The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of improved recyclability and actual recycling of rigid PET packaging. These actions are largely based on the current set of Golden Design Rules.
Available Courses of Action
- Action 1 – Apply GDR #1: Increase Recycling Value in PET
- Action 2 – Apply GDR#2: Remove problematic elements from packaging
- Action 3 – Apply GDR#5: Increase recycling value in PET trays
Action 1 – Apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) # 1: Increase Recycling Value in PET
In choosing to apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) #1 – Increase Recycling Value in PET – the change in packaging design, composition or construction is primarily achieved thru one of more of the following:
- Use transparent and uncoloured PET, or transparent blue or green PET
- Ensure material choice, adhesive choice and size of sleeve or label is not problematic for recycling
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#1 has been demonstrated for rigid PET packaging.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| Coca Cola | Clear PET | Carbonated and non carbonated beverage | 2022 |
Action 2 – Apply GDR#2: Remove problematic elements from packaging
Unfortunately, there are many scenarios where the use of problematic elements can render otherwise recyclable packaging incompatible with current and emerging recycling systems. Although the bulk of a package’s composition may be recyclable (i.e., mono-material PET construction), problematic elements such as enclosures, handles or other components may hinder recyclability. This is due in large part to the use of non-recyclable elements which in many cases cannot be easily separated from recyclable elements. Removal of these problematic elements can result in more recyclable forms of packaging.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#2 has been demonstrated for rigid PET packaging.
Use Cases
Use Cases are currently being identified and reviewedAction 3 – Apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) # 5: Increase Recycling Value in PET Trays
In choosing to apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) #5 – Increase Recycling Value in PET Trays – the change in packaging design, composition or construction is primarily achieved thru one of more of the following:
- Use transparent and uncoloured PET, or transparent blue or green PET
- Ensure material choice, adhesive choice and size of sleeve or label is not problematic for recycling
- Use only mono-material PET
- Use minimal or moderate direct printing
- Ensure material choice and adhesive choice of lidding films, inserts or other components is not problematic for recycling
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#5 has been demonstrated for rigid PET packaging.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| Sonoco | NIR (near infrared) detectable natural CPET tray replaces hard-to-sort black PET tray | Frozen Prepared Foods | 2022 |
Supporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to rigid PET packaging includes:
General Information
- Packaging Design for Recycling: A Global Recommendation for Circular Packaging Design
World Packaging Organization (WPO)This resource considers a holistic view of packaging as essential for sustainable pacakaging development – including delivering on a circular economy and the reduction in the sources of ecological impact on the environment. Design for recycling is part of circular product design and represents an important basis for holistic sustainable assessment.
- The Environmental Benefits of PET Recycling: LCA Study 2020
National Associatin for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR)Life cycle analyses have examined energy requirements and environmental impacts of producing both recycled PET (RPET) and new, virgin material (VPET). Results show that the production of RPET pellets has significantly better results for the environment than that of VPET in almost every impact category measured.
- Accelerating Recycling Best Practices: The 2023 Knowledge Report 2023
The Recycling Partnership and The Center for Sustainable Behavior & ImpactThis report digs into what it will take from all of those involved across the value chain to incite the change necessary to accelerate recycling best practices.
- The Golden Design Rules 2021
The Consumer Goods Forum, and CPPThe GDR’s are voluntary commitments outline specific design changes aligned with globally recognized technical guidelines and targets laid out in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation?s New Plastic Economy Global Commitments. - RecyClass Online Tool
RecyClassThis tool assesses the recyclability of plastic packaging and shows to what extent it is suitable for recycling by rating it within a class system from A to F, and provides recommendations on where improvements to the package can be made.