Although consumer packaged goods companies made progress toward their recycled-content goals, critical gaps remain in supply security, according to a recent report from Ameripen. As a result, the industry advocacy group says these companies are unlikely to meet their 2025 PCR targets. 

Michigan residents recycled more than 25% of household packaging materials in fiscal 2024, setting a record for the fourth consecutive year and leading officials to predict the state will meet its 2029 goal of a 30% recycling rate.

ITAD company Sage Sustainable Electronics has partnered with advisory firm Bloom ESG to offer certified carbon credits. 

Enabling product traceability is vital to provide PCR accountability and can even help streamline recycling processes, according to several panelists during a session at the recent Plastics Recycling Conference.

Two U.S.-based chemical companies discussed upcoming recycling projects during recent earnings calls, expressing optimism despite persistent economic uncertainty and potential administrative hurdles.

Clorox Australia has been slapped with a multimillion-dollar fine resulting from misleading recycling claims for its plastic bags. 

The Trump administration has included Canada's Zero Plastic Waste Agenda among foreign trade barriers, drawing criticism from a Canadian advocacy group and caution from the country's chemical industry.

In its most recent report, the U.S. Plastics Pact outlined numerous market-based and policy solutions for existing challenges that may inhibit adoption of PCR in plastic packaging, including collection infrastructure and virgin resin oversupply.

With PCR requirements increasing rapidly, companies throughout plastics value chains face similar challenges in controlling feedstock supply, scaling up supply and managing capital costs. This sentiment was clear during a Plastics Recycling Conference session as well as a recent industry interview. 

Legislators in Rhode Island have introduced bills to create a bottle bill for the state as well as an extended producer responsibility program for packaging.