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Tag Archives: regulation/oversight

Deadline for California de facto EPS ban nears

Published: October 9, 2024
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Foam PS to-go food containers stacked against a grey background.

California’s extended producer responsibility for packaging law requires EPS food serviceware and packaging to demonstrate a recycling rate of no less than 25% by Jan. 1. | Justinboat.29/Shutterstock

Expanded polystyrene food serviceware producers have only a few months left to prove that the material has a recycling rate of at least 25% in California or face the prohibition of selling into the state. 

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Coalition seeks to narrow definition of ‘recycling’

Published: September 5, 2024
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Yellow recycle container with chasing arrows symbol.

The National Recycling Coalition is seeking feedback on its draft policy, which discourages the labels of “advanced” or “chemical” for non-mechanical recycling. | Roman Zaiets/Shutterstock

The Policy Committee of the National Recycling Coalition has published a draft policy called “Chemical Recycling Is Not Recycling” and is seeking review and comment. Continue Reading

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California passes expanded plastic bag ban

Published: September 5, 2024
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The two identical state bills are on the desk of the governor, who just last week announced investment in 250 recycling sites across the state. | Susanne Pommer/Shutterstock

Despite advocacy from plastic film companies, California lawmakers passed two bills that ban reusable plastic bags in the state, drawing scathing reactions from the industry. Continue Reading

Industry responds to US pivot on plastics production limits

Published: August 21, 2024
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Shredded plastics for recycling.

The ACC and Plastics Industry Association expressed disappointment in the shift in policy, while environmental groups applauded it. | Mstfcn/Shutterstock

The U.S. has reversed its stance on plastics production limits and now will support inclusion of these efforts in a global treaty, according to recent reports. The abrupt shift garnered a strong reaction from the plastics industry and cautious optimism from environmental groups.   Continue Reading

Report: Brands likely to shift focus from PCR to emissions

Published: August 7, 2024
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Plastic flake with baled plastic in background.

Although companies may be shifting to a broader carbon-footprint strategy, PCR production still needs to increase several times over, a recent RaboResearch report said | RecycleMan/Shutterstock

Brand owner targets for PCR content have helped drive demand for recycled plastics in the U.S. and Europe in recent years, but PCR production needs to increase as much as fivefold to meet those goals, according to a recent RaboResearch report.  Continue Reading

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Ameripen weighs in on draft federal labeling law

Published: July 2, 2024
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Sen. Jeff Merkley is working on a draft bill that would set federal parameters around recycling labels on consumer packaging, called the Truth in Labeling Act of 2024. | 9dream Studio/Shutterstock

Due to its size and tendency to be on the leading edge of environmental law, California has long been seen as the bellwether, setting policy that other states will later follow – or that producers and manufacturers take as de facto law nationwide when it comes to standards. Continue Reading

Michigan reports 23% recycling rate, record high

Published: July 2, 2024
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Michigan is on track to achieve its goal of 30% recycling rate by 2029. | OnePhoto/Shutterstock

The recycling rate in Michigan reached a record high of 23% in 2023, keeping the state on track to achieve its goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029, according to a press release from the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Continue Reading

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Chinese shredder parts excluded from import tariffs

Published: May 30, 2024
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The U.S. Trade Representative’s office recently extended a tariff exemption on shredder parts that wear down until the end of May 2025. | cybrain/Shutterstock

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has extended tariff exemptions that cover certain shredder components imported from China, drawing praise from the Recycled Materials Association. Continue Reading

INC-4 starts revisions, runs into tension on production

Published: May 1, 2024
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The week of negotiations had moments of both hope and frustration for delegates, who are racing against the clock to create a final treaty. | Photo courtesy of IISD/ENB Kiara Worth

The fourth meeting to draft a global plastic pollution treaty ended just after 3 a.m. on April 30 with general agreement on the need for global rules and mandates on product design, composition, performance and extended producer responsibility. 

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