The NLCRC: Bringing Value for Brand Owners
The petroleum packaging industry is unique from most other industries due to the complexity of recycling due to the residual product left after use. Disposal is predominantly landfill only across the US because it cannot be collected via typical curbside collection, and the absence of a dedicated collection and recycling system to separate it from other waste streams results in the packaging materials having negative value after use. As the petroleum packaging industry only constitutes a small fraction of all packaging waste across the US, there are minimal opportunities to benefit from broad, multi-industry investments and community-based solutions.
The NLCRC is taking action to develop solutions for the recovery and recycling of petroleum-based and related products and materials. Collective action is at the core of our work because cost-effective solutions require collaboration with multiple stakeholders, both upstream and downstream of the petroleum and related products value chain.
Through our work, the NLCRC is generating value for brand owners by:
Bringing industry members together in an equal partnership to accelerate the building of packaging recycling solutions that drive circularity and address industry-specific challenges. By identifying sustainable packaging solutions, brand owners can become resilient to changes in the regulatory environment and adapt to customer expectations.
Developing tools and communications that share insights gained from projects or initiatives. The NLCRC leverages insights from a diverse number of stakeholders across the packaging value chain and, with this, helps brand owners understand that when the economics within the post-consumer petroleum packaging industry work, the environmental and social benefits will last.
Monitoring and assessing future legislative activity and potential advocacy efforts that could impact the petroleum packaging industry. Our focus highlights any key potential responses regarding future legislation, including EPR, PCR, or other laws with the potential to impact the industry.
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., Graham Packaging, Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, 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
