Page 41 - Plastics News February 2026
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FEATURE NEWS
three-phased approach to drive coordinated ac- recycling. Left unchecked, these issues will force
tion: harsher regulatory responses, increase costs
for producers and consumers and undercut the
1. Map the market and align stakeholders. It credibility of industries that rely on flexible pack-
begins with market mapping and system de- aging.
sign, where governments and trade bodies
like the Alliance take the lead in exploring But the opportunity is just as real and far more
where market demand for recycled flexibles inspiring. If we get this right, we unlock a new era
exists and what quality is needed, as well of circularity for plastics. We prove that innova-
as the technology and infrastructure best tion and collaboration can turn a stubborn prob-
suited to meet that need. This process helps lem into a shared solution. By building a func-
align stakeholders by creating a detailed un- tioning system for flexible plastics recycling, the
derstanding of holistic, long-term solutions U.S. can demonstrate its global leadership, cre-
and the required enablers and investments. ating new markets, new jobs and new standards
for responsible production and consumption.
2. Showcase system solutions. Action beats
theory every time. Demonstration projects We’ll keep valuable resources in use and out of
connected across the value chain will high- the environment, demonstrating that economic
light the different technical, economic and growth and environmental stewardship can go
social requirements for broader scale sys- hand in hand.
tems change and build industry and inves- The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is committed
tor confidence in solutions before they are to being part of the solution: convening partners,
expanded geographically.
sharing insights and showcasing what works.
3. Mobilize the value chain around solutions. And we need others to join us—brands willing to
The third phase mobilizes brands, recyclers, lead, recyclers ready to innovate, policymakers
municipalities and policymakers to under- who enable investment and investors who back
stand what it takes to create and expand ef- the future of circularity.
fective system solutions and replicate them
across geographies—driving rapid, real and Progress is possible. The technologies exist. The
lasting change. momentum is building. This is a pivotal moment
for flexible plastics recycling, and we want to be
Mobilizing the U.S. part of shaping what's next.
The cost of inaction is not abstract: It’s visible in Source - https://www.recyclingtoday.com
the strain on our waste systems, the loss of valu-
able materials and the erosion of public trust in
February 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 41
