Elizabeth Carroll's remarks in your story on the challenges facing plastics recycling ("Lack of recycling capacity continues to stymie sustainability goals," Nov. 15) correctly points out that growth in plastics recycling is facing challenges. However, the problem is not primarily about insufficient capacity — it's about economics.
The reality is that mechanical recyclers already have ample capacity to significantly increase the amount of plastics recycled. This capacity remains underutilized because the economics are out of alignment. The issue isn't a lack of infrastructure; rather, brand companies are unwilling to pay recyclers prices that make the economics viable when lower-cost virgin resin can be used for the same packaging.
If brand companies truly want to meet the ambitious sustainability goals they've set, they need to commit to paying a fair price for recycled material. Without this financial commitment, recycling facilities cannot operate at their full potential, and the industry's growth will stagnate.
To move forward, we need systemic changes that align the economics of recycling with sustainability goals. This could include public policies that incentivize the use of recycled materials, measures to discourage reliance on virgin plastics, or broader implementation of extended producer responsibility programs. Ultimately, however, it comes down to the brands: If they are serious about sustainability, they must demonstrate this commitment by being willing to pay the costs associated with using recycled materials, including paying a fair price to recyclers.
The recycling industry has the capacity to do far more. The question is whether brands are willing to pay the price to make it happen.
Steve Alexander is president of the Washington-based Association of Plastic Recyclers.