4 Keys to Unlock Package Recycling

December 2023​ Packaging Column

​Packaging Topic Brief:

  • ​The state of New York is taking a leading role in achieving more sustainable packaging practices. At the recent 34th New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling conference, policy generators and stakeholders shared viable solutions for a more sustainable future.
  • Here are four key takeaways from the event:
  1. ​Extended producer responsibility (EPR) can best succeed by state-focus. State-level problem-solving and consistent state bills would ease the way for US-wide EPR. 
  2. The marriage of AI and robotics systems is supportive. Automated sorting can ease labor shortages, improve accuracy, and help define policy and ensure compliance.
  3. Clear and positive information drives recycling. The Recycle Right NY campaign has resulted in a consistent message to consumers about how to recycle in their location.
  4. Substituting plastics requires multifaceted consideration. Life Cycle Impact tools can be adapted to assess the local impact of packaging, and Bayesian modeling allows for comprehensive decision-making about adopting plastic replacements.

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This content is related to food packaging, including:
  1. Sustainable packaging
  2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and EPR bills S1064 and S4246 in New York
  3. AI and robotics in recycling
  4. Consumer education for recycling
  5. ​Plastic substitutes​
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