On the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) website recycled PET is listed to have the following attributes compared to virgin polyester:

· 2/3 less energy usage
· 2/3 less sulphur dioxide emissions
· 50% less of nitrous oxide emissions
· 90% less water usage

In a recent article by Tom Larsen in GreenSmart Notebook, it is noted that a survey by the International Rayon and Synthetic Fibers Industry show that the carbon footprint of recycled PET, not only are 90% lower than nylon and 75% lower than virgin polyester, but amazingly the carbon footprint of recycled PET are 50% lower than that of organic cotton!

In the end - the most obvious and tangible argument for recycling PET is the diversion of plastic bottles from going into land fills - a place where they are likely to stay for roughly another 250 - 500 years until they finally decompose.