Despite ongoing market volatility, the report confirms that the PET industry remains resilient in North America, with the collection rate continuing to exceed internationally recognized benchmarks. Data from 2024 show early signs of improvements in system efficiency, driven by non-mechanical PET reclamation capacity and greater recovery of alternative feedstocks.
“Our new 2024 PET Recycling Report confirms what the data have consistently shown: PET recycling in North America works, and it works at scale,” stated Laura Stewart, executive director of NAPCOR. “Even amid market corrections and shifting supply dynamics, PET bottle collection continues to exceed global benchmarks, system efficiency is improving, and recovery of additional PET packaging—especially thermoforms—is accelerating. These results underscore the value of continued investment in recycling infrastructure and policies that strengthen domestic feedstock supply, support innovation, and ensure PET remains the leading material in the circular economy.”
Key Findings from the 2024 Report
Strong PET Bottle Collection Performance
In the United States, the PET bottle recycling rate was 30.2 percent in 2024, following 2023’s peak of 32.5 percent. (Note: 2023 figures have been updated since publication of the 2023 PET Recycling Report, reflecting new information received.) While this represents a year-over-year decrease, the rate remains above the previous decade’s average of 29.5 percent.
The North American PET bottle collection rate was 39.2 percent, remaining well above the 30 percent threshold established by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to demonstrate that recycling works “in practice and at scale.” PET bottle collection rates in North America have exceeded 30 percent consistently since NAPCOR began tracking these metrics in 2019.
“Despite ongoing market pressures, the 2024 PET Recycling Rate reflects the resilience of North America’s domestic reclaimers,” said Tom Busard, NAPCOR Board Chair, Chief Polymers and Recycling Officer for Plastipak Packaging, Inc., and President of Clean Tech, Plastipak’s recycling affiliate. “The data also underscore the importance of strengthening domestic recycling infrastructure, expanding recovery of all PET packaging formats, and ensuring policies that support reliable end markets for recycled material.”
