Michael McHenry’s Post

Transforming the Future of Plastic Use: U.S. Plastics Pact Roadmap 2.0 The U.S. Plastics Pact has launched Roadmap 2.0, an actionable plan to eliminate plastic packaging waste and transition to a circular economy. Building on the progress of the initial roadmap, the new plan sets ambitious targets, including designing for circularity, eliminating problematic plastics, and enhancing recycling infrastructure. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Roadmap 2.0 aims to drive systemic change across the plastics value chain. Join us in supporting a sustainable future! https://lnkd.in/gXydpxSC #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #USPlasticsPact #ESG

As the world looks for solutions to address the plastic waste challenge, some advocates argue for a reduction or all out ban on the use of plastic. However, a recent report published in Environmental, Science & Technology notes that alternatives such as glass, paper, and aluminum may be worse for the environment based on their GHG emissions. The results of a study discussed in the report indicated that in 15 of 16 applications tested, plastic products had the lowest greenhouse gas emission impact. We rely on plastics for life-saving medical care, safe packaging for food, and many other items essential to everyday life. Applying a circular approach to plastics enables us to use and reuse them over time. That's where Encina fits in -- our technology creates circular chemicals from waste stream plastics enabling our customers to make new products. The result? Less reliance on fossil-based resources and a path forward to decarbonization for manufacturers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGUTTQvM #decarbonization #sustainability #circularity

Plastics are often misunderstood in environmental discussions, yet they can be more eco-friendly than many realize when used responsibly and recycled effectively. Unlike many alternative materials, plastics are lightweight, which reduces transportation emissions and energy consumption across the supply chain. In many applications, plastics also have a longer lifespan, which can minimize resource use over time. When we recycle plastics, we further reduce their environmental impact by saving energy, conserving raw materials, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to creating new plastic. Plus, advancements in recycling technology mean that more types of plastic can now be reprocessed and kept within a circular economy. By shifting our focus from single-use to sustainable, multi-use solutions, plastics can be part of a greener, more responsible approach to resource management. Click the link below for a quick read on the climate impact of plastics. #PlasticRecyclingWeek #Recycling #Sustainability #PlasticRecycling #RecyclingisReal https://lnkd.in/eVzW-FYT

According to a new report surveying 225 companies’ plastic-related sustainability efforts, there are zero companies making at least $1B in annual revenue who are doing enough to reduce, reuse, and/or recycle plastics. Of the companies assessed and scored by As You Sow and Ubuntoo, none received an “A” grade, and nearly 50% failed. The best grade awarded to a major company was a B+. This scorecard judged companies on their combined efforts toward plastic reduction, material reuse, and recycling expansion. The results are glaring: major companies are failing to live up to their sustainability commitments, and they must do more. The authors of the study suggest that companies focus on six areas of improvement, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). At Polycarbin, we see how EPR legislation - which requires producers to take responsibility for the end of life of their products - is increasingly prevalent in the US, Europe, and beyond. Companies need to prepare for the changing legislative landscape as governments embrace EPR. Thinking critically about a product’s end of life and designing thoughtful solutions is a pathway to a cleaner planet and, hopefully, higher grades on future plastic scorecards. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ec856VtH #circularity #plastics #EPR

The US Plastics Pact has unveiled three comprehensive reports to drive sustainable practices in plastic management across the country. Here are the key takeaways: The US Plastics Pact has unveiled three comprehensive reports to drive sustainable practices in plastic management across the country. Here are the key takeaways: 1️⃣ Design for Recyclability Playbook: Provides guidelines to enhance recycling efficiency and integrate with existing recycling systems, aiming to improve national recycling rates. 2️⃣ Design for Reuse Playbook: Focuses on creating systems for reusable packaging to reduce single-use plastics and foster a culture of reuse, aligning with global sustainability principles. 3️⃣ Design for Compostability Playbook: Offers strategies for designing compostable packaging that decomposes effectively in composting facilities, contributing to soil health and sustainable agriculture. These reports are designed to guide companies in making informed decisions and drive significant improvements in plastic packaging sustainability. 🌱 Looking to source the top talent in the plastic packaging industry? Let's take our conversation further at 🔗 spiofchicago.com/contact #Plastics #Innovation #Recyclability #MarketTrends #Recruitment #Compostability #Talent #Agriculture #Packaging

*U.S. Plastics Pact Launches Roadmap 2.0* The U.S. Plastics Pact has just unveiled Roadmap 2.0, an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the use of plastics in packaging. This new strategic plan focuses on eliminating plastic packaging waste and transitioning to a circular economy where plastics are reused, recycled, composted, and kept within the economy rather than becoming waste. *Key Achievements & Goals* : • Reduced problematic plastics from 14% to 8% • Increased recyclable packaging from 37% to 47.7% • Boosted post-consumer recycled content from 7% to 9.4% • Aiming for 50% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2030 *Why This Matters for ESG:* The actions outlined in Roadmap2.0 directly contribute to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by: • Reducing environmental impact through sustainable design and reuse • Addressing social disparities related to plastic production and use • Promoting corporate responsibility and transparency • Promoting recycling and sustainable practices fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. • Lowering the reliance on virgin plastics and increasing recycled content helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine a world where all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable! 🌟 Companies globally can take similar steps, driving ESG goals and making a positive impact on our planet. 🌏 Let’s discuss: What steps can companies in other countries take to promote a circular economy and meet ESG targets? Comment below! #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #GreenFuture #CorporateResponsibility #EcoInnovation #PlanetFirst #ESG #SDG #Climatechange https://lnkd.in/dbCzDvyA Disclaimer: The Content in this post is for informational purposes only derived from references and does not constitute any professional advice. We do not claim ownership of any data or Information referenced

The Circular Plastics Challenge: A New Venture for rPET As the call for sustainable practices amplifies, the plastic industry faces a pivotal task: improving the recycling and reuse of PET (rPET). How is this challenge being tackled? The quest for sustainability brings both responsibility and innovation. When it comes to plastics, specifically PET, the journey to transform its life cycle into a circular one demands creativity, commitment, and technological advancements. PlasticsToday discusses the Circular Plastics Challenge, a unique venture targeting rPET. The challenge calls for innovative proposals that utilize rPET in various applications for a more circular plastic economy. The goal is not only to enhance the recycling capabilities of PET plastics but also to reduce waste and contribute to sustainable development. How do you view the potential of such initiatives to revolutionize the lifecycle of PET plastics? Could this be a turning point in our journey towards a circular plastic economy? Let's discuss and explore the future of plastics. #CircularEconomy #Recycling #rPET #Sustainability #PlasticsChallenge

GHG emissions are an often-overlooked part of the sustainability conversation when it comes to plastics. Studies, like this one from McKinsey, show that plastics are most often the best solution for packaging applications from a GHG emissions perspective. Banning any polymers or plastic packaging applications (Plastic Bags or EPS food service items as examples), will increase carbon emissions. When we discuss the benefits of plastics, the conversation invariably shifts to end-of-life concerns. Yes, we can be more efficient in recycling plastic products, and that will require collaboration between government and industry to address the overall lack of infrastructure. We need to view these issues holistically. We need to reduce GHG emissions through the use of plastics in packaging, and we also need to recycle more plastics. Both can be true. https://lnkd.in/dpa8HYey

The first-ever impact report of the Global Plastics Pact Network is now available! The report showcases the Network’s impact over the past six years, underscoring the critical role of collaborative action in advancing a #circulareconomy for #plastics. 📊 Key Highlights: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺: Plastic Pacts have proven to be an effective model to drive rapid, local, and collaborative action worldwide, effectively informing and complementing both national policy and the #GlobalPlasticsTreaty. 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀: A specific document with powerful case studies showcasing the tangible impacts of Plastics Pacts in different countries. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲: The Plastics Pact Network is ready to amplify its impact even further, leveraging existing mechanisms, mobilized stakeholders, and insights gained to focus on key challenges of reuse, flexible packaging and just transition. 🔍Read more about the Plastics Pact Network, its progress, and impacts here: https://lnkd.in/gdixjjKk 🌍The Global Plastics Pact network, convened by WRAP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, unites key global stakeholders across the plastics value chain to foster coordinated action and knowledge sharing. Their collective efforts aim to achieve a circular economy for plastic packaging   🤝The Canada Plastics Pact, a member of the Plastics Pact Network, works collaboratively with 12 other Pacts globally to keep plastics in the economy and out of people, animals, and nature. For more information about the CPP, visit plasticspact.ca.

🍀From this interview with the CEO of DOW, I highlight this sentence: "Our challenge is to preserve the enormous benefits of plastics while eliminating plastic waste." Preserving the immense benefits of plastics while effectively tackling plastic waste is a dual imperative that demands innovative solutions and collective action. Innovation holds the key to this transformation. From biodegradable and/or compostable materials to advanced recycling technologies, we're witnessing a wave of ingenuity aimed at redefining the lifecycle of plastics. By investing in research and development, we can create materials that retain the functionality of traditional plastics while minimizing their environmental footprint. Moreover, collaboration is essential. We must foster partnerships across industries, governments, and communities to drive systemic change. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, we can accelerate the transition toward a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are maximized. Every action counts, no matter how small. Whether it's advocating for sustainable policies, supporting eco-conscious businesses, or adopting reusable alternatives in our daily lives, each one of us has a role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. #Sustainability #Innovation #PlasticWaste #CircularEconomy🍀