In an article published on May 15, 2018 by news provider Beverage Daily, editor Rachel Arthur reported that the European Federation of Bottled Waters (EFBW) has set new targets to increase collection of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and use of recycled PET (rPET) in water bottles across Europe.

The EFBW aims to achieve a collection rate of 90% for PET bottles by 2025 as an EU average. Currently, the average EU collection rate for PET bottles is at 60% with substantial national variations. Further, the EFBW commits to using at least 25% rPET in water bottles by 2025 as an EU average. Achieving this, will depend on “a reliable supply of high-quality material, which adheres to strict legal requirements on structural design and food contact materials,” Arthur noted. The EFBW will also “invest in eco-design and research on non-fossil-based materials,” including efforts in light-weighting, optimizing design to reduce packaging waste, and research on plastics from renewable sources.

The EFBW “believes that the solution lies in greater collaboration with the many value-chain stakeholders involved in ensuring that packaging is given a second life.” Thus, the EFBW is “committed to working together with them to accelerate the circularity of this valuable material.”

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Rachel Arthur (May 15, 2018). “European bottled water industry sets plastic bottle targets.Beverage Daily

Reuters (May 15, 2018). “Europe’s bottled water producers seek to increase plastic recycling.

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