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  • Press Release

America’s Plastic Makers Call for Transparent Certification Process for Advanced Recycled Plastic

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Matthew Kastner
CONTACT US

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 9, 2021) – America’s plastic makers today called for policymakers, plastic converters, and brand companies to increase the adoption of a credible system to verify the recycled plastic produced by advanced recycling technologies and used in new products and packaging. Having credible, third-party standards and a transparent certification process will play an integral role towards achieving a circular economy for plastics.

Joshua Baca, ACC Vice President of Plastics
Transparent and trustworthy third-party standards are important in every step taken to increase plastic recycling. These standards will make it easier for brand companies and manufacturers to use more recycled plastic in their products, give them confidence in communicating with consumers, and help create and sustain demand for recycled plastic. All of these components will help meet the recycling goals set by America’s plastic makers as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

One of the most widely accepted certification processes used today is known as “mass balance.” Mass balance is used to track sustainability measures in a variety of other industries, including coffee, cocoa, forestry, and renewable energy.

To encourage wider adoption of this approach, ACC today released an updated version of its mass balance principles for advanced recycling.

Consistent use of third-party certification standards is important for achieving 30% recycled plastic in plastic packaging by 2030, the first action in plastic makers’ 5 Actions for Sustainable Change released earlier this year. The 5 Actions are concrete steps Congress should take to accelerate the growth of plastic recycling in the United States.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.