The recycling rate for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers reached a record 29 percent in 2010, the seventh straight year recycling for the product has increased, according to a new report.

Total PET collected for recycling also reached a record total of 1.5 billion pounds, and the employing of recycled PET in end-use applications reached a record 1 billion pounds. The study, “2010 Report on Post Consumer PET Container Recycling Activity,” is published by three plastics organizations: The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the PET Resin Association (PETRA).

The 2010 Report also details the end uses for a record 1 billion pounds of recycled PET employed in manufacturing applications, reflecting increases over 2009 in the categories of sheet and film, food and beverage bottles, strapping and fiber, the associations said in a news release.

“NAPCOR is pleased to report these consistent increases in the PET recycling rate, year over year, and is committed to building on this trend,” said Tom Busard, NAPCOR chairman and vice president. “PET recycling and use of recycled PET in new products and packaging are integral components of what PET offers as a sustainable package; it’s important to NAPCOR to foster and facilitate this essential component of the PET package premise.”