Brazilian PET recycling

According to data supplied by the Brazilian association of PET industry (Abipet), local collection and recycling of PET grew from 164,000 tons in 2004 to 294,000 tons in 2011. A survey conducted among 409 PET recycling and processing firms (more than 40% located in the state of São Paolo, 11% in Santa Caterina, and 9% in Rio Grande Do Sul) showed that roughly 93% of Brazilian recyclers participating in the survey had been in business for at least 5 years, attesting to the continuity and development of PET recycling in the area. Fifteen percent of the companies process over 500 tons per month, 20% process between 200 and 500 tons, 25% between 100 and 200 tons, 20% between 50 and 100 tons, and the remaining 20% below 50 tons. Sixty-seven percent of the interviewees expressed an intention to invest more in the coming 12 months. The principal markets for recycled PET are textiles (42%), bottle-to-bottle (33%), and packaging (18%). Recycled PET is marketed mainly as flakes (65%).