From the 28th to the 30th of August, the Petroleum Packaging Council (PPC) is holding its Fall meeting in Nashville. During this meeting, the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) will be sharing with the PPC members the key learnings from the preparation and launching of the recycling pilot program in Atlanta; an update on EPR packaging legislation and potential industry impacts; and the NLCRC path forward.

There are challenges facing the recycling of petroleum and related packaging in the US, such as negative value for contaminated plastics and no post-consumer recycling options, which makes addressing the challenge complex and not feasible for most companies. 

The NCLRC recycling pilot program in Atlanta will help gain insights to further expand the required recycling infrastructure and meet recycling waste demand in the US. Some of the main learnings so far are understanding the most efficient operating model, collection frequency and storage capacity, stakeholder logistics, and innovation opportunities.

The legislative context in the US is changing. Since 2021, four states have passed bills into EPR laws focused on single-use plastics. It is likely that additional states will pass EPR legislation, making management of supply chains for EPR vs. non-EPR states more challenging.

The NLCRC is responding to this changing context by gathering other industries' perspectives, conducting risk assessments, and exploring the possibility of deploying additional pilot programs for EPR-approved states. For non-EPR-approved states, the NLCRC is working to determine the value of proactively engaging the legislative community, conducting pilots and research projects to build a national program; and educating, advocating, and communicating learnings to the industry.  

However, no company alone can shift the existing industry and community standards. To be able to make bold changes within the community, building trust and collaboration between many is essential. Therefore, the NLCRC is playing a role in helping bring companies together to learn and help transition the lubricant container sector to the circular economy while reducing environmental and social risks. 

From industries to households, everyone has an essential role in reducing the lubricant container waste problem in the US. The NLCRC founding leaders include  Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Graham Packaging, Plastipak Packaging, Berry Global, the Petroleum Packaging Council, and Chevron. 

Learn how the NLCRC is addressing the waste problem by becoming a member. Connect with us through LinkedIn and Twitter. If you have any questions or inquiries, send us an email at hello@nationallcrc.com.