CAA appoints executive director for Oregon packaging producer responsibility program

Circular Action Alliance (CAA) named Kim Holmes executive director for Oregon on July 2. She leads CAA’s work as the prospective producer responsibility organization (PRO) to develop and implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program plan for packaging, printing and writing paper and food service ware under Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).    

Circular Action Alliance (CAA)is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) that says it is dedicated to implementing EPR laws for paper and packaging across the United States and is approved as the single PRO in California and Colorado.

“Oregon will be the first state in the U.S. to implement an EPR program for packaging and paper next year, and this undertaking requires strong, local leadership to ensure program success,” says Charlie Schwarze, CAA board chair and senior director of sustainability at Keurig Dr Pepper. “Kim brings decades of experience in recycling and environmental services and deep relationships in Oregon to this leadership role. We are confident that, under Kim’s direction, CAA will serve all Oregon residents with a strong recycling system.” 

Holmes most recently was the owner and principal consultant of 4R Sustainability, a consulting firm dedicated to working with industry and stakeholders to advance circularity and sustainability goals. Prior to her role as executive director for CAA Oregon, Holmes served as a technical advisor to the nonprofit, leading local government engagement and PRO depot development. 

“My professional career has been focused on driving innovative solutions that further recycling and the use of recycled materials and promoting sustainability in manufacturing,” Holmes says. “As an Oregonian, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead CAA’s work in the state and support the modernization of our recycling system.”   

In her role as Oregon CAA executive director, Holmes works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, producers, local governments, recycling service providers, nongovernmental organizations and other system stakeholders to achieve the goals of the RMA. As the prospective PRO for Oregon, CAA is revising its initial program plan to prepare for the launch of the EPR program in July of next year.