U.S. Plastics Pact introduces a new framework to enhance circularity in film and flexible packaging, supporting sustainable materials and recycling efforts.
Film and flexible packaging are essential for protecting products, extending shelf life, and delivering goods efficiently. Yet their lightweight, multi-material designs create challenges for large-scale collection, sorting, and recycling. A new framework from the US Plastics Pact (USPP) provides practical guidance grounded in current infrastructure, market realities, and economic conditions.
“Film and flexible packaging are integral to our economy, and ensuring their circularity is complex,” said Crystal Bayliss, Interim Executive Director of USPP. “This framework reflects real-world work and lays out a shared roadmap for progress.”
The framework emphasizes that reducing packaging and scaling reuse should come first. When recycling is pursued, success requires addressing the entire system, with end market development being critical to avoid simply moving material without achieving true circular outcomes.
No single collection approach works everywhere—strategies must fit community size, infrastructure, policy, and market conditions. The framework calls on manufacturers, users, and policymakers to adopt multiple collection methods and circular redesign practices.
“This effort brought together municipalities, MRF operators, brands, film suppliers, and recyclers,” Bayliss added. “We identified gaps and solutions most likely to succeed in different settings, resulting in a practical, real-world framework.”
Keya Peterson of Amcor said, “Flexible packaging protects products and consumers. This framework provides clear guidance for advancing circularity and reducing waste.”
Peter Adrian of SWALCO added, “Plastic film challenges curbside collection and sorting, and this framework offers practical guidance rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.”