New report charts path to scaling plastics recycling and dismantling barriers

A new report released today by the U.S. Plastics Pact urges a dual approach involving individual voluntary action and new public policy to expand the use of post-consumer recycled content (PCR) in plastic packaging and overcome the systemic barriers currently limiting progress.

The report, Overcoming Barriers to Increasing the Use of PCR in the U.S., provides a holistic analysis of the supply, demand, and financial barriers that limit PCR use. Insights were taken from more than 100 U.S. Pact participants, including brands, retailers, recyclers, and nonprofit and government organizations; the report notes that challenges are interconnected and must be addressed across the entire value chain. 

The report outlines how voluntary and policy solutions can build on one another and highlights several integrated strategies to overcome the most persistent barriers:

The strategies include:

• Comprehensive extended producer responsibility programs that align financial incentives with circular outcomes through full cost coverage, eco-modulated fees, and consumer education
• Long-term procurement commitments from brands and retailers to stabilize markets and drive infrastructure investment
• Targeted policy interventions, including deposit return systems, recycled content mandates, and landfill tipping fees
• Voluntary actions such as packaging redesign, consumer education, and investments in domestic PCR supply chains 

"Using more recycled content in packaging reduces waste, cuts emissions, and keeps valuable materials in circulation," said Jonathan Quinn, CEO of the U.S. Plastics Pact. "But persistent challenges from infrastructure gaps to market volatility mean that we need aligned, collective action to scale impact."

"Voluntary and policy solutions aren't either-or — they're mutually reinforcing," said Quinn. "Industry leadership creates market momentum. Smart policy locks in progress and levels the playing field. We need both."