♻️ 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:

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:

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

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of the Plastic Recycling Podcast, we explore the technologies transforming the recycling industry with Apurba Pradhan from EverestLabs.

Discover how AI-driven vision systems and advanced robotics are redefining sorting processes, significantly improving recycling rates, and addressing the critical shortage of high-quality recycled materials.

Apurba also sheds light on the growing importance of extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies and how innovative technologies are ensuring compliance and driving the future of sustainable recycling.

Why You Should Listen:

🎧 Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about sustainability and eager to see how technology is shaping the future of plastic recycling!

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
00:07 Meet Apurba Pradhan from EverestLabs
02:03 Industry Challenges & Technological Solutions
06:38 How AI and Robotics Are Revolutionizing Recycling
11:02 Economic Benefits of Advanced Recycling Technologies
23:01 The Future of Recycling: EPR Policies & Beyond
27:50 Closing Thoughts & How to Get Involved

Deep Dive into FDA LNOs for Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging

Welcome to the Plastic Recycling Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the critical process of the FDA's Letter of No Objection (LNO) for recycled plastics in food packaging with Martha Marrapese, an environmental law expert with over 30 years of experience at Wiley Rein LLP.

Key Takeaways:

Guest Spotlight:

Martha Marrapese - A seasoned expert in environmental law and general counsel to the APR for several years, Martha has been instrumental in helping companies navigate the complex landscape of plastic recycling and FDA regulations. 

Episode Breakdown:

Tune in now to gain invaluable insights into the world of recycled plastics and food safety!

Connect:
Podcast Host: Alkarim Shamsy (Connect)
Podcast Guest: Martha Marrapese (Connect)

Don't miss this insightful conversation! Subscribe to the Plastic Recycling Podcast for more episodes like this.

#PlasticRecycling #FDA #LNO #RecycledPlastics #Sustainability #FoodPackaging #EnvironmentalLaw #CircularEconomy #MarthaMeripes #Podcast #PlasticRecyclingPodcast

Navigating the Current and Future Landscape of Plastic Recycling

Welcome to another episode of The Plastic Recycling Podcast, proudly brought to you by CANEI and hosted by industry expert Alkarim Shamsy!

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Andrea Bassetti and Emily Friedman, Senior Analysts from the ICIS Plastics Recycling Team. They delve deep into the ever-evolving landscape of plastic recycling in the U.S., providing expert analysis on key market trends, supply and demand dynamics, and the future of recycled plastics.

Andrea and Emily shed light on:

Our discussion also navigates through the impact of voluntary commitments and legislative actions on recycling demand, highlighting how chemical recycling is becoming a crucial supplement to virgin materials. We explore the future prospects of recycling rates and the quest for high-quality feedstock, emphasizing the intricate complexities involved in meeting recycling goals.

Join us as we uncover the vital role of innovations and strategic partnerships in advancing the plastic recycling industry. Stay tuned and subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode packed with valuable insights and inspiration!

00:00 Welcome to the Plastic Recycling Podcast

00:10 Introducing the Experts: Insights into Plastic Recycling

00:58 The Current Landscape of Recycling in the U.S.

04:11 Supply, Demand, and the Future of Recycling

14:47 The Role of Chemical Recycling in Shaping the Future

24:20 Concluding Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of the Plastic Recycling Podcast, join us for a thought-provoking exploration of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with our special guest, Resa Dimino, Managing Partner of Signalfire Group.

Resa provides invaluable insights into EPR and its pivotal role in shaping sustainable materials management. Discover how EPR incentivizes producers to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions, drives systemic improvements in recycling infrastructure, and contributes to significant increases in recycling rates.

With several states already implementing EPR legislation and more considering it, the momentum for positive change is growing. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that uncovers the transformative potential of EPR for building a more sustainable future.

00:42 Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

02:16 The Mechanics of EPR and Producer Responsibility Organizations

06:07 Improving Recycling Through EPR

10:39 Legislation and the Future of EPR in the U.S.

20:27 Predictions and Parting Thoughts on EPR's Impact

21:53 Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Information

In this episode of Plastic Recycling Update, discover the underlying reasons behind the cost of prime & recycled plastic products. 

Our guest, Howard Rappaport, an industry expert, will shed light on the key factors that determine plastic pricing. We'll explore the distinctions between virgin and recycled plastic prices, the trend toward risk mitigation opportunities, and the most effective tactics for buyers.

Additionally, we introduce the "Forrest Gump" acronym, which outlines the main drivers of plastic costs. 

Stay informed with our in-depth discussion on resin pricing trends.

On the latest episode of The Plastic Recycling Update, we talk to Bob Masterson, president and CEO of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, about their "Save Plastic" initiative.

This campaign is about changing the public's perception of plastics from waste to resource.

How do we save this $8+ billion resource from landfills and put it to better use?

We look at how British Columbia recovers 56% of its plastic waste and how this province uses, repurposes, and remanufactures 98% of the plastic it collects.

We all have to do our part, from the manufacturer, who must ensure the product is recyclable, to the consumer who buys and recycles the product.

It's time to repackage our perspective on plastic. 

Listen to this episode of The Plastic Recycling Update, where we dive deep into the topic of the shrinking age population of China, with John Richardson, senior consultant and author of the Asian Chemical Connections, ICIS blog.

This topic is an extension of one of John's most recent articles on the risks to China's long-term GDP growth and polymer demand. Particularly, the enormous challenge that China's declining working-age population will present over the coming years.

The National Sword Program, Supply and Demand, and Zero Covid are all topics of discussion.

We encourage you to join in on the conversations where it's all about creating that discussion and sharing information.