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We are accelerating the achievement of packaging recycling solutions for our Industry that drive circularity.

Taking action to develop solutions addressing petroleum-based and related products and material is becoming necessary for companies to avoid public scrutiny and maintain reputational value, which can be critical to maintaining shareholder confidence and customers’ expectations for more sustainable products.

The NLCRC brings brands and value chain participants together in an equal partnership to accelerate the achievement of packaging recycling solutions for our Industry that drive circularity. 

We define circularity as a product, service, or resource that is renewed or regenerated, rather than wasted. In a circular economy, when a product or resource is used, it's then recycled, composted, or re-used in a way that allows it to go back into a new lifecycle or supply chain. It's a closed-loop usage model, rather than one that produces discarded waste.

Success Defined - Three-Year Objectives

The NLCRC defines success relative to our three-year objectives established in 2023.

  • NLCRC members understand how packaging related legislative activities impact the petroleum and related products value chain and we are collectively aligned on participation and advocacy activities in this space. 

  • Members are collaborating on projects and activities to optimize value chain capabilities to accommodate the recovery and recycling of packaging for petroleum and related products utilized in transportation and industrial applications. 

  • NLCRC members can clearly define the technical requirements and quantify the financial aspects to achieve circularity with relevant packaging materials. 

  • The collective learnings and best practices of the NLCRC are shared openly with the market to facilitate and accelerate the transformation from end-of-life disposition to recycling of Industry packaging. 

  • The NLCRC continues to grow its membership, with representation from across the circular packaging value chain for petroleum and related products.

The NLCRC’s Strategic Pathways

Legislative Monitoring, Assessment, and Advocacy

The NLCRC proactively monitors and assesses the policymaking process concerning packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, ensuring Producers, including Brand Owners and Licensees, are prepared for changes and equipped to respond to future legislation. Our focus includes packaging EPR, Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content, and other laws that could impact the industry.

Key initiatives:

  • Providing a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of packaging material volumes to better understand product portfolios and recyclability, enabling effective EPR compliance.

  • Engaging in industry forums to educate value chain stakeholders on EPR requirements and implications, the Advocacy page represents the NLCRC’s voice of the post-consumer lubricant products and packaging industry. It underscores our commitment to championing policies that address the complexities of the packaging industry—ensuring they are results-driven, efficient, equitable, and transparent.

  • Supporting the development of diverse processing solutions, including chemical recycling and the verification of recycled content, to overcome barriers to recycling infrastructure.

Learn more about our efforts in EPR Compliance and explore the NLCRC’s policy position statements.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The NLCRC is advancing projects that prioritize sustainable and circular solutions for petroleum packaging, addressing critical challenges in collection, recycling, and design for recyclability. Our approach balances legislative requirements, consumer demands, and industry needs to create actionable pathways toward circularity.

2025 focus areas include:

  • Identifying and executing projects that promote sustainable packaging within the value chain.

  • Exploring innovative circular packaging options tailored to the unique challenges of petroleum and related industries.

Best Practice and Knowledge Sharing

Collaboration and transparency are central to the NLCRC’s mission. By sharing insights from research, innovation, and exploration, the NLCRC provides tools, guidance, and actionable recommendations that benefit the entire value chain.

Our commitment:

  • Advance understanding of EPR principles by educating stakeholders and fostering open discussions and knowledge exchange.

  • Promote the rapid adoption of best practices in logistics and recycling to optimize system efficiency and drive development.