According to PET to PET, the use of recycled PET beverage bottles in Austria already exceeds the EU target of 30 per cent for 2030 by a clear margin at more than 40 per cent.
 

This is according to the half-year results of PET to PET Recycling Österreich GmbH, whose shareholders are leading companies in the Austrian beverage industry. Following a recycling volume of 32,283 tonnes of PET material in 2023, PET to PET reported a volume of 16,071 tonnes of PET beverage bottles recycled in the first half of 2024. This corresponds to a decrease of nine per cent compared to the previous year (1st half of 2023: 17,755 tonnes). However, a long-term analysis shows continued constant growth in recycling volumes, according to a press release. According to Christian Strasser, Managing Director of PET to PET, the decline in recycling volumes is due to very high cost pressure, a high level of inflation in the first half of 2024 as well as a high price level for bottles and the recyclates produced from them. These are significantly more expensive than virgin material, while demand for used PET beverage bottles is very high. In Austria, preparations are also underway for the one-way deposit system for PET and cans, which is due to start next year. With this in mind, PET to PET is reportedly investing in its site by expanding its premises and building a workshop.
 
Sources:

• PET to PET press release (13.8.2024)
• Photo: © PET to PET