PET Container Recycling Europe, commonly known as Petcore, is a Brussels-based non-profit European trade association.
Petcore was founded in 1992 to promote the collection, sorting and recycling of post-consumer PET bottles. It networks with national collection agencies, governments, and the recycling industry. Used PET, or polyethylene terphthalate bottles are light-weight but once collected, sorted and pressed into bales, they become a valuable feedstock for a range of products. End markets for recycled PET include polyester fibre, sheet, strapping, and new bottles.
In 2010, 1,451,000 tons of PET were collected and recycled in Europe, representing a collection rate of over 48.3 percent. This collection has been growing by an average of 20% per year.