Plastic Packaging Legislation is Heating up in 2022
As we know, 2021 was an eventful year for recycling policy and ESG initiatives in the US. However, just a month into 2022, plastic packaging legislation is heating up. Various bills related to post-consumer recycling (PCR) content and extended producer responsibility (EPR) were introduced early this year.
For PCR legislation, a bill from 2021 was reintroduced in Washington, which would require plastic packaging producers to meet minimum post-consumer recycled content for plastic packaging that is sold in the state.
For EPR, 2 bills were reintroduced in Washington and California, and 12 new bills have been introduced to the legislative season in 7 different states, which have the potential to become laws during this year.
The changing legislative horizon in the US represents an opportunity for the lubricant container industry to come together under a unified approach and collaborate to bring the change needed for recycling hard-to-degrade plastics such as lubricant containers.
Even though the government plays a major role in helping to create a new circular economy where plastic waste becomes minimal or never becomes waste, industry collaboration is needed to bring additional collection and recycling infrastructure to help meet the US’s disposal management needs.
This collaboration will help create a resilient solid waste system that can withstand an increasing demand and pressures from disruptions. For this, there is no company alone that can shift the existing industry and community standards. To be able to make bold changes within community, building trust and collaboration between many is essential.
From industries to households, everyone has an essential role in reducing the lubricant container waste problem in the US. The NLCRC members include Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Graham Packaging, Plastipak Packaging, and Berry Global.
Learn how the NLCRC is addressing the waste problem by becoming a member. Connect with us through LinkedIn and Twitter.
