Plastic Makers Support Policies for Better Recycling

Members of the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division have set a goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be recyclable or recoverable by 2030.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation for plastic has been introduced in nine U.S. states.

In response, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued a statement in which they doubt an EPR program created just for plastic will solve the problem.

The American Chemistry Council reports that the measure could lead to material substitutes that could cost more to produce, increase food waste or have higher lifecycle impacts.

America’s Plastic Makers are helping lead the way toward ending plastic waste by investing, innovating, and driving policies that treat used plastics as a resource for making new products. One of the reasons plastics are so widely used in packaging is that they allow us to do more with less, which inherently reduces waste and carbon emissions, an increasingly important factor as we collectively work to address climate change.

Plastic makers support fair and feasible approaches that address all packaging materials, not just plastic.

The members of ACC’s Plastics Division have set a goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be recyclable or recoverable by 2030.

In the last three years, the ACC announced 64 projects aimed at updating recycling in the U.S. Together these projects could divert more than 4.0 million metric tons of waste from landfills.

And while a bipartisan approach to public policies is important, no one denies that producers should take more responsibility for the packaging waste.

Nikola Gemeš

Highlights • 10 years of writing and editing experience Obsessed with home decor trends, plant parenting, cleaning, and other lifestyle topics. • Expertise in content marketing and email strategy for brands and small businesses About Nikola Gemeš Nikola Gemeš, an electrical engineer turned sustainability consultant, bridges the gap between complex environmental concepts and GreenCitizen readers with his well-researched, accurate content. His commitment to sustainability extends from his professional life to personal practices of recycling and home-grown food. An adventurer at heart, Nikola enjoys hiking, white-water sports, and pocket knife collecting. At Green Citizen, he's instrumental in presenting the best sustainable brands, aiding well-informed decision-making. He firmly believes in the collective power of individuals, experts, businesses, and governments to foster a world where sustainability, life quality, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality are core values. Experience Nikola Gemeš has a rich and diverse background in electrical engineering, which he utilizes to break down complex sustainability topics for his readers. His unique blend of technical knowledge and communicative skills has made him a crucial part of GreenCitizen. Nikola's experience has honed his ability to navigate through intricate data and research, ensuring the content he delivers is both accurate and reliable. His passion for educating and informing is palpable in the impact he has made on Green Citizen's readership. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nikola is deeply committed to environmental conservation in his personal life. This commitment is reflected in his everyday activities, from recycling to cultivating his own food. His hands-on approach to sustainability gives him a first-hand understanding of practical conservation efforts, further enriching the content he produces. These personal experiences often seep into his work, making it relatable and engaging for readers. Nikola's key role extends to assessing and presenting sustainable brands to his audience. His comprehensive grasp of sustainability allows him to critically evaluate and offer the best environmentally-friendly options available on the market. He aids readers in making informed decisions that have a positive impact on both their lives and the environment. His belief in collective efforts towards a sustainable world is evident in his work, as he consistently promotes values of quality life, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality.