PLASTICS strengthens recycling efforts through key alliances
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) continues to push for increased plastic recycling rates through strategic alliances dedicated to enhancing recycling infrastructure, increasing public access and promoting sustainability. Two of the most recent initiatives — the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) and the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) — demonstrate PLASTICS' commitment to making plastic recycling more effective and accessible across the United States.
Polystyrene Recycling Alliance: Promoting circularity for PS products
PLASTICS recently launched the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to improve the recycling of PS and EPS, with the goal of achieving “widely recyclable status” for the material. This alliance unites stakeholders across the value chain, including brands, converters and recyclers, to drive industry-wide collaboration.
“This collaboration is a huge step forward for polystyrene sustainability, enabling more Americans to recycle a wide variety of polystyrene items,” said Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS. “Polystyrene is inherently recyclable, is being recycled today and will be recycled at much greater scale in the future. Recycling is real, and we are proud to pursue this initiative at the Plastics Industry Association.”
In partnership with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), the PSRA has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to expand PS recycling infrastructure. Currently, 32 percent of the U.S. population has access to recycle at least one PS item, and several formats are approaching the threshold for “check locally” recycling status. With ongoing industry investments in recycling capacity, the PSRA aims to make PS widely recyclable by 2030.
PS plays a crucial role in various industries, including food packaging, pharmaceuticals, construction and appliance manufacturing.
“Polystyrene is an essential material that provides numerous life-enhancing benefits, and a favorable carbon footprint compared to alternative materials,” said Richard Shaw, chairman of the PSRA. “Our focus is to expand end-of-life recycling options for all types of polystyrene through strategic investments and partnerships with other stakeholders committed to a circular plastics economy.”
To achieve its goals, the PSRA will establish a recycling investment and education fund designed to modernize recycling systems and increase consumer awareness. By working with communities, materials-recovery facilities and drop-off programs, the alliance seeks to improve both access and education around PS recycling.
“We’re committed to addressing the challenges of recycling polystyrene,” added Patrick Krieger, senior VP of sustainability at PLASTICS. “This is just the beginning, and we are optimistic about our strategy and approach to ensure all polystyrene is recycled at scale.”
Flexible Film Recycling Alliance launches Plastic Film Recycling Directory
PLASTICS’ Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) initiative aims to bring awareness and improve plastic film recycling nationwide. The FFRA recently introduced the Plastic Film Recycling Directory, designed to help consumers find collection points for recycling plastic film and to provide clear educational resources on how to properly recycle these materials.
“We are excited to launch the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance’s Plastic Film Recycling Directory,” Krieger said. “FFRA’s priorities include ensuring consumers know where to recycle plastic film and feel confident that their materials are being properly recycled. We believe this directory will play a critical role in increasing plastic film recycling rates across America.”
The FFRA is dedicated to advancing a circular economy for plastic film products by improving access to recycling programs and enhancing consumer education. By working closely with collection and recycling partners, the FFRA is making strides toward ensuring that more plastic film materials are successfully recycled.
Beyond these initiatives, PLASTICS continues to promote recycling as a viable and effective solution for plastic sustainability. Programs like Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), which recently launched the OCS Logistics Verification Program to prevent resin loss in the critical “middle” of the supply chain, and the Recycling is Real campaign, which showcases recycling happening across the country, highlight the association’s dedication to increasing recycling rates.
Through collaboration, education and innovation, PLASTICS and its alliances are working to ensure more plastic material is kept out of our environment and in the circular economy.
