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Legislators at the state and federal levels are thinking about legislation that would affect plastics recyclers, such as recycled-content mandates, extended producer responsibility (EPR), advanced or chemical recycling regulations and single-use plastic bans.
Some companies, such as Revolution of Little Rock, Arkansas, are focusing on ways they can be part of the solution on proposed laws that could affect the plastics recycling industry as a whole. The company also is profiled in the spring edition of Plastics Recycling.
“There are lots of laws encouraging us as a society to be more sustainable and mindful of our environment,” says Sean Whiteley, CEO of Revolution. “We want to be part of that legislation because we know that there are innovative solutions that work.”
Cherish Miller, vice president of sustainability and public affairs at Revolution, adds that the company tries to be engaged and collaborative on issues at the state and federal levels that pertain to the business.
Addressing local matters
Most recently, HB1944, a bill aimed at identifying advanced recycling (or chemical recycling) as manufacturing rather than waste disposal, was proposed in Arkansas, which is where Revolution is headquartered.
Initially, the bill lacked any mention of mechanical recycling. The final version included a compromise, mentioning mechanical recycling under the advanced recycling label in the language. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed HB 1944 into law May 4.
According to a statement from the Washington-based American Chemistry Council (ACC), Arkansas is the 13th state to pass advanced recycling legislation and the fourth state this year to do so.
The ACC’s Joshua Baca says, “Advanced recycling, coupled with mechanical recycling, will help us be more effective in reducing plastic waste and creating a more circular economy.”
Beyond Arkansas
As a company with operations in various parts of the country, including Texas, California, Wisconsin and California, Miller says Revolution tries to keep a pulse on laws pertaining to plastics recycling across the country. For example, she says, Revolution monitored Washington state’s HB 2722 that would develop minimum recycled-content requirements in the state.
“That bill is requiring recycled-content in trash can liners,” she says. “By providing end markets for postconsumer resin, it supports the vital recycling market.”
She adds that Revolution also is monitoring proposed federal legislation that would affect recycling, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.
Engaging with industry associations, such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, can help companies understanding how they can help make an impact, as well. Miller says that’s how Revolution has become more in tune with national and state laws that pertain to the industry.
“I would say the main thing is we are involved with associations that are wanting to find ways to be part of the solution,” Miller says. “To Revolution, it is about working with associations, environmental groups and legislatures to find collaborative solutions to make an impact.”
Steve Alexander, president and CEO of the APR, says companies such as Revolution are key to providing sustainability solutions to the packaging issue.
“Revolution is not just a leading manufacturing supplier of PCR (postconsumer resin) for consumer products. Just as important, their leadership and strategic engagement at the legislative and regulatory level provides a critical voice helping to educate those audiences to make decisions that help to protect, grow and expand the plastics recycling industry. They are one of the true champions for our industry,” he says.
Miller concludes, “Our feeling is it is critical to be part of the discussion through listening, understanding, working together and being willing to make changes and offer ideas that provide meaningful impacts for a sustainable future. It requires us all to find ways to do that.”