Grapevine, Texas — A panel at the Plastics Recycling Conference tackled ways that post-consumer plastics can compete against inexpensive wide-spec virgin resins.
Some panelists agreed the answer is legislation that would hold companies responsible for using recycled plastics.
"Absolutely, I think can still compete," said David Nix of Green Group Consulting. "I think there's a demand for the material and I think legislation is going to play a very important role."
Panelists said recycled-content mandates would push companies to use more material and help stablilize recycling markets.
Robert Flores, vice president of sustainability at Berry Global, said the clock is ticking on companies that have committed to using specific percentages of post-consumer resin by 2025.
Companies have even sent letters to customers warning them of the tight deadline, and the actions that must be taken now.
"It's basically 2025 now, we really need to start these projects now," Flores said. "People are waiting till the absolute last minute to get going. When is the time to get started and feel the pressure to actually achieve the company goals?"
Other panelists said voluntary commitments will not be a reliable way to influence companies moving forward.
Greg Janson, president and CEO of Granite Peak Plastics, said long term contracts can also help recyclers. Companies need to make commitments to use recycled materials even when virgin resin prices are lower.
Robin Waters, research and analysis director for Circular Plastics Service at Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, said state-level ESG legislation will play a role in helping recycling markets.
"There can be productive legislation or discovery legislation," Waters said.
Using recycled plastics will help companies meet decarbonization goals, Waters said.