As Oprah Winfrey said, “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”  Members of the NLCRC could not agree more. As the New Year unfolds, we are reminded that we have a big lubricant container problem to address and in 2022 we are driving solutions for post-consumer recovery and recycling of plastic lubricant containers. 

2021 was the year of building the foundations of the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC), and starting 2022, we are growing as a Coalition in order to address the challenges within the lubricant industry.

The implementation of effective and sustainable waste management strategies is of critical importance. The challenges with recycling HDPE from lubricant containers, given the costs of virgin plastics, have led to minimal solutions, causing the waste to end up in landfills. It is important to search for technology-based solutions to improve recycling methods and rates. 

There is no company alone that can shift the existing industry and community standards. To be able to make bold changes within a community, building trust and collaboration between many is essential. Therefore, collective action lies at the core of any civil society and it is important to organize recycling and recovery initiatives.

Government plays a major role in helping to create a new circular economy where plastic waste becomes minimal or never becomes waste. The attention earned by EPR legislation in 2021 could bring the possibility of more waste and recycling policies in 2022. 

Not only government plays a role, but also businesses sit at the core of the transition to a circular economy. The collaboration with suppliers and customers to build the infrastructure needed is the path towards a system that benefits the whole society.

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. If you have any questions or inquires, send us an email at hello@nationallcrc.com.