Actionable Vision -- from Myth to Reality

Sean, I applaud you for laying out the current state of recycling as it level-sets this discussion. It's a great thing, Thomas, to envision what might be possible one day, though useful to consider what paths toward the vision are available now. I'd like to throw out a challenge to the CPG/packaging source/recycling system at large. 1. CPGs need to specify products made from RPET where their applications allow. This drives demand, helps value the stream. When CPGs keep Reduce-Reuse-Recycle at front of mind, their leadership trickles down. 2. Packaging suppliers need to respond with respect for the waste stream by ensuring that their products do not contaminate the recycled polymer stream by following the APR and NAPCOR jointly developed Design for Recyclability Guidelines. When CPGs ask for a spec that cannot be met within the guidelines, they need to be informed by their suppliers. 3. The recyling industry must then meet this challenge by investing in infrastructure to scan and sort these containers made from compliant RPET in all its form factors. In the US, is there Stimulus Package money to help this industry invest in its infrastructure? Perhaps there is a government role here. 4. All of us must work together to support an updated system for identifying qualifying "good" and contaminated polymer (Adam, that Unisensor looks pretty interesting). Question: if the final product does not meet the guidelines, could it be marked for end-of-life sort (i.e. disposal)? Should it be the obligation of CPGs and/or their vendors to insert an end-of-life sort mark? This might provide incentive to avoid this sort mark especially if it is put on a package that otherwise contains a "green" marketing/product message. Unabashed commercial plug: We have a very cool method of expanding PET that results in less material being used in an application (Reduce), and it does not change its chemistry. We do most of our work with RPET. We have tested IV after expansion and found it to be unaffected. We have seen the expanded RPET scanned successfully so it seems that it can be again recycled. We are ready to support the promise of a RPET cradle to cradle system. Go to www.microgreeninc.com for more detail.

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