Accelerating packaging recycling solutions for the lubricant industry

An industry-led coalition of committed companies across the value chain, focused on establishing pathways for the safe collection and recycling of packaging for lubricants and related products.

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Lubricant packaging is essential because it protects products from damage during transportation and storage, and protects the environment from accidental leakage - ensuring performance, safety, and compliance. It also influences usability, cost efficiency, and sustainability throughout the product’s lifecycle.

In the U.S., empty lubricant containers are classified as municipal waste, but are generally not acceptable in curbside (“blue bin”) recycling, making landfills the only disposal option.

Why Lubricant Packaging Is Important

The Recycling Challenge

The lubricant product packaging industry encounters unique collection and recycling challenges due to the residual products remaining in containers after use, preventing them from being commingled with other materials, despite their recyclability. As a minor contributor to total packaging waste in the U.S., the industry misses out on broader recycling initiatives.

Major Recycling Challenges to overcome:

  • Consumer-grade packaging is contaminated and cannot be mixed with curbside collection

  • There are limited packaging recycling capabilities or collection infrastructure

  • The single PRO model for packaging EPR is flawed, leading to excessive costs and no intent to recycle

  • Lubricant brands face significant business impacts from EPR requiring a customized and efficient solution

Collaborating to Advance Circularity

To overcome these hurdles, key stakeholders must collaborate on cost-effective solutions – engaging both upstream and downstream entities in the value chain. Solving these issues today are more critical than ever as new legislative and policy changes are catalyzing the lubricant industry’s transition toward more sustainable packaging solutions.

The NLCRC aims to accelerate the achievement of packaging recycling solutions for the lubricant industry to drive circularity.

  • Support solutions that allow lubricants to manage EPR programs independently, and more efficiently

  • Explore recycling options and circular concepts for packaging

  • Advocate and lobby for more favorable packaging and related legislation

  • Engage stakeholders across the value chain to collaborate on system-level solutions