More #5 Poly Propylene PCR is Needed by 2025

PP yogurt cups are not a recyclable item in 90% of U.S. Recycling systems.

There's a goal from many large food retailers for PP #5 containers (yogurt, lunchmeat, frozen meals,) to contain 20-25% PCR (Post consumer resin) by 2025.

What is PCR? It's the resin from a virgin resin single use PP container that has been collected from the waste stream, mechanically recycled and made into PCR. PCR resin can only come from "post consumer" waste-stream. It is not post industrial.

It's been reported that to meet the 2025 demand for PCR resin, it would take 150 new plastics recycling plants and 300 by 2030. The demand is definitely there.

The big problem is the feedstock is not.
Only 10-12% of post consumer PP #5 containers is currently collected & recycled.

Why? Because most local recycling programs are unable to collect and sort PP due to a sorting and collection infrastructure that is underfunded and understaffed. Resident recycling education is lacking. Consumers are apathetic and are confused.

Just one more reason to support EPR legislation within our states and provide the funding local recycling programs have needed for years. #epr