Extrusion International 2-2025-USA

31 Extrusion International 5/2022 Introduction of Recycling Infrastructure Legislation Applauded The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and America’s Plastic Makers, a division of the Ameri- can Chemistry Council, commend U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) for her continued lead- ership and steadfast commitment to recycling innovation through the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Develop- ment (STEWARD) Act. PLASTICS and America’s Plastic Makers also applaud U.S. Representatives Mari- annette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) for introduc- ing the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA), an im- portant component of the broader STEWARD Act framework. Senator Capito’s leadership has been critical in driving investments and advancing sustainable solutions to improve recycling infrastructure and enhance recycling capabilities nationwide. The complementary introduction of the RIAA further supports these efforts by establish- ing a vital EPA pilot program to sig- ni cantly expand recycling access, especially in rural and underserved communities. This legislation pro- motes increased transfer stations, improved curbside recycling servic- es, and strengthened public-private partnerships to streamline recycling processes, reduce costs, and sup- port local job creation. Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS, stated, "We com- mend Senator Capito and Repre- sentatives Miller-Meeks and Sher- rill for their bipartisan commitment to enhancing America's recycling infrastructure. These legislative ini- tiatives represent crucial progress toward achieving a circular econo- my, keeping valuable resources in use, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and bolstering the U.S. manu- facturing sector.“ "Congress has a real opportunity to drive meaningful change by sup- porting the bipartisan STEWARD Act and RIAA," said Ross Eisen- berg, President of America’s Plastic Makers. "These bills will expand access to recycling, modernize our infrastructure, and invest in inno- vation—ensuring more plastics are recovered, reducing waste, and strengthening American manufac- turing." PLASTICS and America’s Plastic Makers remain committed to collab- orating with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities to ensure successful passage and ef- fective implementation of these key initiatives. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) www.plasticsindustry.org Recycling is Real Releases Videos Featuring Advanced Recycling The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released a series of new videos as part of the Recycling is Real advocacy initiative. The vid- eos highlight the work taking place at PureCycle’s facility in Ironton, Ohio, where employees are using advanced recycling technology to recycle plastics. Since its launch in 2023, PLAS- TICS’ Recycling is Real campaign has highlighted mechanical and ad- vanced recycling facilities through- out the United States. Employees in each video, representing the recycling workforce throughout America are featured at locations including Atlanta, GA; Kingsport, TN; Madison, WI; North Vernon, IN; Baton Rouge, LA; Portland, PA; Eagle Rock, VA; Rialto, CA; Wy- theville, VA; Piqua, OH; Reidsville, NC; Tampa, FL; Chino, CA; and Farmingdale, NY. “Plastic recycling is absolutely real, and advanced recycling tech- nologies are expanding the pos- sibilities for recycling even more types of plastic,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “Our Recycling is Real campaign shows a dedicated workforce that uses incredible innovations across the country to make plastic recy- cling happen every day. Our indus- try is committed to demonstrating to the public and policymakers alike that recycling is not only real – it’s practical, effective, and essential to building a more circular economy.” “We’re proud to be one of the companies leading the way on ad- vanced recycling and it’s important to shine a light on the people who are making it happen,” said Pure- Cycle CEO Dustin Olson. “Recycling is real. We live it every day at our agship facility in Ironton, Ohio and our PureCycle team is dedi- cated to helping improve recycling rates and expanding the end-uses for recycled content.” To view Recycling is Real featuring Purecycle: https://recyclingisreal.com/purecycle/