ACC’s Flexible Film Recycling Group: Benchmarking best practices for sustainable plastics film packaging Kate Eagles, Moore Recycling Associates June 19, 2014 Western Plastics Association Annual Meeting

Today’s presentation...  State of film recycling  Challenges and opportunities for growth  FFRG's current programs and progress towards increased recycling  Partnership options 2

Significant growth in polyethylene film recycling is critical to further enhance its sustainability and customer acceptance. 3

Source Reduction Benefits of Plastics 4

State of Film Recycling: Positive Market demand remains strong Established collection infrastructure Widespread access  More than 1 billion pounds of plastic bags and product wraps recycled in 2012 – up 56 percent from 2005  Industry demanding more material 5

 Public/customer misperceptions regarding recyclability  Lack of public awareness of recyclable film packaging beyond bags  Limited access for small and medium sized businesses that seek end-of-life recovery options for film  Market misperceptions regarding demand for film post “Green Fence” Challenges Impeding Significant Growth 6

Quotes from NERC’s Guest Blogger, Ted Siegler with DSM Environmental Services, Inc., May , “More Flexible Packaging Insights” “But the costs, especially to the marine environment of discharging potentially billions of pounds of this material [flexible packaging films] into the marine environment are also immense, and at the current time represent externalities that resin producers, and film manufacturers and packagers do not have to incorporate into their products.... As Matt Prindville points out, there is a need for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to assure that these externalities are accounted for.”Matt Prindville “Let’s recognize that light weight plastic packaging is here to stay, and will continue to grow. However since the externalities associated with its’ use and growth are currently not incorporated in the price of its use, it’s time to couple this growth with serious expenditures by producers to fund the infrastructure necessary to not only assure that this packaging is recycled, but also properly disposed and kept out of our rivers, lakes and oceans.” Some Targeting Plastic Film for EPR 7

 Increasing consumer awareness & engagement in PE film recycling  Expanding access to capture billions of pounds of commercial film from untapped sources  Stakeholder public outreach/education collaborative Opportunities for Improvement 8

 Annual bag/film report that demonstrates growth  Special PE film collection study validates widespread recycling access for FTC compliance  Comprehensive web resource supporting bag and film recycling (created in 2005) - now plasticfilmrecycling.org  Consistent engagement in value chain sustainability groups Film Recycling an Established ACC Priority 9

 FFRG is a self-funded group of ACC’s Plastics Division.  Assembles stakeholders in the film and bag value chain(material suppliers, converters, brand owners, recyclers) to support PE film recycling.  Primary Goal: Double PE film recycling by ACC Flexible Film Recycling Group 10

 Engage key stakeholders in increasing film recycling  Supply educational tools and resources for consumers and businesses  Establish and help implement film recycling programs for communities and businesses What FFRG Does 11

 Implement a multi-year strategic plan to address barriers to growth and expand opportunities in collection, processing, and markets.  Key Strategies:  Develop essential educational resources;  Forge alliances with key allied groups (SPC, APR);  Engage in public outreach campaigns with key stakeholders (retailers, state agencies, non- profits);  Establish best practices for increased recycling. FFRG’s Roadmap for Strong Growth 12

Dedicated section of educational materials to support consumer & commercial film recycling – posters, program tip sheets, tip cards, refrigerator magnets, waste audit guide, etc. Educational Materials & Resources 13

Sustainable Packaging Coalition  Partnering to promote adoption “How2Recycle” film label  Huge opportunity to expand recycling awareness  Several major companies have adopted through ACC sponsorships Association of Postconsumer Recyclers  Jointly supporting film recycling markets/Guidelines PE Film Recycling Film Recycling Education Key Partnerships 14

 Public-private partnership to dramatically increase recycling of polyethylene bags, wraps and film, started in  Stakeholders: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ACC Flexible Film Recycling Group, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, Bemis, SC Johnson, and Trex.  Implementing pilots to test effective approaches and tools to increase postconsumer and commercial film recycling.  Wisconsin is the starting point for expansion to other states. Wisconsin Wrap Recycling Action Project (WRAP) 15

What is WRAP?  Multi-stakeholder collaborative to increase public awareness and involvement in PE film recycling  Provides a platform for state/local governments, retailers, non-profit groups/NGOs, brands and others to collaborate and pool their resources Status  Engaging key stakeholders  Building platform  Promoting collaboration  Preparing to launch later this year National Public Awareness Initiative Wrap Recycling Action Program 16

 Film packaging is abundant and growing, but needs effective end of life options  There is steady growth in film recycling, but much more can be done & How2recycle label provides a huge opportunity  FFRG is implementing a roadmap to drive strong growth and ever increasing recycling rates  Success depends on more value chain engagement and support  FFRG invites the WPA to become a WRAP partner Strong Growth in Film Recycling Must Become a Priority 17

Avangard Innovative Berry Plastics Bemis Dow Chemical ChevronPhillips ExxonMobil Chemical Company Sealed Air Corporation SC Johnson Superbag Trex Company, Inc. Verdeco Plastics Wisconsin Film & Bag FFRG Members 18

Shari Jackson Director, Film Recycling American Chemistry Council 700 – 2 nd Street NE Washington, DC (202) Thank You! FFRG Contact: 19