Plastic have played a vital role in the growth phase of the Nigerian economy and continue to do so. From packaging to agriculture, automobiles and electronics plastics have revolutionized all areas because of its functionality, economics, aesthetics and reliability. 

Plastic packaging has become indispensable to the world. A global trend has emerged to produce hi-tech, sophisticated and eye-catching plastic packaging. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has recorded the fastest growth rate in the global plastics market and this is evident from the revolution witnessed in the fields of mineral water, beverages, edible oil, detergents etc. 

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) excels by its inherent values like strength, safety, cost-effectiveness and being lightweight, unbreakable and recyclable. Today, the food and beverages industry is increasingly using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to replace glass and other materials.  

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a packaging medium for a wide variety of liquid foodproducts such as edible oils, syrups, mineral water, alcoholic beverages, juices and honey. It has now been adopted for storing all types of foods.

Mineral water and soft drinks account for a major share of the total demand. Others includeprocessed foods, edible oils and sauces. Kitchen containers are another major usage centre.

In Nigeria, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) started being used in a perceptible way only very recently. It is projected that the demand will grow appreciably, especially for packaging soft drinks and water. Soft drinks are witnessing a gradual shift towards the non - returnable bottles due to changing lifestyles and convenience.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging has been doing very well as it offers the flexibilities of innovation, both in terms of pack design and size. 

Our research indicates that the main driver of growth for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in Nigeria has been the food and beverage sector with water industry accounting for about sixty-five percent (65%) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) usage in Nigeria.

The demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics is estimated to rise at about seven percent (7%) annually over the next ten (10) years. With the growing demand for carbonated soft drinks, water and edible oil, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preform bottles are also increasing in demand.

There is rapid increase in the population of Nigeria. From the data available to us the present figure is estimated at over two hundred million (200,000,000) as the end of 2015 and increase from about one hundred and forty (140,000,000) million people as at 2006 census. 

As the human population continues to increase, the quantity of solid wastes generation also increases. With rapid increase in population within urban cities there is need for efficient and modern technology for the management of wastes.

Presently, the rate of waste generation in Lagos (with estimated population over ten (10,000,000) million in 2012) is nine thousand (9, 000) tons per day (source- Lagos State Waste Management Authority - LAWMA) while in Kano State, the rate is three thousand, eight hundred and forty nine (3, 849) tons per day (source- Bayero University Kano Consultancy Unit).  

Generally, the average rate of generation is estimated as zero point five (0.5) kilogramme per capital per day. Some of the waste generated includes paper, glass and plastic and with the use of technology, these products can be transformed into useful products again.

Recycling plastic is an essential requirement in modern society in view of the environmental problems faced by the extensive use of plastics bags, cans, and bottles.

The global recycled polyethylene terephthalate market size is expected to reach USD 18.46 billion by 2030. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of seven point four percent (7.4%) from 2022 to 2030. 

The growing beverage industry in Asia Pacific countries such as China, Japan, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines and the increasing demand for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in the non-food sector are expected to boost the market growth.

The used bottles of plastic are recycled by washing, crushing and grinding into flakes and then pellets.  Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used, for non-food grade applications like Bottles, Jars, Sheets, Fiber, strap, zip fasteners etc.

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