As we begin 2025, the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) is dedicated to advancing packaging sustainability through circular solutions. By focusing on its strategic priorities, the coalition will continue to collaborate across the value chain to identify opportunities, adapt to regulatory changes, and enhance packaging recovery and recycling efforts.

The NLCRC will pursue its mission through its three technical groups: Advocacy, EPR Support, and Packaging Design. These groups are at the core of the NLCRC work, driving progress and ensuring the industry remains prepared to meet evolving challenges.

The Advocacy group will continue to monitor and assess the evolving extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislative landscape in the U.S., keeping stakeholders informed about new packaging laws and best practices for packaging design and compliance. In 2025, the group’s focus will be on tracking emerging EPR legislation and providing actionable responses. 

Of note, 2025 brings important packaging EPR reporting deadlines: Oregon in March, and California and Colorado in August. These changes mean companies in the lubricant industry must prepare for compliance and adjust to new packaging laws.

The EPR Support group works to identify potential solutions to help lower the industry risks created by EPR laws. Their efforts aim to reduce barriers by improving collection systems and supporting the development of more effective recycling infrastructure. In 2025, the group will prioritize raising awareness of EPR requirements, engaging in industry forums to educate value chain stakeholders, and supporting multiple processing solutions, including chemical recycling and the verification of recycled content.

The Packaging Design group focuses on improving the recyclability of lubricant packaging by exploring circular materials, better design options, and innovative solutions. In 2025, their goals include creating a comprehensive overview of packaging material volumes by state to better understand product portfolios and recyclability, advancing the use of circular materials, and supporting the industry in achieving source reduction targets.

The National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition or “NLCRC” is an industry-led coalition funded by a committed consortium of value chain stakeholders focused on establishing solutions for the recovery and recycling of packaging for petroleum-based and related products utilized in the transportation and industrial applications Industry.  

Members include Berry Global, Castrol (part of bp Group), Chevron, CKS Packaging Inc., ExxonMobil, Graham Packaging, Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, Lucas Oil, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Plastipak Packaging, RPM eco, Safety-Kleen, and Valvoline. For more information, visithttps://www.nationallcrc.com