Their aim is to collect 90 percent of all PET bottles by 2025 as an EU average, ensuring discarded plastic containers can be converted into rPET.
The federation will also collaborate with the recycling industry to only use 25 percent rPET of new bottles by 2025, highlighting the industry’s commitment to closing the circular economy.
The EFBW, which represents Europe’s bottled water producers, pointed out that all packaging used by the industry is recyclable including its glass, PET and aluminium.
EFBW president Jean-Pierre Deffis said: “Building on our longstanding sustainable approach to resource management, we are committed to achieving these industry-wide actions.
PET drink bottles already achieve the highest recycling rate of any plastic packaging material in the EU.
But even one bottle ending up as litter is one too many.
“It will take a concerted, coordinated effort from many different value-chain actors to drive positive change.
Recyclers are eager to embark on this new journey.
Today PET recyclers do not have enough feedstock to supply the market.
EFBW members will also engage with consumers, who play a vital role in preventing littering, while supporting initiatives to encourage the proper disposal of PET packaging.