U.S. Plastics Pact Focuses on Strategy to Tackle Plastic Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The members of the U.S. Plastics Pact aim to launch a public roadmap document by April next year, targeting more efficient tackling of plastic waste. The pact has decided to focus on implement a target-based national strategy through concerted efforts by its members.

According to Emily Tipaldo, the leader of the U.S. initiative, noted that it is the only pact that works towards achieving rigorous goals, without the support of any serious legislation in the state or national level. On the other hand, the pacts in Europe are supported by government regulations such as deposits, extended producer responsibility etc.

The U.S. pact is unique in the sense that it aims to set a national strategy in dealing with plastic waste. The actions are focused on four goals-promoting source reduction, achieving 100% recyclability, compostability or reusability of plastic packaging, targeting 50% diversion rate for plastic packaging and using 30% post-consumer resin in packaging.

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The U.S. Plastics Pact is one of the eight similar country-specific entities. In addition, it also holds a regional pact in Europe. The pact is promoted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).