While PP packaging has a low recycling rate of about 3 percent in the U.S., the group argues there are opportunities with increased demand for recycled content to build markets and substantially improve PP sustainability.
"Together, we can stimulate a systemwide shift to increase the capture of polypropylene and demand for recycled content," TRP CEO Keefe Harrison said. "The Polypropylene Recycling Coalition's work to improve and increase the recovery of polypropylene will support jobs, preserve natural resources, and help build a circular economy in the United States."
The coalition said it believes that up to 1.6 billion pounds of PP can be collected from U.S. homes and recycled into things like auto parts and packaging.
The American Chemistry Council, which is a founding member, said it believes the group can make strong progress.
"Recovered polypropylene is a highly valued material when sorted for recycling by material recovery facilities," said Keith Christman, managing director of plastic markets at ACC and a board member of TRP. "Under The Recycling Partnership's leadership, and with funding and expertise from other stakeholders, we believe polypropylene packaging recycling will grow dramatically."
The group said funders include all parts of the PP value chain, including founding members Keurig Dr Pepper, Braskem and the Walmart Foundation.
Other inaugural members include Danone North America, EFS Plastics, KW Plastics, LyondellBasell, Procter & Gamble, St. Joseph Plastics, and Winpak.
Advisers to the coalition include the Association of Plastic Recyclers, Closed Loop Partners, Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, World Wildlife Fund and Carol Browner, former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.