of recycling rising and consumer brands competing to meet sustainable packaging pledges. Data from S&P Global Platts show how spot prices for recycled PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, which is the most common type of resin made from plastic-bottle waste, have almost doubled in Europe from the beginning of 2021 to year end. While environmental rules on packaging are less strict in the U.S., packaging prices have also increased, but not by as much. The cost of food-grade recycled PET in the U.S. has hit $1 a pound, up from around 64 cents before the pandemic, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR). The Wall Street Journal says household-name brands that have set voluntary targets to reduce the amount of virgin plastic they use in packaging are adding to the demand for recycled plastic. By 2025, Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, wants to cut its use of virgin plastic by one-third. CocaCola wants to be using at least 50-percent recycled materials for its product packaging by the end of the decade. Because manufacturers have developed a process for recycling PET into a polyester fabric, or RPET, other industries are vying for this hot commodity to make carpets, backpacks and clothing. Local governments are also struggling with the costs of recycling. A new state law in Maine will make producers of packaged goods pay to recycle them, potentially setting a precedent for the rest of the nation, says CNBC. The law will force companies that produce garbage from packaging to fund its recycling by paying into a fund that reimburses municipalities, an initiative formally called “extended producer responsibility.” With high demand and little supply, distributors can use their skills to help clients satisfy and educate their eco-conscious end users. This trendy, eco-conscious backpack is made of recycled PET fabrics. Designed for busy multitaskers, this backpack has interior organizing pockets, a front zippered pocket, two side pockets and a fully lined interior padded laptop sleeve. Koozie Group / PPAI 114187, S13 / www.kooziegroup.com This sleek 12-ounce stainless-steel water bottle saves countless single-use water bottles and cups for those on the go. The bamboo lid can be laser engraved with a logo or company name. The durable design of this bottle makes it work well for those who are active or who participate in outdoor activities. Active Life Promo / PPAI 436753, S1 www.activelifepromo.com | JANUARY 2022 | 49 GROW
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