NAPCOR: Plastic bottle bans more harmful than recycling

Aluminium recycling public domain
Sustainability

In light of recent discussions surrounding the environmental impact of plastic bottle bans in high-traffic areas like airports and stadiums, the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) sheds light on potential unintended consequences. Drawing from its 2023 Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), NAPCOR warns against the blanket prohibition of plastic bottles, highlighting the findings that suggest such bans could lead to greater environmental harm than good.

While the banning of plastic bottles in large venues is often touted as a step towards environmental conservation, NAPCOR's research indicates otherwise. According to the LCA results, recyclable PET bottles emerge as a more eco-friendly option compared to common alternatives in beverage packaging.

A case in point is the San Francisco Airport (SFO), which imposed a complete ban on the sale of plastic water bottles in August 2019. NAPCOR's LCA study reveals that the replacement of 9,000 plastic water bottles with aluminium cans daily has resulted in an estimated additional 1,100 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions since the ban's initiation, surpassing the greenhouse gas impacts associated with plastic water bottles.

When evaluating various beverage delivery systems in the U.S., NAPCOR's LCA underscores the environmental superiority of PET beverage bottles over aluminium and glass counterparts. PET bottles boast several advantages, including 100% recyclability and the potential for manufacturing with 100% recycled content. Additionally, PET bottles exhibit lower impacts across critical environmental metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and emissions contributing to smog formation, acid rain, and eutrophication potential.

NAPCOR’s Executive Director, Laura Stewart, said: There’s a common and dangerous misconception regarding the impact of plastics versus other packaging materials. However, research unequivocally shows that when it comes to beverage packaging, the more sustainable answer is polyethylene terephthalate, better known as PET. Large venues are touting environmental benefits with a ban on plastic containers; in fact, these moves are counterproductive and ultimately cause more harm than good.

Latest Packaging News

Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits
Technology

Mexican pharma manufacturer launches NFC-enabled smart packaging to fight counterfeits

Mexican pharmaceutical manufacturer IFA Celtics has launched new NFC-enabled smart packaging,...
Calcium chloride desiccants: Why SUPER DRY leads the way
Supplier News

Calcium chloride desiccants: Why SUPER DRY leads the way

The problem with moisture Moisture can be a real headache in homes and industries. It spoils food,...
Croxsons strengthens its long-standing values with B Corp certification
Supplier News

Croxsons strengthens its long-standing values with B Corp certification

Leading glass packaging supplier Croxsons has received B Corporation (B Corp) certification, a...
Cadbury to trial 300,000 paper-based Heroes tubs in Tesco stores across the UK
Sustainability

Cadbury to trial 300,000 paper-based Heroes tubs in Tesco stores across the UK

Mondelēz International, one of the world’s largest snacking companies, are partnering with DS...
London Packaging Week 2025 welcomes record visitor growth
Events

London Packaging Week 2025 welcomes record visitor growth

London Packaging Week 2025 sees 15% growth, bringing 5,752 visitors together to celebrate...