Recycling PET plastic
Your guide to plastic recycling
Confused about recycling plastic? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Some plastics can be recycled easily, while others can’t. Under the internationally recognised Resin Identification Code (RIC) system, there are 7 types of plastic identified by 7 numbers. PET plastic is the most recycled plastic in the world and can be identified by the number 1 RIC symbol. Here’s a basic guide on to how to recycle your plastic.
PET plays an ever-increasing role in Europe’s circular economy
PET is recycled at scale across Europe, with collection rates constantly increasing
All local authorities in the EU are required to accept PET plastic for recycling
With the right packaging, the products we love remain accessible to us all.
Which plastics are recyclable?
PET – POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Beverage bottles, food packaging, PPE, soap/hand gel dispensers
onverted into rPET and molded into rPET bottles, food packaging and more
Widely recycled
HDPE – HDPE HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Milk/juice bottles, cleaning product containers, soap/hand gel dispensers
Recycled into more cartons, piping, garden furniture
Widely recycled
PVC – POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Car parts, thermal insulation, piping and window fittings
Recycled into more PVC products
Check locally
LDPE – LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Shopping bags, wrapping
Flooring, furniture, more plastic bags
Check locally
PP – POLYPROPYLENE
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Carpet fibres, automotive upholstery, microwaveable meal packaging
Fibre for clothing, packaging
Widely recycled
PS – POLYSTYRENE
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Packaging, takeaway food boxes, single use cutlery, insulation
Packaging
Check locally
OTHERS
VIRGIN USE
RECYCLED USE
EASE OF RECYCLING
Plastic bags for snacks, salad and fruit
Not recycled. Some goes to landfill, some to compost, some to energy recovery
Not recycled/
Check locally
How does PET recycling work?
Used PET packaging is not just ‘waste’! With access to the right recycling technology, PET can be transformed into new plastic products and used by other consumers again and again – enabling Europe’s transition to a circular economy.
After being collected, PET plastic goes through a multiple-stage recycling process that involves separation, processing, cleaning, and reforming.
Interested in learning more? Check out our dedicated page about how PET plastic is recycled, where we visit a recycling plant to go behind-the-scenes of PET recycling.
Working towards 90% collection
PET is one of the most collected materials for recycling in Europe. But we could do better. We should be aiming to get every PET bottle and container collected for recycling.
Proven approaches like deposit return schemes can significantly improve collection rates and can bring us closer to reaching the EU’s target of 90% collection. Discover what we’re doing to improve collection and promote PET recycling and how you can get involved.
EU climate and waste reduction policies
Additionally, under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (2025), all packaging must be circular by design, recyclable, and reusable. PET and rPET already fall into these criteria, and continuous scientific developments ensure that as Europe moves towards a circular economy, PET will remain a responsible and sustainable choice.