Amcor recently launched a “Choose Plastic” campaign with a goal of educating consumers, customers and other stakeholders on the benefits of plastic packaging. The multi-pronged initiative, which includes a new web page, an informative brochure and other materials designed to:
- Tell the “PET story” with truth, strength and conviction – clearing up common misperceptions regarding plastic packaging.
- Demonstrate where PET stands versus other packaging types, including glass, cans and Tetra aseptic boxes.
- Help customers educate their employees, legislators and consumers on the benefits of plastic packaging.
“Plastic packaging gives our customers a safe, responsible and recyclable way to deliver products to their consumers,” said Eric Roegner, president of Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP). “PET is infinitely recyclable* and its carbon footprint is less than glass and other packaging materials. But there is still room for improvement, which is why we are working together with our customers and industry partners to boost recycling rates, increase the proportion of recycled content in the plastics we use, and reduce the waste in landfills and nature. Our goal is to create an overall positive impact for all stakeholders.”
Not only are PET bottles and jars lightweight, shatterproof, transparent, recloseable and resealable, studies also show that they are infinitely recyclable, generate up to 70% less greenhouse gas emissions than other packaging types**, require fewer fossil fuels to produce than aluminum cans*** and have fewer transportation costs than glass(1). Additionally, 90% of the PET that goes into recycling bins gets recycled(2), while only 49% of cans(3)3, 40% of glass2 and 16% of Tetra aseptic boxes(4) get recycled.
Roegner also noted that 97% of Amcor Rigid Packaging’s bottles and jars are designed to be recyclable. The company has pledged to develop all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.
In addition, Amcor is working with associations, such as The Plastics Industry Association, NAPCOR and The Recycling Partnership, to promote plastics, increase recycling rates and drive greater use of post-consumer materials. Amcor is also working with environmental organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Trash Free Seas Alliance to eliminate plastic waste.
(*with existing technologies, including chemical recycling. **Versus aluminum cans and glass. ***Amcor Life Cycle Analysis 1 Goldman Sachs The Plastic Paradox, 2017. 2 In the U.S., NAPCOR Recycling Report, 2017. 3 https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2019/09/17/aluminum-can-recycling-rate-increases-after-down-year/. 4 Waste Advantage Magazine, May 31,2019. Breaking Through Misconceptions.)
