US Plastics Pact

The U.S. Plastics Pact is proud to announce the release of the updated Problematic and Unnecessary Materials Report! The report marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing recycling and composting efforts across the plastics value chain. Initially launched in January 2022 as part of our Roadmap to 2025 strategic plan, this report continues to evolve with the inclusion of new materials and formats, along with a comprehensive "Evaluation List" for future consideration. It aims to streamline recycling processes and improve the quality of recycled content available to manufacturers. As ♻️Jonathan Quinn♻️, the CEO of the U.S. Plastics Pact, rightly stated, "Eliminating problematic and unnecessary materials is foundational to achieving a circular economy. This report lays out a clear pathway to removing barriers and driving advancements in circular package design while enhancing recovery opportunities.” Read the Problematic and Unnecessary Materials Report: https://lnkd.in/dA3Uxme8 #RoadmapToCircularity #CircularEconomy #USPlasticsPact

In Packaging Dive's newest article by Katie Pyzyk, industry experts share thoughts on navigating the landscape of sustainability claims, such as on the popularly growing term—greenhushing— and the significance of transparency! As U.S. Plastics Pact CEO ♻️Jonathan Quinn♻️shares: “People are afraid of what may come of their public statements or public positions. There’s some element of finding a balance. But ultimately it goes back to being able to align with targets and positions — that there’s uniform consistency.” The truth is that there is a balance between transparency and authenticity: "We can’t be quiet. ... It’s about transparency and clarity. Hushing is not going to send us in the right direction.” Read the article: https://lnkd.in/eBEVSVqd

Our CEO, ♻️Jonathan Quinn♻️is attending and presenting at #SPCAdvance in Chicago from September 30th - October 2nd. SPC Advance shares the U.S. Pact's focus on the urgent need to move #FurtherAndFaster toward a #CircularEconomy with #BetterPackaging. Jonathan will be joining Thomas Pollock, Jack Pacente, Chris Max, and Kevin Spern to discuss the crucial topic of virgin plastic reduction. If you’ll be joining Jonathan and SPC members at SPC Advance, be sure to check out this panel discussion!. #SPCAdvance #SPCAdvance2024 #Sustainability #SustainablePackaging 

The U.S. Plastics Pact and Canada Plastics Pact hosted our fifth Film & Flex technical workshop to provide practical support to our members in converting to monomaterial structures that comply with the design guidelines. These efforts are an important part of making progress toward Target 1 (eliminating problematic and unnecessary materials) & Target 2 (design compliance) and advancing circularity for film and flexible plastic packaging. Yesterday’s session focused on frozen applications such as proteins, fruit/veggies, pizzas, and meals. Converters Charter Next Generation and TC Transcontinental presented on innovative, high performing monomaterial film structures that work in challenging applications. OEM’s Rovema North America and VDL Groep shared about work they are doing to help customers overcome machinability challenges in the conversion to monomaterial formats. The full value chain is coming together to advance circularity for flexible plastic packaging.   Thank you to each of these companies for your leadership in innovating circular solutions and helping brand owners make progress on their design commitments. And thank you to each of our fantastic presenters – Joe Glaser, Emily Williams, Kelly Eastman, and Jeff Horne – for sharing your knowledge and expertise!   Next month’s session will be focused on the film recycling process!

Plastics News has recognized two of our team members as part of their 2024 Rising Stars, a roster of the industry's brightest stars under 35! ⭐️ Congratulations to Grant Rodriguez Amlani and Olivia M. for this amazing achievement. You both never cease to impress the team with your work and accomplishments in realizing a just transition to a circular economy for packaging. Read their profiles here: https://lnkd.in/e7_n3eyQ

We are thrilled to announce enhancements to our Postconsumer Recycled Content (PCR) Toolkit, designed to empower businesses in their journey toward sustainability for packaging! The updated PCR Toolkit is a vital resource for companies looking to embrace circular economy principles and reduce their reliance on virgin plastics. With a focus on providing actionable guidance, case studies, and strategic insights, our toolkit equips businesses to proactively address risk management. As ♻️Jonathan Quinn♻️, CEO of the U.S. Plastics Pact, states, “Corporate commitment to increase the use of PCR is an important step, but it’s only the first step. The PCR Toolkit is a practical resource to help diverse stakeholders understand the importance of using PCR and what they need to do to successfully procure and qualify it.” The PCR Toolkit is intended to help companies transition to a resilient and proactive business model. Key Features of the Updated PCR Toolkit: > Resources for equipping cross-functional teams to achieve corporate sustainability commitments       > Actionable Guidance: Learn how to effectively integrate PCR into packaging portfolios.                                  > Regulatory Insights: Stay ahead of evolving regulations and ensure the integrity of your recycled materials. Our commitment to providing the tools for businesses to reduce their environmental impact is stronger than ever. The U.S. Plastics Pact encourages all business and sustainability leaders to leverage this updated toolkit as a blueprint for integrating more postconsumer recycled content into their packaging portfolios. 👉 Access the updated PCR Toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/gx9QvmNF #RoadmapToCircularity #CircularEconomy #USPlasticsPact 

We are happy to have the U.S. Plastics Pact present at the NOVA Chemicals Brandowner Bootcamp! So much knowledge to be shared and learned.

U.S. Plastics Pact Activator Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has taken a significant step in advancing the recyclability of plastics by formalizing its position on degradable additives! APR's revised guidelines regarding the recyclability of these additives provide crucial clarity about their effects on recycling processes. This pivotal initiative seeks to ensure that materials developed for a circular economy can be recycled efficiently, without disrupting existing systems. Given that degradable additives can complicate recycling streams, establishing clear, well-defined standards are vital for the benefit of both consumers and manufacturers. This effort is in perfect harmony with the mission of the U.S. Plastics Pact. "As we progress towards a circular economy, it’s imperative to thoughtfully assess the impact of all packaging materials on the recycling process. APR’s enhanced position on degradable additives aligns with the U.S. Plastics Pact’s Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List and provides essential guidance to maintain the quality of recycled plastics. We wholeheartedly support initiatives that clarify the recyclability of materials, empowering informed decisions that benefit both industry and the environment,” asserts ♻️Jonathan Quinn♻️, CEO of the Pact. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gjmTXtAc

The U.S. Plastics Pact's Problematic and Unnecessary Materials Report continues to make an impact!   Aligning with our goals to minimize unnecessary materials, Vital Proteins has launched new eco-friendly packaging for its collagen peptides. Their new packaging omits the traditional plastic scoop, which meets the criteria to be considered unnecessary, as outlined in our Problematic and Unnecessary Materials Report. The canister also boasts a significant reduction in plastic use – 90% less plastic compared to previous models. This innovative shift will eliminate approximately 1,800 metric tons, or roughly 4 million pounds, of plastic waste.   To celebrate their new packaging, Vital Proteins is making a generous donation to the U.S. Plastics Pact, to support our ongoing commitment to end plastic waste.   Thank you, Vital Proteins, for your generosity and for partnering with us in our important mission! Read the PR Newswire article: https://lnkd.in/eQJ7TCvq Read our Problematic and Unnecessary Materials Report: https://lnkd.in/dA3Uxme8

The U.S. Plastics Pact and Canada Plastics Pact hosted our fourth Film & Flex technical workshop to provide practical support to our members in converting to monomaterial structures that comply with the design guidelines! These efforts are an important part of making progress toward Target 1 (eliminating problematic and unnecessary materials) & Target 2 (design compliance) and advancing circularity for film and flexible plastic packaging. Last week’s session focused on refrigerated applications such as meat, dairy, and produce. Converters Amcor, Berry Global, Inc., and ICPG presented on innovative, high-performing monomaterial film and rollstock structures that work in challenging applications. OEM’s Paxiom Group, R.A Jones (Coesia S.p.A.), and Synerlink (Barry-Wehmiller Packaging) shared about work they are doing to help customers overcome machinability challenges in the conversion to monomaterial formats, which was followed by open Q&A from the audience. It will take the full value chain working together to achieve circularity for plastic packaging, and it is exciting to see these companies working hard to support their customers in achieving their circularity goals. Thank you to each of these companies for your leadership in innovating circular solutions and helping brand owners make progress on their design commitments. And thank you to each of our fantastic presenters – Tara cruz, Wesley Porter, Jonathan Cage, Luis Pilonieta, Rich Clifton, and Fabien Jégo – for sharing your knowledge and expertise!