UNESDA introduces Code of Conduct on PET bottles recyclability

UNESDA, the European non-alcoholic beverages association, has introduced a Code of Conduct on PET bottles recyclability.  It will bind members to adhere to stringent quality standards for the packaging material which they place in the market thereby maintaining the quality and economics of recycled PET in Europe.

The new code commits members to two key principles: they will adhere to the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) ‘Design for Recyclability Guidelines’ in the context of the internal ‘Design Guide for PET Bottle Recyclability’ developed jointly with the European Federation of Bottled Waters (EFBW).  In addition, when designing or purchasing PET bottles, members will apply the principle of due diligence and if necessary bring their products to the EPBP for an independent assessment.

The Code, which follows on from the new design for recycling guidelines that it introduced earlier in the year in association with the EFBW, will take immediate effect with full implementation in the marketplace due by the end of 2012.

The soft drinks industry strives to meet consumer expectations and product safety requirements whilst continually improving the environmental performance of packaging through packaging optimisation, post-consumer packaging recovery, reuse and the use of the recycled content. The increasing use of recycled content in high-end PET bottle-to-bottle applications significantly contributes to resource efficiency, reduced use of fossil resources and lower carbon emissions.

UNESDA is encouraging its 23 national federations to promote the adoption of this Code by local companies, to facilitate its implementation and to incorporate it into national codes as appropriate.

For further information please contact:

Adriana Nosewicz – anosewicz@agep.eu – 02 743 4050

UNESDA represents a substantial part of the European non-alcoholic beverages industry, uniting all major producers of non-alcoholic beverages (carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, juice drinks, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, bottled water, sports and energy drinks) as well as this industry’s trade associations in 25 countries. The European beverages market totals some 123 billion litres per year

Code of Conduct on PET bottles recyclability