U.S. Plastic Recycling Industry Trends Unveiled at NPE 2024

Emily Friedman, the senior editor covering recycled plastics at ICIS, shared insights on the U.S. plastic recycling industry trends stemming from her attendance at NPE 2024 in Orlando. One key observation was the interest shown by durable goods producers in utilizing recycled resins, expanding beyond the traditional focus on packaging and consumer goods.

The trade show discussions suggested a potential shift in demand towards PCR applications in automotive and boat manufacturing sectors, offering new opportunities for recycled resin use. However, it was noted that while there’s interest, adoption in the durable goods industry might be slow due to the absence of stringent policy pressures seen in packaging recycling.

New Jersey and California‘s recycled content requirements for rigid containers and plastic beverage containers, respectively, were highlighted as impactful policy measures affecting producers’ compliance strategies. The recent passage of an EPR law in Minnesota also added to the evolving legislative landscape influencing the U.S. recycling industry.

Speculation surrounding the Global Plastics Treaty was a hot topic at NPE, with companies taking a cautious outlook toward its potential implications. Moreover, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s forecast of an above-average hurricane season raised concerns about disruptions in Gulf-based plastic production, posing a threat to the industry’s supply chain stability.