Shared industry drive to boost US plastics recycling

A broad coalition representing recycling, manufacturing, packaging and consumer products sectors in the United States has been established in Washington.

The Recycling Leadership Council (RLC) is being led by the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) with the aim of reducing plastic waste by advancing policies that improve recycling rates, strengthen resource efficiency and support modern manufacturing solutions.  

Pivotal step

RLC plans to work with Congress to spur recycling innovation and domestic manufacturing to better manage plastics throughout their lifecycle.

‘To reduce plastic waste, we must modernise our recycling system,’ says John Hewitt, senior vp at the CBA. ‘The formation of the RLC is a pivotal step toward transforming how America manages plastic waste.

‘Leaders across technology, automotive, consumer goods, toys and other industries are working together to meaningfully address policies and practices that prohibit plastic recycling at scale.’

Urgency

RLC argues that the growing volume of waste demands urgent, coordinated action, beginning with addressing outdated frameworks that fail to recognise emerging recycling technologies and lower consumer confidence in recycling labels and claims.

Hewitt adds: ‘RLC is united in support of policy frameworks that will unlock the investment and manufacturing innovation needed to modernise America’s aging recycling infrastructure to adequately handle the amount and types of plastic materials discarded today.’

‘RLC has the strength of America’s leading industries behind it, sending a powerful signal to policymakers and consumers that the urgency to act is here.’

Current membership:

• Consumer Brands Association
• Ag Container Recycling Council
• Alliance for Automotive Innovation
• American Chemistry Council
• American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
• Closed Loop Partners
• Council for Responsible Nutrition
• Household & Commercial Products Association
• International Sleep Products Association
• Meat Institute
• National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition
• North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
• Retail Industry Leaders Association  

For more information: recyclingleadershipcouncil.org