NAPCOR Position Statements

NAPCOR maintains positions on key issues pertaining to the PET (polyethylene terephthalate, universally recognized by the #1 inside the triangle on packaging) industry.

Imported Recycled PET (2026)
We need a strong North American circular economy that reduces dependence on imported recycled PET (rPET). NAPCOR represents the entire PET value chain and is committed to a resilient recycling system for the US, Canada, and Mexico. To deliver that resilience, we endorse a set of principles that strengthen the PET circular economy, immediately increase utilization of existing assets, restart recent shutdowns, create thousands of jobs, and grow onshore critical manufacturing supply chains. Read More

Enhanced Recycling (2021)
The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), founded in 1987, is the trade association for the PET plastic industry in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAPCOR welcomes recent developments in enhanced recycling technology to provide opportunities not currently available through mechanical recycling. Read More

Degradable Additives (2020)
The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) continues to reiterate its position on degradable additives, opposing their use in all PET packaging. NAPCOR previously (in May 2009 and May 2011) pointed to a lack of data showing no harmful effects on PET recycling. We reaffirm our position that insufficient data have been presented to demonstrate either efficacy as a responsible end-of-life waste management strategy or benign effects on PET recycling and the subsequent use of recycled plastic. Read More

Furanoates (2018)
The emergence of polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and polytriethylene furanoate (PTF), referred to as furanoates, are polyesters that offer unique properties compared to PET. The two aromatic bio-polyesters are claimed to exhibit favorable gas barrier properties, but also to have different melting points, flexural moduli, and glass transition temperatures than PET. Given that PET has a well-established recycling and reclamation infrastructure integral to its unique sustainability premise, it is important to consider the impact of furanoates on PET conversion operations and recycling. Read More