or reuse of plastics from household streams by 2020 and PET will be an important part of this sustainability activity.
The Chairman emphasized that Petcore’s task will be to ensure that the growth in PET recycling continues such that it remains an important mainstay in meeting future recycle legislation.
It was estimated that there is a total mechanical reclamation nameplate capacity in the European region of 1.2m tons in 2008 with approximately 100 ktes of extra capacity planned.