How PET Bottle Recycling Reduces Carbon Emissions
- SevenC's Admin
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
For the Lazies - A 30-Second Summary
Recycling PET bottles helps cut down carbon emissions by using less energy than creating new plastic from oil. Producing recycled PET or rPET can save up to 79 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin plastic. With Australians consuming millions of plastic bottles every day, choosing to recycle is one of the simplest ways to reduce our carbon footprint. As SevenC’s Recycling opens in 2026, this effort will become even more effective and accessible in Western Australia.
Why Carbon Emissions Matter
Carbon emissions are a primary driver of climate change. They originate from activities that burn fossil fuels, including the production of new plastics. When we recycle PET bottles instead of making new ones from scratch, we avoid the significant emissions associated with oil extraction, transportation, and polymer production.
Reducing emissions is critical if we want to limit global warming. Every bottle that is recycled means fewer emissions entering the atmosphere.
The Environmental Cost of Virgin PET
Virgin PET is made from crude oil and natural gas. Producing it involves extracting raw materials, processing them with heat and chemicals, and transporting the plastic across long distances. This process is energy-intensive and generates a large carbon footprint.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, producing virgin PET plastic generates nearly 2.1 kg of CO2 per kilogram of plastic made. Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Recycling PET Cuts Emissions Significantly
In contrast, recycled PET, also known as rPET, requires significantly less energy to produce. It involves collecting used bottles, cleaning them, and remelting the plastic into pellets. These pellets can then be turned into new products such as textiles, containers, or packaging.
A 2020 study by SCS Global Services found that using rPET instead of virgin PET results in up to 79% fewer carbon emissions. Source: SCS Global Services
Scaling Up Impact in WA
Western Australia currently faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste. Millions of bottles end up in landfills or are sent to be recycled overseas. As SevenC’s Recycling facility launches in 2026, local infrastructure will be able to turn more PET waste into valuable rPET, keeping it in WA and supporting a circular economy.
When PET is recycled locally, we avoid emissions from transport and support homegrown sustainability efforts.
Additional Benefits of PET Bottle Recycling
Less demand for oil and gas
Reduced energy usage in manufacturing
Fewer plastics in landfills and waterways
Support for green jobs in the recycling sector
Even small actions, like recycling your drink bottles, can add up to significant climate wins, especially when done on a community-wide scale.
How You Can Help Reduce Emissions
Reducing carbon emissions starts with everyday choices. Here is how you can contribute:
Always recycle PET bottles marked with the number 1
Support brands that use rPET in their products
Spread awareness about the environmental impact of virgin plastics
Engage with recycling initiatives like SevenC’s as they become available
By choosing to recycle and support products made from recycled materials, you are helping to build a future where plastic pollution is reduced and emissions are kept in check.
