PMMI says that true Packaging Circularity requires important policy changes and added that a circular packaging economy depends not only on regulatory changes, but also improvements in design and an improved recovery-infrastructure
PMMI told SPN, “As awareness of single-use plastics, litter, and depletion of nonrenewable resources expands, a growing number of consumers, businesses, governmental entities, and other organizations are striving to establish a circular economy where products and packaging are recovered and turned into new products and packaging in a never-ending cycle. To accomplish this goal, all stakeholders in the value chain need to work toward improving infrastructure for collection, sortation, and end-of-life reprocessing. Policy changes will be needed to achieve these objectives.
According to 2023 PACKAGING COMPASS: Evaluating Trends in U.S. Packaging Design Over the Next Decade and Implications for the Future of a Circular Packaging System, a study undertaken by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and AMERIPEN (the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment), establishing a circular economy will depend on the development of:
- Extended producer responsibility (EPR). EPR programs shift financial and operational responsibility for end-of-life management of products to producers instead of taxpayers and the government. As of spring 2023, four states (California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon) have enacted EPR requirements, and more states are considering EPR bills. However, a national law would overcome a patchwork of differing state requirements and simplify compliance.According to the report, EPR programs should focus on ways to improve the quality and quantity of recycled materials. Other key considerations include how best to invest in the composting infrastructure (including packaging), handle hard-to-recycle materials, invest in collection and sortation technology, and support end-market development.
- Universal Access. Convenient, consistent access to recycling and composting services for all households would increase collection.
- Standardized Definitions. Definitions for commonly used terms like recycling and composting would help stakeholders communicate a consistent message and reduce consumer confusion.
- Alternatives to Material Bans. Shifting from material bans to dialogues about collection, sorting, and reprocessing gives brand owners the freedom to pick the optimum option.
- Recovery Innovation. Federal investments into emerging science and data are needed to drive efficiencies across packaging design and waste management.
- Data Collection. Consistent data collection will help measure and benchmark the performance of a circular packaging economy.
- Reusables Infrastructure. Reusables are another promising option to achieve circularity. However, as with other options, infrastructure is lacking, and investment is needed. According to the report, successful reusable packaging programs depend on redesigning distribution systems for reverse logistics. This involves establishing safe and hygienic drop-off points, which are convenient to consumers, and equipping production lines for washing and refilling. Currently, the costs are a daunting challenge to developing and scaling a reusables system that would make a significant impact. A collaborative strategy that incentivizes innovation and participation from a wide range of stakeholders is needed.
To foster this communication, sustainability will be a major theme at PACK EXPO Las Vegas (Sept. 11–13, 2023; Las Vegas Convention Center). A new Sustainability Central area will serve as an interactive resource to learn about design, materials, manufacturing, recovery, logistics, and data. At the accompanying Sustainability Stage, attendees will hear from experts on a range of packaging sustainability topics and learn how to make brands more sustainable.
In addition, the PACK EXPO Green Program returns to PACK EXPO Las Vegas and is the commitment of PACK EXPO and its partners, vendors, and exhibitors to work together to create a more sustainable world. PACK EXPO Green identifies exhibiting companies that provide sustainable solutions via new materials, technology, or strategies such as sustainable processes and machines, renewable and biodegradable packaging, source reduction and lightweighting, recyclable and recycled-content materials, or innovations that reduce carbon footprint. Look for companies participating in the PACK EXPO Green Program to advance sustainability goals. The green icon also highlights education sessions focused on sustainability.