[ECO]US Plastics Pact Unveils Updated Roadmap for Sustainable Packaging

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The US Plastics Pact has released an updated report detailing efforts to eliminate problematic materials from the plastics value chain.

The US Plastics Pact, a collaborative organization dedicated to transforming the plastics packaging industry, has released an updated report detailing its ongoing efforts to eliminate problematic and unnecessary materials from the plastics value chain. This development, announced on August 28, 2024, comes at a critical juncture as the US government has recently aligned its position with global targets aimed at limiting ******* plastic production.

The report emphasizes the urgent need to transition to materials that are readily reusable, recyclable, or compostable to achieve a circular economy. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing design challenges, advancing circular package design, increasing recovery opportunities, and enhancing the quality of recycled content.

Jonathan Quinn, CEO of

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, stated, “This report furthers our mission to support our member-Activators in achieving their objectives by providing clear, actionable guidance on eliminating materials that do not align with a circular economy.” Quinn emphasized that the report aims to encourage increased engagement and innovation from companies throughout the plastics value chain, with the goal of not only eliminating problematic materials but also discovering potential new pathways to their circularity.

Building upon the previous version, which identified eleven items for elimination by 2025, the updated report highlights additional problematic and unnecessary materials targeted for elimination or redesign by 2030. These include:

1. Non-Compostable Produce Stickers: Set for elimination by 2030, these will be replaced by compostable alternatives to reduce compost contamination and facilitate more food waste composting.
2. Multi-material Plastic Packaging: Phasing out these materials by 2030 will require innovations in packaging design and modernized manufacturing infrastructure.
3. Degradability Additives: Oxo-degradable additives are slated for elimination by 2025, with all other degradability additives to follow by 2030. These additives have been shown to disrupt recycling and composting processes.

The US Plastics Pact has also introduced an Evaluation List of materials identified for future assessment. These items currently lack a clear path to circularity but may not be suitable for outright elimination due to factors such as their impact on an item’s

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or the absence of viable alternatives for necessary materials. The Evaluation List outlines key actions and innovation needs that could enable circularity if implemented across the value chain.

In line with global efforts, the US Plastics Pact’s initiative aligns with similar programs in other countries. For instance, the ********* Plastics Pact, launched in 2020, involves 15 governments and over 80 companies working towards comparable goals. The *** Plastics Pact, initiated in 2018, has already reported significant progress in reducing problematic

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rates. These international efforts provide valuable insights and potential collaborative opportunities for the U.S. initiative.

The rapidly evolving field of sustainable packaging technologies is playing a crucial role in achieving the US Plastics Pact’s objectives. Emerging innovations include bio-based plastics derived from renewable resources, advanced

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that can process previously unrecyclable plastics, and smart packaging solutions that enhance recyclability and reduce waste. For example, companies are developing mono-material flexible packaging to replace hard-to-recycle multi-layer plastics, while others are exploring chemical recycling processes to break down plastics into their chemical components for reuse.

The US Plastics Pact’s targets explicitly call for the development of policies at all levels of government to support reuse, recycling, composting, and the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in packaging. To assist companies in transitioning to more sustainable materials, the organization provides practical guidance and resources, including robust design guidelines, technical training, and innovation workshops.

The US Plastics Pact initiative aligns with the broader industry goal of reducing the environmental and human health impacts of plastic packaging while enhancing the quality of recycled content available for future packaging needs. By focusing on eliminating materials that hinder recyclability and compostability, the US Plastics Pact aims to create a more sustainable and circular plastics economy.

The updated report and accompanying initiatives demonstrate the collective efforts of more than 100 businesses, organizations, and government agencies working together under the U.S. Plastics Pact umbrella. As part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact network, the US Plastics Pact brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to rethink the design, use, and reuse of plastics.

As the plastics

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continues to evolve, the US Plastics Pact’s work serves as a crucial guide for companies and policymakers alike. By providing clear, actionable steps toward eliminating problematic materials and fostering innovation, the organization is playing a pivotal role in shaping the

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in the ******* States.

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