Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed bipartisan legislation that will help ensure more plastics are recycled and again, while attracting new jobs and economic opportunities to the state.
Advanced recycling is a manufacturing process that uses chemistry to convert used plastics into raw material to remake high quality new plastics. These processes help displace reliance on virgin raw materials and contribute to a circular economy for plastics
Regulating advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing operations, as more and more states are doing, will encourage investments in new advanced recycling facilities and manufacturing careers in the state, while contributing to a more sustainable Michigan. It will also establish that these new innovative technologies are classified appropriately so they are regulated with the proper standards and not as solid waste incineration.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the multiple benefits of accelerating advanced recycling technologies to help make the United States the global leader in developing a circular economy for plastics. Advanced recycling diverts plastics from landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and use of natural resources to create new plastics compared to conventional manufacturing methods, and creates new jobs and revenue streams. This new legislation can showcase Michigan’s leadership in plastics recycling.
Joshua Baca, ACC’s Vice President of Plastics
Advanced recycling technologies enable significantly more plastics to be recycled than traditional recycling technologies, including often hard-to-recycle films and mixed plastics. These technologies can also create like-new plastics approved for food, pharmaceutical, and medical uses, among other things. A 2021 report by Closed Loop Partners estimated that advanced recycling could double the plastics packaging recycling rate in the U.S. and Canada by 2030.
ACC applauds Michigan’s state legislators and governor for recognizing the power of advanced recycling and for passing this important legislation.
About American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division
The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America’s Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We’re linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We’re making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.
About American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the multibillion-dollar business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products, technologies and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health, safety and security performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy addressing major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. ACC members and chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development, and are advancing products, processes and technologies to address climate change, enhance air and water quality, and progress toward a more sustainable, circular economy.
Source
American Chemistry Council, press release, 2022-12-22.
Supplier
American Chemistry Council Inc. (ACC)
Share
Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter
Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals
