The Recycling Partnership responds to comments on recyclability framework

The Recycling Partnership, Falls Church, Virginia, has published responses to public comments on its Pathway to Circularity Recyclability Framework. The framework was developed in collaboration with 35 industry leaders spanning the packaging value chain and defines a clear set of criteria to help companies navigate their packaging through the recycling system.

More than 750 public comments were submitted by stakeholders throughout the packaging value chain and beyond, which The Recycling Partnership says demonstrate the significance of the framework and the need for clear guidance on packaging recyclability as a step toward circularity.

“Together we are building the roadmap to the packaging system of the future--a guide to advance package design, improve community access, help policymakers define what is recyclable, inform recyclability claims, and drive new innovations,” says Sarah Dearman, vice president of circular ventures at The Recycling Partnership. “At The Recycling Partnership, we have a unique understanding of the entire packaging value chain and the complexities of recycling, this enables us to drive positive change at every step of the process.”

In response to the comments, The Recycling Partnership says it will adjust some portions of the framework, clarify others and determine which areas need further study with support from the Circularity Council, a group of 35 industry leaders representing various material types, brands, government, material recovery facilities (MRFs), nongovernmental organizations, retailers and trade associations.

The Circularity Council helped develop the common definitions presented in the original framework, which the organization says set the course for transparency involving all levels of the recycling supply chain.

According to The Recycling Partnership, an updated version of the framework will be published in early 2022, while several other workstreams will launch in 2022 to being addressing known gaps that are keeping various packaging types from achieving recyclability. For example, the organization will launch material-specific coalitions for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and aluminum to improve access and capture while increasing overall system efficiency.