What’s Happening:

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition is launching an initiative under its Store Drop-off Film Recovery Collaborative to develop a How2Recycle label design that encompasses multiple pathways for the collection of films and flexible packaging.

The Zoom Out: Uniting Experts to Rethink Flexible Film Recycling Labels

Historically, Store Drop-off collection sites have been the most viable path for recovering the millions of tons of films and flexible packaging produced each year. In an ideal world, these materials would be collected curbside for recycling, but until we get there, the sustainable packaging industry must support multiple solutions that meet the diverse collection needs in communities across the country.

To meet these needs, SPC’s Store Drop-off Film Recovery Collaborative is launching an initiative to develop a How2Recycle label that encompasses multiple pathways for film and flexible packaging collection, such as subscription-based recycling services and municipal drop-off programs in addition to Store Drop-off collection.

Building on the brand recognition in North America’s most recognizable recycling label, the Collaborative will iterate on the How2Recycle program’s current Store Drop-off label to design a label that encompasses more pathways for recovery. The initiative will draw on the expertise from the packaging experts behind the How2Recycle label design refresh, create and test new messaging and iconography for the label, and develop a new label that encompasses multiple collection streams.

“By expanding the How2Recycle label to include multiple collection pathways, we can give consumers and businesses clearer guidance on how to keep some of the most common packaging materials in circulation,” said SPC Director Olga Kachook.

“Thanks to the power of our membership, we have the right people in place to deliver a label that’s clear, actionable, and effective within the realities of the recycling system,” said GreenBlue Executive Director Paul Nowak.

Why it Matters:

Films and flexible packaging production is expected to significantly increase in the years to come, but these materials currently fall outside curbside recycling in the U.S. Without clear guidance and consistent labeling, these materials risk ending up in landfills or in our environment. A label that covers multiple collection pathways will help brands, recyclers, and consumers work in harmony to increase collection and reduce waste.

How We’ll Get There:

The initiative will bring together SPC members, packaging design experts, and stakeholders to:

• Assess current collection pathways and identify gaps.
• Develop label designs that clearly communicate recovery options.
• Test and refine the label with consumers and stakeholders.
• Launch an updated How2Recycle label that reflects multiple recovery options for film and flexible packaging.

To learn more about this work, SPC members can join our Store Drop-off Film Recovery Collaborative.