Two new pilot programs in California are testing different approaches to collecting and recycling commercial plastic film, with organizers aiming to gather data that could inform future recycling programs in the state.
The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance, an initiative of the Plastics Industry Association, launched the pilots July 1 in the Sacramento and Inland Empire regions. The programs will run through Nov. 30 before undergoing evaluation and final reporting.
FFRA said the pilots will focus on commercial polyethylene film generated at warehouses, distribution centers, retail backrooms and manufacturing facilities. Unlike some post-consumer flexible packaging, commercial film from these locations is often relatively clean and consists primarily of a single-material polyethylene stream, making it more suitable for recycling.
The Sacramento-area pilot will test a distributed collection model targeting small and medium-sized commercial film generators. It will use existing commercial service routes operated by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to collect material from participating businesses.
The Ontario/Inland Empire pilot will focus on larger generators, particularly warehouses and distribution centers, using the logistics network of packaging distributor Shorr Packaging.
Both programs are being managed by FFRA and the Stewardship Action Foundation.
Participating businesses will use standardized “Rack n’ Pack” collection systems to separate polyethylene film where it is generated. The collected material will then be transported to regional aggregation facilities, where it will be weighed, consolidated and baled before being sent to recycling markets.
FFRA said the pilots are intended to generate operational data on commercial film collection while testing models that could potentially be replicated and expanded elsewhere.
“These pilots reflect the collaborative approach that defines our work, bringing together businesses across the value chain to test new collection models, generate meaningful data and help build a stronger foundation for future film recycling programs,” said Kurt Kurzawa, who leads FFRA.
The pilots come as California continues implementing changes to its recycling system, including extended producer responsibility requirements for packaging under Senate Bill 54. FFRA said information gathered through the pilots could help inform future program development as the state’s recycling system evolves.
Final results from the pilots are expected following the conclusion of collection activities in November.
