♻️ Welcome to the Plastic Recycling Podcast!

In this episode, we’re joined once again by one of our most popular guests – Emily Friedman, Senior Market Editor at ICIS – to break down the latest shifts in the rPET market and what they mean for brands, recyclers, and policy watchers.

From evolving bale prices to changing trade routes and ambitious sustainability targets, Emily gives us a clear look at the forces shaping recycled plastics today.

We’ll also dive into:
✅ How tariffs are reshaping global supply chains
✅ What’s driving current trends in rPET demand
✅ How brands are adjusting (and sometimes accelerating) their PCR goals
✅ The impact of state-level policy like EPR and bottle bills
✅ What recyclers and procurement teams should prepare for in 2025

Episode Highlights
🎙️ Whether you're sourcing recycled content, managing sustainability targets, or simply looking for clarity on the rPET market, this episode is packed with insights you can use.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on circular economy, recycled plastics, sustainability policy, and climate-smart business strategy.

#PlasticRecycling #rPET #Sustainability #RecycledPlastics #CANEI #CircularEconomy #ICIS #Tariffs #PackagingPolicy #Podcast

In this episode of the Plastic Recycling Podcast, we sit down with Marissa Heffernan, editor of Policy Now, to explore the policies reshaping the recycling and packaging industries.

Marissa dives into the transformative impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and eco-modulation—highlighting how these policies are driving accountability, innovation, and sustainability in packaging.

🎙 Key Highlights:

• How EPR shifts the responsibility for waste management from municipalities to producers
• Why eco-modulation is incentivizing brands to design more recyclable packaging
• How modern DRS programs are boosting recycling rates and ensuring access to
  recycled materials like rPET
• The role of producers in leading change and advocating for better recycling systems
• The growing impact of technology and infrastructure investments on recycling efficiency

Whether you’re a business using recycled materials like rPET or someone passionate about sustainability, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Key Policy Trends in Recycling

01:55 State-Level Policy Developments

06:54 Understanding EPR, DRS, and Eco Modulation

10:25 Administering and Monitoring EPR

16:49 Impact and Future of EPR and Eco Modulation

21:54 Deposit Return Schemes: Overview and Impact

26:42 Future Outlook and Conclusion

In this episode of the Plastic Recycling Podcast, we dive into the impact of federal policies on plastic recycling with Steve Alexander, President and CEO of the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).

Steve discusses how the Biden Administration's push for mandated recycled content in plastic packaging could reshape the industry, creating both opportunities and challenges. He also highlights APR’s Design for Recyclability Recognition Program, which guides businesses in creating truly recyclable packaging, reducing contamination, and improving recycling efficiency.

If you're involved in sustainability or the plastics industry, this episode provides a wealth of insights into the future of plastic recycling and the need for collaboration, stable demand, and long-term solutions over quick fixes like plastic bans.

Why You Should Listen:

• Federal Policy Impact: Learn how new mandates on recycled content are expected to influence the recycling market and create a stable demand for materials.
• Design for Recyclability: Discover how APR's program is helping companies make packaging more recyclable.
• Future Outlook: Gain insights into the next five years of plastic recycling, including the growing collaboration between state and federal programs.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode if you're eager to understand the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of plastic recycling!

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:05 Meet Steve Alexander, President & CEO of APR
• 01:58 Federal Policies and Mandated Recycled Content
• 07:15 APR’s Design for Recyclability Program
• 13:32 Challenges in the Supply Chain & Access to Recycling
• 19:25 Long-Term Contracts and Market Stabilization
• 26:42 What’s Next for Plastic Recycling in the U.S.
• 30:00 Closing Thoughts & Future Trends