On October 22 and 23, the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) held its second member meeting and planning session of the year in Montreal, Canada. During the meeting, members discussed updates on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislative landscape in the U.S., reviewed progress on the 2024 work plan, and began planning 2025 initiatives across the EPR support, packaging design, and advocacy workstreams.

The highlight of the fall meeting was a “field trip” organized by host member RPM eco for NLCRC members and guests to witness Canada’s program for lubricant container aggregation, collection, and recycling works firsthand. The group boarded a bus for an afternoon tour that included container collection at commercial "Do It For Me" oil change and engine service centers,  a municipal drop-off collection point at the City of Blainville Écocentre, and materials processing at the Blainville RPM eco-recycling facility. Members agreed it was fascinating to see the EPR collection process in action, from post-consumer drop-off to mechanical recycling of materials (some of which will be converted to pelletized plastic, ready for reuse in new containers). The field trip provided a valuable reference point for the practical outcomes of EPR legislation in Canada. Personnel at each tour stop reiterated that Canada’s success did not happen overnight - the program took years of investment, collaboration, and education to reach the observed level of efficiency.  We can learn much from Canada as the U.S. prepares for required EPR reporting in 2025.

The NLCRC's role is to accelerate the development of packaging recycling solutions that enhance the circularity of packaging for petroleum-based and related products utilized in transportation and industrial applications.  The foundation of the NLCRC is built upon collective action and collaboration, which is evident in our diverse member base and the coalition’s working groups.  As we look ahead to 2025, the NLCRC will focus on several strategic priorities, including:

• Monitoring and assessing the evolving legislative landscape in the U.S.

• Develop a comprehensive overview of the total volume of packaging material by state to better understand product portfolios and recyclability, thereby more effectively addressing EPR compliance.

• Exploring more circular options for petroleum and related packaging. 

• Engaging in industry forums to educate value chain stakeholders on EPR will remain a priority. 

• Support multiple processing solutions, including chemical recycling and the verification of recycled content, to reduce the barriers to recycling infrastructure development.

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, Nexus Circular, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Petroleum Packaging Council, Plastipak Packaging, RPM eco, Safety-Kleen, and Valvoline. For more information, visit https://www.nationallcrc.com