Brazil recycles 410 thousand tons of PET and consolidates circularity in the sector

Brazil has reached a new milestone on its journey towards a circular economy. According to the 13th PET Recycling Census, published by the Brazilian PET Industry Association (ABIPET), the country recycled 410 thousand tons of PET packaging in 2024, representing a 14.2% increase compared to the previous survey. This progress reinforces the role of PET packaging as the most recycled plastic in Brazil and worldwide, driven by a production chain that faces challenges but has proven to be increasingly structured and efficient.

An increase of 51 thousand tons in the recycled volume between 2022 and 2024 also had a significant impact on the economy, with the chain generating BRL 5.66 billion last year. This result was only possible thanks to the collective effort of the various links in the recycling base, including scrap dealers, cooperatives and collectors, who are responsible for 89% of PET collection in the country. Of this total, 54% of the recycled material came from scrap dealers, 33% from cooperatives, and 2% from individual collectors. The social importance of this base is reinforced by the fact that 59% of recycling revenue was concentrated precisely in this group.

A notable piece of data from the census is the consolidation of PET circularity. For the first time, the primary application of recycled material was the production of preforms and new packaging, accounting for 37% of the volume. This movement, known as bottle-to-bottle, enables a recycled bottle to return to the market as a new one, maintaining food-grade standards and promoting a continuous cycle of reuse. Other relevant applications of recycled PET in 2024 included the textile sector (24%), the chemical industry (13%), the manufacture of coils and sheets (13%), and strapping tapes (10%).

When analyzing the evolution of recycled PET use in packaging, consistent growth has been observed in recent years. Only 24% of recycled materials in 2019 returned to the market as packaging. This percentage rose to 29% in 2021 and reached 37% in 2024, indicating a positive shift in the industry’s valuation of recycled materials.

The census, commissioned by ABIPET and conducted by an independent consultancy firm, involved 142 companies that were responsible for 84% of the total recycling in the country. By mapping the reality of the production chain in-depth, the study provides fundamental data to guide public policies, encourage research, and direct investments with a focus on sustainability.

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Source: Brazilian PET Industry Association (ABIPET) – 13th PET Recycling Census in Brazil (2024)