Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act of 2024 Introduction

This legislation addresses the current inconsistencies in recycling practices across over 9,000 jurisdictions in the U.S., which often lead to confusion among consumers and businesses alike. By tasking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with creating unified national plastic recycling standards, the act aims to streamline recycling efforts and improve overall efficiency. Key features of the act include a requirement for plastic packaging to contain at least 30% recycled material by 2030, and a comprehensive lifecycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of different materials. The EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA) has expressed strong support for the act, highlighting its potential to foster investment in recycling and enhance job security within the industry.

Key Provisions of the Act

• National Recycling Standards: The EPA will establish consistent standards for plastic recycling across the country.
• Recycled Content Mandate: A minimum of 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030, with potential increases in subsequent years.
• Lifecycle Assessments: The National Academy of Sciences will conduct assessments to compare the carbon impact and emissions of various materials.
• Support for New Technologies: A legal framework will be established to encourage investment in innovative recycling technologies.

Industry Impact

The act is seen as a significant step toward creating a more sustainable future for plastics, benefiting both large petrochemical companies and smaller downstream converters. By providing regulatory certainty and clear standards, the legislation aims to incentivize investments that could lead to higher recycling rates and reduced plastic waste. The EPS-IA is actively encouraging industry leaders and the public to support this critical initiative, emphasizing its importance for a sustainable recycling future.