Recycled Content

In this episode of Recycled Content, host Kara Pochiro is joined by Megan Byers, Program Director at the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), and Chris Max, Research Lead in Sustainable Packaging Innovation at Kraft Heinz company. Kara, Megan, and Chris dive into the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability as APR celebrates 30 years of shaping how brands design packaging with a focus on sustainability and recycling. During the discussion, Megan walks through the evolution of the APR Design® Guide from a simple technical manual to an internationally recognized tool influencing packaging design across the globe, including the latest updates on APR's expanding ecosystem of recycling support programs. Want to get a real-world look at how Kraft Heinz is using the APR Design® Guide to meet sustainability goals and reengineering packaging for greater recyclability? Then tune in!

To kick off Recycling in Action Month, Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro is joined by Pia Baker, APR's Director of Marketing and leader of the Recycling in Action initiative. Throughout the month of May, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFS) and recyclers will offer tours for an up-close in-person look at the journey recyclables take from collection, sortation, and transformation. The two deep dive into common and harmful myths about recycling and the thought process behind launching Recycling in Action this year. Want to hear more about how you can get involved in this inaugural initiative and see what it's like to witness recycling in action for yourself? Then sign up for a tour, tune in, and check out https://plasticsrecycling.org/recycling-in-action/.

In this bonus episode of Recycled Content, guest host and leader in the recycling space, Maite Quinn, President of Re-Colab and Resource Recycling, Inc. interviews Marisa Adler, Senior Consultant at RRS, and Beth Forsberg, Senior VP & Chief Sustainability Officer at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, to highlight Resource Recycling's first-ever Textile Recovery Summit at the Plastics Recycling Conference. The conversation explores the growing importance of textile recovery, the innovative solutions driving circularity in the textile industry, and the role of synthetic fibers in textiles. They also dive into how lessons from plastics recycling can be applied to textiles and the future of recovery technologies. Tune in to hear about exciting new opportunities and initiatives for sustainability in the textile industry, and don't miss the Textile Recovery Summit from March 24th-26th!

In this second bonus episode ahead of the Plastics Recycling Conference (PRC), guest host and reporter at Resource Recycling, Inc., Antoinette Smith, interviews Bill Robberson, Co-Founder, President and Chief Technology Officer of KAMILO, Inc. Together, they dive into KAMILO's work in digital tracking and traceability within the recycling industry and how it impacts Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. Antoinette and Bill also discuss the importance of transparency in supply chains while maintaining confidentiality, and the need for authenticity to drive efficient recycling practices. Want to hear more about how KAMILO's innovative digital tracking process is impacting the plastic recycling industry? Then tune into this conversation and check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je47im3s9t4.  

As the Plastics Recycling Conference (PRC) approaches, Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro is joined by Marissa Heffernan, Associate Editor at Resource Recycling, Inc. They discuss key industry topics, focusing on how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping recycling by shifting the burden from consumers to producers. With EPR, Bottle Bills, Minimum Recycled Content and other legislation gaining momentum across the U.S., they explore its impact on policy, business, and the future of recycling. Want to hear more sneak peaks on what will be discussed during the PRC? Then tune in!

To kick off 2025, Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro is joined by President & CEO of the Association of Plastic Recyclers, Steve Alexander. The two discuss how 2025 is a pivotal year for sustainability initiatives and APR's priorities for the year ahead including pushing for policies that drive plastic recycling, emphasizing the importance of creating packaging that is designed for recyclability, and combatting misinformation. The two emphasize the economic impact of postconsumer recycled plastics as well as the pathways to stabilize markets and create a circular economy. As the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference approaches, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

To close out 2024, Greg Janson, President and CEO of Granite Peak Plastics and Triton Ties, joins Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro to discuss the everyday challenges faced by plastic recyclers and explore potential solutions for the industry. Greg highlights the importance of diverse applications for recycled materials, the critical role of long-term contracts in making recycled plastic competitive with virgin and wide-spec plastics, and the need to create strong demand for recycled materials. Kara and Greg dive into Triton Ties more sustainable alternatives to wooden rail ties as well as the company's emphasis on creating a circular economy that relies on collaboration within the industry. To hear more from a 40-year veteran in the recycling industry and what his thoughts are on how to improve and expand the recycling industry, tune in! Link to Recycled by Design with Triton Ties video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBzGLDGetZQ

Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro and Miriam Holsinger, Co-President and Chief Operating Officer at Eureka Recycling, take you behind the scenes of one of the nation's cleanest Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to explore their critical role in the recycling supply chain.  Miriam shares her expertise on how recyclables are collected, sorted, and processed at MRFs, and explains the technologies used to separate different materials like plastics, aluminum, and glass so they can eventually be made into new products. They dive into some of the challenges MRFs face, common misconceptions about recycling, and the impact of policy on recycling efforts.  Want to know how much of what you put in the bin actually gets recycled? Then tune in!

This month, Recycled Content host, Kara Pochiro, is joined by APR's Technical Director as a co-host of the pod, Scott Trenor. Kara and Scott welcome authors of the “Untangling the chemical complexity of plastics to improve life cycle outcomes” study, Dr. Kara Lavender Law, Research Professor of Oceanography at Sea Education Association, and Dr. Margaret Sobkowicz, Professor of Plastics Engineering at University of Massachusetts Lowell. The team explores the role of chemical additives used in plastic production and the need for better collaboration across the value chain. With insights into the benefits and uses of additives, the potential environmental impacts, and the challenges faced by manufacturers, this episode sheds light on the path toward a more sustainable and circular plastic economy. Tune into this episode as we unravel the science surrounding plastic use and recycling! Link to the Study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-024-00705-x More on this topic in Plastics Recycling Update: https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2024/10/16/group-encourages-public-private-partnership-in-plastics/

On the newest episode of the Recycled Content Podcast, host Kara Pochiro focuses on creating packaging that is Circular by Design® that can be used to manufacture a clean supply of post-consumer recycled resin (PCR). Kara is joined by Gary Panknin, Sustainability Officer and Plastic Materials Procurement Manager at PakTech, a secondary packaging manufacturer based in Eugene, Oregon focused on creating a more sustainable and recyclable friendly future. Kara and Gary discuss the importance of creating packaging that is both aligned with the APR Design® Guide, ensuring it is designed to be recyclable, and manufactured with recycled plastics that come from post-consumer sources.  Want to hear more about what PakTech and APR are doing to drive a circular economy for plastics? Tune in!

The Association of Plastic Recyclers' (APR) Chief Policy Officer, Kate Bailey, joins Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro to focus on battling the misinformation being spread regarding plastic waste and recycling. Kate and Kara break down major headlines and claims regarding the plastic recycling industry that are often aimed at taking down the plastics industry rather than focusing on the benefits of recycling or addressing solutions to improve the system.  Want to know how plastic recycling actually works? Want to hear real data points from actual recyclers? Then tune in!

As we approach the 4th of July, show host Kara Pochiro is joined by APR's Technical Director, Scott Trenor, to discuss all things recycling in the summertime. The duo talks tips for improving recycling at summer events, along with advice on how manufacturers of summer products, such as sunscreen, can design for recyclability. Their conversation dives into the importance of knowing what can be recycled, and buying products made with recycled content to complete the cycle of recycling. Tune in to hear about their recommendations for having a sustainable summer and encouraging summertime recycling!

Recycled Content Host and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined this episode by two fellow APR colleagues, Rebecca Mick, Program Director for Film & Packaging Innovation, and Ruben Nance, APR Program Director responsible for the management and growth of APR's Preferred Design Recognition (PDR) Program. The team discusses the APR Design® Guide , as well as the growth and expansion of the APR Design® Recognition Program over the past year. Tune in to hear how the APR Design® Guide is helping companies find success in package recyclability, how companies investing in sustainable packaging innovations can get formally recognized, success stories, and continued progress.

The Recycled Content Podcast welcomes back Emily Tipaldo, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, for a sit-down with show host and VP of Communications & Public Affairs at APR, Kara Pochiro. With the Pact turning four, as well as Earth Day and INC-4 just around the corner, the two discuss the meaning of the current moment in the plastic recycling industry's efforts to manage material that could otherwise be waste. Kara and Emily highlight the need for both voluntary and mandatory commitments to improve recycling. Tune in to hear about these strategies and the important goals and initiatives of the U.S. Plastics Pact. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Ahead of the 2024 Plastic Recycling Conference, Recycled Content is back with a new episode hosted by the Association of Plastic Recycler's (APR) VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro as she sits down with Steve Alexander, President & CEO of APR, and Maite Quinn, a lead member for Resource Recycling's Plastic Recycling Conference planning team. Kara, Steve, and Maite discuss the upcoming Plastics Recycling Conference, a gathering of over 2,000 power players in plastics and recycling industries, including key speakers who will discuss the annual plastics recycling study, key issues and challenges to address during the conference, and more! Want to hear a sneak peak into what the Plastic Recycling Conference will be focusing on in just a few weeks? Then tune in!

Host and APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Stephanie Baker, Director of Market Development for KW Plastics' Recycling Division. Kara and Stephanie discuss how KW got its beginnings from the disposal process for automotive battery casings and has now turned into a closed loop recycling business in Alabama, revitalizing the recycling economy with over 500 employees. The two also focus on the process of creating recycled resin that can be used in common products like shampoo bottles to unconventional items like deodorant sticks. They also talk about KW's sister company which uses the recycled resin to create paint jars that have lasting and reusable impact. Tune in to hear Kara and Stephanie discuss policy and how it is important to work on building recycling infrastructure so that people at all levels can contribute to recycling and make an impact. To learn more about plastics recycling, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.

APR President & CEO, Steve Alexander, is back on Recycled Content with host Kara Pochiro to discuss and reflect upon 2023. The two give updates on their predictions and resolutions from earlier this year, talk about the current state of the recycling industry, and how APR is a key component of progress made. Steve and Kara break down the recycling industry's main issues in 2023 including changing the narrative about recycling and increasing supply for recyclers. They discuss the extensive policy work, both domestic and international, that APR does to make sure the regulatory implementation of these new policies make a positive impact on recycling and that the recyclers are a true part of the conversation. They also give updates on key APR programs. To learn more about plastics recycling and how APR is the advocating as the voice of the recyclers, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.

Host and APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Bruce Magnani, APR's Legislative Advocate in California, and VP of Houston Magnani Associates. Kara and Bruce start by breaking down the basics of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and California's SB 54 that focuses on packaging. The two discuss the EPR wave that is passing through various state legislatures, why it took multiple legislative sessions for it to pass in CA, catalysts for the bill, covered materials, key targets, and timelines. They then answer member's questions about SB 54 regarding recycling rates, whether this law is being used as a copy & paste law for other states, and determining the classification of certain types of packaging now with this new law in place. To learn more about plastics recycling, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.

Host and APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Dale Gubbels, the 2023 Advocacy Champion Award recipient and CEO of Firstar Fiber. Dale and Kara break down Dale's early days of recycling and how Firstar Fiber has evolved into one of the largest materials recycling facilities (MRFs) in the Midwest. They decode Firstar's successful business model - diversifying sources other than single stream, enhancing people's awareness of recycling, and value-adding to hard-to-recycle plastics  with the Hefty® ReNew® orange bag program. They also talk about the importance of working with local markets and it being the foundation of Firstar's success.

On this week's episode, APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Curt Cozart, Chief Operating Officer of APR and lead of the APR Design® Guide Training Program and other technical projects. Kara and Curt continue the conversation on package design from the last episode, diving into the world of PET, a plastic often used for beverage bottles, and also one of the most commonly recognized types of recyclable packaging. The discussion focuses on what packaging features can affect recyclability, APR's recyclability categories, the collection, sortation, and processing of PET plastics, as well as some of the issues with colored PET. To read more in-depth about the APR Design® Guide or to learn more about plastics recycling, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.

On this episode of Recycled Content, host Kara Pochiro is joined by Ruben Nance, Program Director for the Meets Preferred Guidance (MPG) Recognition Program at APR. Ruben and Kara talk about what makes packages truly recycling compatible through an examination of APR's Design Guide, the different Recognition Programs that APR offers, and the current strides being made by companies, including APR members, to push the industry in the right direction. Based on extensive work with reclaimers, designers, and a wide variety of technical experts the APR Design® Guide, along with the MPG and Critical Guidance recognitions, allow APR to be the leading authority and one of the most trusted voices when it comes to designing packages that are recycling compatible in every way.

This week on the pod, APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs Kara Pochiro is joined by not one but two Kates- APR's Chief Policy Officer Kate Bailey and APR's Program Director Kate Eagles. Kara sits down with both Kates to discuss their recent APR blog post highlighting the importance of post-consumer resin (PCR) as an integral part in reducing the environmental impacts of plastic packaging. They also chat about new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, post-consumer recycled content requirements,  and their ability to encourage homes and businesses to recycle more. To read more in-depth about this issue or to learn more about plastics recycling in general, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.

As we get ready for this year's Plastics Recycling Conference, a gathering of over 2000 power players in plastics and recycling industries, the Recycled Content team welcomes back Dan Leif, managing editor at Resource Recycling, Inc. Host Kara Pochiro and Dan discuss hot topics in plastics recycling that will be covered at the conference, including the issues that keynote speaker Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the State Department, will address. Tune in to hear insights from Dan on how to improve plastics recycling to keep up with the times, the latest market trends, and how universities are vital to recruiting the next generation of industry innovators.

In Recycled Content's first episode of 2023, host Kara Pochiro is joined by Steve Alexander, President and CEO of APR, to highlight the progress made in 2022 and what APR is focusing on moving into 2023. Kara and Steve discuss the rising tide of misinformation surrounding plastics recycling, how APR was able to amplify its engagement in state and federal legislation, the progress made on extended producer responsibility laws (EPR), APR Design® for Recyclability, PCR Certification, as well as additional progress and success APR made in 2022. Tune in to hear where APR is focusing its efforts in 2023, including the need to harmonize collection programs across the U.S., the importance of consistent recycling labeling, and more!

On this episode of Recycled Content, we sit down with APR board member Nicole Janssen, President of Denton Plastics, to discuss all things polypropylene. Host Kara Pochiro and Nicole set the record straight on polypropylene and debunk recent reports that cast doubt about its recyclability. Tune in to hear about how polypropylene is now one of the fastest growing resins to recycle, and an update on legislative efforts by APR and its member companies.  

On this episode of Recycled Content, APR sits down with two representatives from member companies Unilever and Nestle. Nicole Camilleri, the Packaging Sustainability Manager at Nestle, and Melissa Craig, the Senior Manager for Packaging Sustainability in North America for Unilever, helped shine a light on what the future holds for both companies, including initiatives to create products that are circular by design and how APR's design guide is helping to lead the way. Tune in to hear about the successes, challenges, and opportunities that companies face while creating sustainable products.

APR was glad to be back, and in person, for the 2022 Plastics Recycling Conference. The event brought together a record number of industry decision-makers to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. In this episode of Recycled Content, we are joined by Dan Leif, the managing editor at the Resource Recycling, Inc. Tune in for a lively conversation covering the highlights from the event and to hear Dan's main takeaways from this year's conference! 

On January 25th the U.S. Plastics Pact released its Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List as a first step in accelerating progress toward a circular economy for plastic packaging in the United States. On this episode of Recycled Content, hosts Steve Alexander and Kara Pochiro went straight to the heart of the matter with Emily Tipaldo, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact. Tune in to hear more about the newly released list and the potential impact it has on the industry.

Our host Steve Alexander is joined this week by Kate Davenport, Co-President of Eureka Recycling, to discuss Eureka's work and mission of demonstrating that waste is completely preventable, not inevitable, challenges that materials recovery facilities are facing, and the future of recycling.

Our host Steve Alexander is joined this week by Kate Bailey, Policy and Research Director of Eco-Cycle, to discuss her work advocating for a zero waste future, her insights on the packaging crisis, and the challenges she sees for the future of recycling and potential paths forward.

Our hosts Steve and Kara are back to discuss the value and benefits of post-consumer resin (PCR), APR’s PCR Certification Program, and the importance of distinguishing between "post-consumer" materials and "post-industrial" materials for labeling purposes.

Steve is joined today by Dan Leif and Tonya Oyala, Resource Recycling's Managing Editor and Sponsor/Exhibitor Manager, respectively. Dan, Tonya, and Steve discuss the upcoming Plastics Recycling Conference, now in its 16th year, which is the focal point for the increasingly complex and international plastics recycling industry. Tune in for more information about the virtual event and why you can't miss it! Learn more at www.plasticsrecycling.com.

We're back and jumping into the deep end to kick off a new year of podcasting! Liam Donovan and Anna Burhop, members of APR's DC advocacy team at Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group, join your host Steve Alexander to discuss how the 117th Congress' roster will impact recycling policy and how APR can continue to advocate for meaningful, bipartisan support for recycling in 2021 and beyond. 

2020 has certainly been a challenging year for the plastic recycling industry, but we at APR are proud of our industry's accomplishments this year in the face of the pandemic. Tune in to this Year in Review episode for a dive into all the unique challenges we've tackled this year and what we are looking toward in 2021.

Joining the Recycled Content podcast this week is Emily Tipaldo, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact. Emily and Steve discuss the Pact's goals for the future of plastic recycling and the circular economy, her experience in the world of plastics, and bringing transparency and accountability into this vital space.

Today's episode features an excellent interview on the generation of demand for recycled plastic with APR's Director of Market Development, Ali Briggs-Ungerer. This discussion serves as a great primer on the world of plastic recycling and how the circular economy is driven, while also covering APR's Demand Champions campaign and how companies can participate and drive demand for recycled plastic.

We're back with an excellent interview diving into what the current results of the 2020 election mean for the near future of plastic recycling.  Liam Donovan and Anna Burhop, members of APR's DC lobbying team at the Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group, join to discuss the ins and outs of the 2020 election, insights on the Georgia runoffs, and what the results mean for policies and regulations that impact the plastic recycling industry.

APR President Steve Alexander is joined this week by Don Loepp, Editor of Plastics News and Editorial Director with the Crain Polymer Group. Steve and Don talk potential federal activity on plastic recycling, compare US and European standards, and explore communications around sustainable practice.

Bridget Anderson, the Deputy Commissioner of Recycling and Sustainability at NYC Department of Sanitation, joins our host Steve Alexander for a great conversation about her work at the largest municipal waste management agency in the nation.

  John Caturano, Senior Sustainability Manager of Packaging and Programs at Nestlé Waters, NA, joins host Steve Alexander for a wide-ranging conversation that covers how Nestlé is coping with coronavirus and the company's commitments to sustainability.  

Steve chats with Greg Janson, CEO of QRS Inc., a post-consumer plastic processor, to discuss how QRS is functioning in the time of coronavirus, how post-consumer processing works and the American demand for this work, and what it takes to enhance the value of post-consumer resin (PCR).

We're joined this week by special guest Brent Bell, the President of Waste Management Recycle America, to talk about the impacts of COVID-19 on the recycling industry. Steve and Brent discuss how the industry is modifying practices to keep employees and the public safe and healthy, communicating effectively with your workforce during these uncertain times, the status of the recycled material supply chain, and much more.

Steve sits down with Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, to discuss the Partnership and its work across the country, the state of American recycling today, and what the future holds for the circular economy.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)'s President Steve Alexander and VP of Communications & Public Affairs Kara Pochiro talk with Sarah Peery, the Legislative Assistant to Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), about the RECYCLE Act, her work in Congress to amplify the voices of Ohioans, and more. Find out more about Senator Portman's work on Twitter at @SenRobPortman or on his website, portman.senate.gov. Have any questions you want us to address on future episodes? Email us at info@plasticsrecycling.org or tweet at us at @APRrecycles.