Each country is seeking a sustainable PET bottle system. In
Sweden two types of PET bottles (refillable and one-way bottle) are
distributed. Industries manage the PET bottle cycle system based on
a deposit refund system. The Swedish refilling system contributes
greatly to source reduction, as its recycling rate is one of the highest
in the world (Amano, 2004). In Japan, only a one-way PET bottle is
distributed. The Japanese PET bottle cycle system is based on three
factors—consumer, municipality and industry. The industry is able
to achieve its recycling responsibility by paying the recycling fees.
The responsibilities of the municipalities are to collect and transport
the recyclable material from consumers to the recycling plant
(Amano, 2004).
Global consumption of PET for packaging is forecast to reach
D 24 billion by 2011. The United States is the largest user of PET
packaging, followed by China and Mexico. Latin America showed
the strongest growth between 2001 and 2006 (Butschli, 2006).
Brazil is one of the fastest growing consumer markets for PET
bottles; however, the country lacks an organized recycling system.
This study will analyze, in an integrated manner, the best
alternative to improve the recycling system by examining the PET
bottle life cycle in Brazil. Initially, Brazil’s recycling of PET containers
will be described. It should be noted that there are no specific
laws or regulations determining responsibility for manufacturing,
collection, recycling and final disposal of materials. Subsequently,
an alternative system for recycling will be proposed considering
social, economic, and environmental aspects with an integrated,
long-term perspective.