Page 22 - Plastics News April 2025
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ENVIRONMENT NEWS
Driving Change: Brands Step Up to
Meet Packaging Targets
t the Plastics Recycling Conference access to high-quality PCR, and the need for
2025, leading brands and sustainability clearer policy direction. A central theme was
Aadvocates gathered to share progress, that brands cannot achieve their targets in isola-
challenges, and future pathways to circular tion—public-private partnerships, strong legisla-
packaging. tion, and consumer engagement are all critical.
As global conversations around plastic waste in- The conference also explored how Extended
tensify, the Plastics Recycling Conference 2025 Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are shaping
held in National Harbor, Maryland, became a packaging decisions and spurring innovation. At-
melting pot of ideas, innovations, and insights. tendees discussed the role of eco-modulation
Brands across sectors reaffirmed their commit- and design-for-recyclability in driving circularity
ment to sustainable packaging and highlighted at scale.
the steps being taken to meet ambitious recy-
clability and recycled content goals. As 2025 marks a key milestone year for many
voluntary and regulatory packaging commit-
Panelists from companies like Nestlé, Colgate- ments, the industry is under pressure to show
Palmolive, and Keurig Dr Pepper shared their tangible results. Events like this provide both a
journeys in redesigning packaging, integrating reality check and a platform for collective pro-
recycled plastics, and fostering end-of-life solu- gress.
tions. The consensus was clear—collaboration,
transparency, and technology are key drivers in In the words of one panelist, “We’ve moved
accelerating change. from ambition to action, but now it’s about ac-
countability.” With bold targets and increasing
For instance, Colgate-Palmolive’s push to transi- consumer awareness, the future of packaging is
tion its toothpaste tubes to recyclable formats being redefined—and the race towards a circular
shows how legacy products are being reimag- economy is well underway.
ined with sustainability at the core. Nestlé em- Source:- Plastics News
phasized its investment in advanced recycling
infrastructure, while Keurig Dr Pepper is actively
working to scale the use of post-consumer resin
(PCR) in its beverage packaging.
Yet, the road ahead isn’t without hurdles. Speak-
ers acknowledged ongoing struggles, such as
inconsistent recycling infrastructure, limited
22 PLASTICS NEWS April 2025
