Zhao Jun, Specialist from China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, Expert from National Energy Administration Oil and Gas Department, Member of the editorial board of China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Journal, delivered his report of Leading the Green Revolution Global Trends in PET Recycling and Reuse.

Part One: Global PET Recycling Status

Mr. Zhao believes that despite the relatively high recycling rate of PET, the overall plastic recycling rate globally remains low and needs improvement. Mechanical recycling is the mainstream method, while chemical recycling technologies are opening new avenues for recovering high-value products.

Part Two: Regional Market Analysis

Mr. Zhao primarily analyzes the United States, Europe, and China.

United States: Fluctuations in oil prices and policy changes impact the recycling rate of rPET, but technological advancements and policy support are driving market growth.

Europe: With a mature PET recycling system and strict regulations, the region promotes the quality and stability of the rPET market, and the application of chemical recycling technologies is pushing the market towards high-end development. 

China: Strengthened policies on plastic waste management and recycling are advancing the standardization and market application of rPET. Although it is currently mainly used in textiles, the "bottle-to-bottle" recycling model is gradually emerging, and chemical recycling technologies are bringing new opportunities.

Part Three: Challenges and Approaches in Plastic Recycling 

Mr. Zhao points out that the growth in global plastic consumption has led to a significant amount of plastic waste, particularly from packaging materials. Waste plastics primarily come from packaging, with most being landfilled, creating environmental issues. Recycling approaches include mechanical closed-loop recycling, mechanical downcycling, chemical recycling, and energy recovery, each with its characteristics and applicable scopes.

Part Four: Market Trends and Forecasts 

Mr. Zhao discusses the global recycling rates of PET bottle flakes, indicating that Europe and China have higher recycling rates, while the United States has a lower rate but higher reuse efficiency. He believes that the global consumption of rPET will continue to grow, with a substantial market size expected to expand rapidly in the coming years, with Europe, the United States, and Asia being the main market share holders.