Six months after the introduction of caps attached to plastic bottles – a measure that generated diverse opinions among consumers – a new requirement from the European Union comes into force. From now on, all PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles must contain at least 25% recycled plastic. This initiative is part of European Directive 2019/904, which aims to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastics.
The impact on manufacturers and the market
Unlike the change in lids, which directly affected consumers, this new measure requires adaptations by industries, as explained by . Manufacturers will need to adjust their production processes to comply with the new standards, something that has already been prepared by several companies in recent years. However, the increase in the cost of recycled plastic – whose demand has grown rapidly – could impact the final price of some products on the market.
According to industry experts, the growing demand for recycled plastic has caused prices for this material to rise, posing an additional challenge for manufacturers. Despite this, no significant changes are expected for consumers in the short term.
The trajectory of environmental measures
This new rule is another step in the European strategy to combat plastic pollution. In 2021, the EU banned the sale of single-use products such as straws, cutlery and cotton swabs, replacing them with more sustainable alternatives. More recently, in 2023, mandatory caps attached to bottles – although unpopular among many consumers – was defended as an effective solution to prevent caps from ending up polluting the oceans.
According to the World Economic Forum, if effective measures are not adopted, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans. To prevent this scenario, the European Union continues to reinforce environmental legislation, promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.
Sustainability and the future
Current initiatives are part of a comprehensive plan to create a more sustainable and circular economy. The use of recycled plastic in PET bottles represents just one of the objectives of this agenda. In addition, even more ambitious goals are planned, such as increasing recycled content to 30% by 2030.
Although consumers may not immediately notice the effects of the new requirement, it is essential that industries adapt to ensure compliance with environmental goals. This transition to a greener model represents a joint effort between governments, manufacturers and society, with the aim of protecting the environment and ensuring a more sustainable future.
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