Effective July 29, 2022, theHow2Recycle® labeling program is upgrading the eligibility of rigid polypropylene (PP) tubs, bottles, jugs, and jars from Check Locally to Widely Recyclable in the United States. Thanks to data provided by, and the continued work of, The Recycling Partnership's Polypropylene Recycling Coalition and other industry investments, How2Recycle is confident this progression in eligibility continues to be aligned with the Federal Trade Commission's Green Guides.
“The efforts of the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition are a great example of the impact that can be made with collaborative action focused on supporting the full recycling system and we are honored to have been in an advisory role since its inception,” said Caroline Cox, Director of How2Recycle. “As rigid polypropylene access, sortation, and end markets are on an upward trend across the U.S., we are excited to upgrade this packaging format from Check Locally to Widely Recyclable eligibility. Thanks to the strength and efficacy of the national data provided, How2Recycle is confident that this change in eligibility continues to be in line with federal law. While this win should be recognized, it is important to note that this is not the end of the road; the entire value chain should continue to invest in improving the recyclability of all materials and packaging formats.”
Launched in July of 2020, the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition’s mission is to bring stakeholders across the PP value chain together—from resin suppliers and manufacturers to consumer packaged goods, and recycling processors—to improve PP recovery and recycling in the U.S. and to further develop end markets.
“Achieving success for challenged materials is not a narrative often heard in our industry. It was a mere two years ago when we acknowledged the challenges polypropylene recycling was facing and its uncertain future. In forming the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition, we committed to leaning in and taking action in support of the material, to push ourselves and the industry to a more circular future,” said Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership. “The power of collaboration across the value chain can be seen through this substantial system wide shift for polypropylene. The precedent we are setting for materials, coalitions, and innovations is exciting and hopeful. We encourage companies to join us as we continue to lean in and push polypropylene recycling to new heights.”
Other rigid PP packaging formats, including PP beverage cups, remain eligible for Check Locally How2Recycle labels at this time. How2Recycle is pursuing additional data regarding the access to recycling and end markets of PP beverage cups in order to determine whether these packages should be upgraded from Check Locally to Widely Recyclable in the future.
How2Recycle is continually researching and analyzing issues in packaging recyclability and updates its program rules accordingly. This is done by assessing the recyclability of each package that features a How2Recycle label based on multiple criteria, which include how many people have access to recycle that package through curbside or drop-off programs, if the package is likely to sort and reprocess correctly, the technical reprocessability of the package, and if reliable end markets exist for the material. Each How2Recycle label is backed by scientifically credible data so that the general public can rely on a consistent, standardized recycling labeling system run by a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit to help them recycle more accurately.
About How2Recycle
The How2Recycle® label is a U.S. and Canada-based standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. Nearly 500 brand owners and retailers are members of How2Recycle, and tens of thousands of products carry the How2Recycle label in the marketplace. How2Recycle is a project of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition®, a membership-based group that brings together business, educational institutions, and government agencies to collectively broaden the understanding of packaging sustainability and develop meaningful improvements for packaging solutions. How2Recycle and Sustainable Packaging Coalition are a part of GreenBlue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. For more information, go to our How2Recycle.info. Companies interested in joining How2Recycle can visit How2Recycle.info/join for more information or contact [email protected].
