Advancements in PET Packaging: Driving Sustainable Solutions for Today’s Consumer Demands

Beenu Raj, Jitin Rahul (), Pramod K. Singh, Velidandi V. L. Kanta Rao, Jagdish Kumar, Neetu Dwivedi, Pravita Kumar, Diksha Singh and Karol Strzałkowski ()
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Beenu Raj: Department of Environment Science, PGDAV College NCWEB Centre, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
Jitin Rahul: Department of Environmental Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
Pramod K. Singh: Department of Environmental Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
Velidandi V. L. Kanta Rao: CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, Bridge Engineering and Structures Division, New Delhi 110025, India
Jagdish Kumar: CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad 826001, India
Neetu Dwivedi: Department of Environmental Science, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110062, India
Pravita Kumar: Department of Chemistry, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110062, India
Diksha Singh: Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun, Poland
Karol Strzałkowski: Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun, Poland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 16, 1-32

Abstract: This work provides an overview of the importance of recycling PET waste to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, conserve natural resources and energy, and create jobs in the recycling industry. Many countries have implemented regulations and initiatives to promote the recycling of PET waste and reduce plastic pollution, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems, bans on certain single-use plastics, and deposit–return systems for plastic bottles. The article further underscores the versatility of recycled PET, as it can be transformed into various products such as fibers, sheets, film, and strapping. These recycled materials find applications in numerous sectors including clothing, carpets, upholstery, and industrial fibers. Recognizing the importance of collaboration among governments, industries, and individuals, we emphasize the need for sustainable PET waste management practices and the promotion of recycled materials. The article also provides information on India’s experiences with PET waste management and regulations in other countries. It is important to note that the global production and consumption of PET have increased significantly in recent years, with the packaging industry being the largest consumer of PET. This has resulted in a significant increase in the generation of PET waste, which poses a significant environmental and health hazard if not managed properly. PET waste can end up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose, or it can end up in the oceans, where it can harm marine life and the environment. Therefore, the proper management and recycling of PET waste are essential to mitigate these negative impacts. In terms of India’s experiences with PET waste management, several initiatives have been implemented to promote the recycling of PET waste. For example, the government has launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign, which aims to promote cleanliness and sanitation in the country to promote waste segregation and recycling.

Keywords: polyethylene terephthalate (PET); PET waste; waste management; recycling PET; legal status (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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