PET beverage bottles to undergo visual changes due to recycling mandates

New regulations regarding single-use PET beverage bottles will take effect in 2025, requiring a minimum of 25 percent recycled content. This shift is expected to change the visual appearance of many products on store shelves.

As manufacturers increase the use of recycled materials, bottles may no longer appear perfectly transparent. Instead, they may exhibit slightly grey, yellowish, or less crystalline hues. The specific appearance depends on the raw material used, production technology, and processing parameters.

The 25 percent requirement applies to the average level of recycled content across a producer's specific group of packaging introduced to the market, rather than requiring every individual bottle to meet the threshold. Further increases in recycled content requirements are planned for 2030.