Plastic Packaging and Recycling: The Industry’s Challenge for a Circular Economy

Plastic recycling remains a global challenge, and the United States is no exception. Despite advances in sustainability, the country's plastic packaging recycling rate remains at just 13.3%, according to the latest report from the U.S. Plastics Pact. This pact brings together more than 120 companies, government institutions, and non-profit organizations with the goal of transforming the plastic packaging industry toward a more circular and sustainable economy.

Recycling of plastic products

Four Key Goals for 2025

The U.S. Plastics Pact has set four ambitious goals that companies must achieve to contribute to a more responsible packaging industry:

1. Eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastics: Currently, 22% of participating companies have removed these materials from their products, representing a significant step toward reducing unnecessary waste.

2. Ensure packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable: While 50% of plastic packaging on the market already meets this criterion, there is still a long way to go.

3. Increase the recycling rate to 50%: With the current rate at just 13.3%, a joint effort between companies, governments, and consumers is needed to improve recycling infrastructure and encourage greater material recovery.

4. Incorporate 30% post-consumer recycled content in packaging: Companies have increased the use of these materials from 9.4% to 11%, but they are still far from the final goal.

   
   

The Importance of Recycling in the Packaging Industry

Flexible packaging and other plastic materials play a key role in food preservation and waste reduction, but their environmental impact must be minimized through innovative strategies. Initiatives like the U.S. Plastics Pact are essential to ensure that plastics do not end up in landfills or oceans but remain within an efficient production and reuse cycle.

How Can Companies Contribute?

To achieve these goals, packaging companies must focus on eco-design, develop recyclable packaging materials, and promote the use of post-consumer recycled content. Additionally, collaboration with government entities and recycling organizations is essential to improve infrastructure and consumer environmental education.

Jonathan Quinn, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, emphasizes that while significant progress has been made, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to collaborate to transform the current system and ensure that plastics remain a valuable resource in a circular economy.

The transition to more sustainable packaging is a challenge but also a great opportunity for the industry. At Gurpa Bio, we are committed to innovating flexible packaging that not only protects products but also contributes to a more sustainable future for everyone.

What measures is your company taking to improve packaging sustainability?

Jonathan Quinn, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact