PET is the league leader for recycling

PET is the most recycled plastic worldwide, with a recycling rate of 31% in the US, and in Europe an even higher rate of 52%.

One of PET's most outstanding qualities is its exceptional recyclability. PET can be recovered and recycled again and again by thorough washing and remelting for use in new PET products , or by chemically breaking down the PET into its constituent raw materials, which are then purified and converted into new PET.

PET packaging can be collected and recycled into a wealth of products for tomorrow – it can be recycled and used again for containers for foods, beverages and personal care products  – or for carpet, clothing, automotive parts, construction materials, industrial strapping, and scores of other products.

Any PET that is unsuitable for recycling because it is too dirty or too contaminated to be properly cleaned can be burned safely and efficiently as an energy source. This is called "thermal recycling."