We’re excited to share insights from the Recycling Partnership’s “Recycling in America” webinar series, which features our very own Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging. This series explores the current state of recycling, what’s working, what’s not, and what we can do to improve it.
The fourth installment of the five-part series brought together industry leaders to discuss the critical components of a successful recycling system. The session featured Erin Simon from World Wildlife Fund, Paul Nowak from Greenblue, and Wes Carter from Atlantic Packaging.
Key Takeaways
- Consumer Demand Drives Change: Wes Carter emphasized the monumental shift in consumer demand for sustainable and recyclable materials. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of packaging waste and chronic health issues, leading to a significant increase in demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Retail brands and consumer product companies are responding to this shift, recognizing that packaging is now a brand attribute that reflects their ethical and moral values.
- Policy and Infrastructure: The discussion highlighted the importance of policy in driving recycling reform. Erin Simon pointed out that policy-driven initiatives, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, are essential for creating a consistent and effective recycling infrastructure. Paul Noak echoed this sentiment, noting that policy changes are crucial for overcoming the financial barriers to sustainability.
- Collaboration and Innovation: The speakers agreed that collaboration across the supply chain is vital for achieving a circular economy. Wes Carter shared how Atlantic Packaging is investing in innovative solutions and advocating for recycling reform. By working together, businesses, policymakers, and consumers can create a more sustainable future.
Call to Action
As a brand or producer, we invite you to join us in supporting the Recycling Partnership’s efforts to improve recycling in America. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Advocate for Smart Policy: Support policies that promote sustainable packaging and recycling infrastructure.
- Follow Design Guides: Ensure your products are designed for recyclability and sustainability.
- Use Recycled Content: Incorporate recycled materials into your products to create demand for recycled content.
- Educate Consumers: Help consumers understand how to responsibly dispose of and recycle packaging materials.
Upcoming Webinar
Don’t miss the final installment of the “Recycling in America” webinar series, which will focus on policy and its impact on the recycling landscape in the United States. Join us next Thursday for an engaging and informative session.
For more information and to watch the entire webinar series, visit the Recycling Partnership’s website https://recyclingpartnership.org/recycling_in_america_webinar_series/.
Thank you for your commitment to sustainability and for joining us on this journey towards a circular economy.