Federal and state policy moves on plastics recycling topped reader interest in July, joined by efforts to expand PET thermoform recovery, a major brand’s leap in PCR use, plus heightened scrutiny of imported recycled resin amid authenticity and market impact concerns.
The list below shows our top stories published in July in terms of unique page views.
1 | EPA withdraws proposed rules aimed at chemical recycling
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn rules first proposed by the Biden administration that addressed chemical recycling and had attracted significant industry opposition.
2 | Lawmakers discuss federal role in plastic recycling
Two new policy proposals seeking to improve components of the U.S. recycling system came up during a Congressional hearing last week, and industry stakeholders offered their thoughts on how the federal government can best support the recycling sector.
3 | PET Recycling Coalition doubles down on thermoforms
Since forming in 2022, the PET Recycling Coalition has worked to increase PET bottle recycling rates and access to curbside recycling for non-bottle materials, including thermoforms.
4 | Candy giant Mars reached 7% PCR use in 2024
Candy and pet food giant Mars used 14,000 metric tons of recycled materials for its products in 2024, according to its recently released sustainability report.
5 | California lawmakers look to quantify PCR imports
Amid a spike in post-consumer resin imports that reclaimers say is damaging the U.S. plastics recycling system, and allegations that some of that imported resin may not truly be recycled, a bill advancing in California would require beverage container manufacturers to report the country of origin for all PCR incorporated in their products.
