Systemiq Ltd. has released an in-depth study outlining a roadmap to transition the US PET packaging [1] and polyester textile industries from linear, single-use systems to circular frameworks by 2040. This transformation aims to halve waste and create 46,000 new jobs in the US.
The report, titled Transforming PET Packaging and Textiles in the United States, [2] was supported by Closed Loop Partners, Eunomia, and The Recycling Partnership, and commissioned by Eastman Chemicals. It includes insights from a diverse Steering Group encompassing industry, waste management, academia, and civil society.
The study underscores the benefits of circular economy approaches, including reducing unnecessary material use, promoting reuse, and enhancing recycling through mechanical and depolymerization technologies. By 2040, these strategies could increase PET packaging recycling rates to 70% and polyester textile recycling to 19%, while significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Systemiq’s analysis evaluates the current state of circularity in US PET packaging and polyester textiles, using detailed system modeling to assess the impact of reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies. The report also provides actionable recommendations for government and private enterprises to harness these opportunities.
Key policy developments, such as California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 and a new Executive Order on plastic pollution, set the stage for the report’s release. Additionally, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws have been enacted in states like California and Colorado, with more states considering similar measures.
Currently, US consumers use over 100 billion PET bottles and 10 billion polyester garments annually, accounting for about 30% of total plastic packaging and textile consumption. If these consumption patterns persist, PET and polyester usage could grow 1.5 times by 2040, resulting in 13 million metric tons of waste annually and significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions.
The study projects that transitioning to circular systems could generate 46,000 new jobs and an additional $4.9 billion annually for the domestic recycling industry by 2040. To achieve these goals, the report calls for swift action from US policymakers and industry leaders, including the enactment of effective EPR laws, improved collection systems, higher recycled content requirements, and reduced investment risks.
Sources:
[1] Transforming PET Packaging and Textiles in the US
https://www.systemiq.earth/transforming-pet-packaging-and-textiles-in-the-us/
[2] Transforming PET Packaging and Textiles in the United States
